Stable, long-term employment in itself isn’t a bad thing. Working for a company for many years shows dedication and commitment. It’s beneficial for your future, as many companies don’t like to see a jumpy employment history on a resume. However when long-term employment turns stagnant, with the employee in the same position for years on end, some red flags are often raised.
Here are some of the positives and negatives associated with long-term employment.
The Good
- If you’ve stayed at a company for more than 5 years, chances are you’ve found a good employer or you would have left long before.
- You most likely enjoy what you do and the people you work with.
- You have proven yourself to be loyal and dedicated.
- People who are committed to their jobs have a sense of mutual respect between them and their employer.
- You have built strong and lasting relationships with co-workers.
The Bad
- You may be perceived as being afraid to take on new challenges.
- You don’t like stepping out of your comfort zone.
- Long-term employment raises questions of your ambition to advance your career.
- You could have outdated skills.
- Potential employers may wonder why you’re leaving now.
- It’s very likely that you are making less money by staying at a company long-term.
At the end of the day, there is no right amount of time to stay at a position or with a company. It all comes down to what makes you happy and satisfied as a person. Some people thrive on change, and will always be looking down the road to what’s coming next. Others may want a workplace they can call home. As long as you keep learning new things and taking on new responsibilities/projects/challenges, long-term employment most likely will be viewed as a good thing.