Loyalty and longevity v. learning and leaving

As students everywhere near their final semesters at their universities, the big question of what to do and where to work come into play.

The reality for most is the concept that when entering the work field, we all start from the bottom and slowly work our way up. 

But is it better to work your way up by trying out different jobs from different companies every few years or staying loyal to one?

I’ve been given all kinds of advice, some being to get your foot in the door and head on out once you’ve taken what you need and others being to carefully choose a company that you know you’ll be comfortable staying at years later.

Some employers will pick up a resumé and if they see too much moving around, will put it right back down. 

But the fact of the matter is that most employers are not like this. Seventy percent of millennials quit their job within their first two years and 32 percent of employers expect job hopping on resumés when hiring.

I don’t think switching jobs every two years sounds the most ideal, but every four years or so seems reasonable enough.

The days when people spent their whole lives at one company are in the past for a reason. You need to be selfish sometimes and think about what you want and the potential you hold as an employee. As the saying goes, everyone is replaceable, even you, so don’t feel bad for wanting more.

Career goals, current priorities and a company’s culture are all factors that are important to look at when at a job. Sometimes growing as an individual requires you to leave your current position. 

Job search and interview coach Thea Kelly says that having range makes a resumé more attractive to employers and shows that you are willing to take on new roles and not get stuck in one place.

When you’ve mastered your current position and crave a new challenge, make that change. Changing jobs can be refreshing and comfort is not always a good thing. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and go after what it is you truly want while always remembering to take and learn something from every place you decide to go.