The Length of Time To Stay At a Job In Your 20s
Your 20s is the decade for building your career. You may have just graduated from university, or perhaps you’ve experienced a few years in the working world – either way, this is the defining decade for improving your professional reputation and for furthering your career.
But working out exactly how long you should stay in one role can be a tricky thing. Here are some tips on how to work out when it’s time to leave and to step into a new opportunity:
Find the Best Balance
As with all stages of your career, it’s important to seek balance. If you stay at a job for too short a time, your future employers may think that you’re unreliable and often changing course.
On the other hand, if you stay at one job for too long, employers may think that you’re stagnant and are too comfortable with the status quo. Therefore, it’s important to find the right balance and to time your job moves appropriately.
Experiment
Your 20s is the time to experiment with different types of positions, industries, and companies. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and to switch things up.
It may take a few years to grow an extensive working background and to gain experience in different areas. Try not to jump from job to job too often, but don’t be afraid to move on if the opportunity presents itself.
When is the Right Time To Leave?
It’s difficult to answer this question definitively. Each job opportunity is different, and evaluating when to leave will depend on many variables such as your goals, opportunities, and learning that you’re getting in the job.
That said, here are some general tips on when it’s time to explore new opportunities:
- When You’re Not Learning New Things: If you’re not growing profesionally and personally in your role, it’s likely time to move on. Previous supervisors and colleagues can be great assets for references and recommendations in your next chapter.
- When You Don’t See Yourself Going Further: Staying in the same position for longer than a few years may limit your growth and promotion opportunities. Consider how you can progress and whether the role supports this growth.
- When You’re Unhappy: Are you feeling motivated and fulfilled in your role? If not, consider what changes you need to make and how they can impact your happiness and work.
- When It No Longer Serves Your Goals: Evaluate your current goals and whether the job supports them. Consider if the job meets your long-term objectives and whether it takes you closer to where you want to be in the future.
Your 20s is a pivotal decade for furthering your career. Finding the best balance between exploring different opportunities and staying long enough to gain reputation is key. Find the best thing that works for your career growth and goals.