How long Do I stay in a job?

According to an Economic News Release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years a worker has stayed with a current employer is 4.6 years.  However, by age, experience and level it is a bit different.  Employees age 25 to 34 have the median tenure at 3.2 years and for those 65 and older was 10.3 years.  For those in management, professional, and related occupations had a median tenure of 5.5 years.  Service occupations had a median tenure of 3.2 years.

Strategically planning you career

The numbers above, I say, could be fitting for anybody that is looking for good solid advice to answer the question of how long you should stay in a job.  The overall median number (4.6 years) is a good number to follow, but I would advise you to pay particular attention to the age, experience, and the experience level, as it relates to you. 

The question, “How long do I stay in a job” should be answered by 1) Avoiding being a job hopper, 2) Having a steady employment history, 3) Knowing when you are becoming stagnate, and 4) Paying attention to the trends of the times.

Avoid being a job hopper

A job hopper is someone who finds a new job every year or less.  Now I mentioned to avoid job hopping, and I meant it on a general bases.  This will not be the case for everybody, but probably applies to most people.  Most workers should avoid starting in a job and shortly thereafter leaving it, especially as you get older.

Employers will find those with a number of jobs in a short time unreliable, undedicated, and at a higher risk to hire.  From an employer’s stand point, money is spent on advertising the job, paying finder fees, spending time interviewing and training new employees.  Hiring new employees often takes away from productivity time, which could mean money isn’t' being earned.

Now, contract workers or consultants are okay job hopping.  There are professionals that do contract work, which they work for a new employer almost every three months.  IT contracts are perfect examples.  They are called in to work for companies on short term projects.  Once a project is finish then the contractor moves onto another job / company.  If you are not a contract worker or a consultant, avoid jumping from one job to another.

Have a steady employment history

It would be wise to have a work history that reflects steadiness and loyalty.  When employers see a steady employment history they see someone they can invest time and money into without it going to waste in the short future.  Having a steady employment history means being with one employer for a few years followed by another employer for a few years and so forth.  For this purpose, it doesn't mean always being employed, but more or less having a steady employment history - showing that you have had one job at least every three years (give or take a year). 

Knowing when you are becoming stagnate

If you are completely bored, not being challenged, or not learning new skills or abilities at a job you have been at for a while, then you are becoming stagnate – I like to say you are deteriorating and losing your “A game.”  Get out of that position sooner than later and develop skills and talent, learn new tools, network with new people, and make yourself more valuable and worth more. 

If you are caught in job for too long and you have not been developing professional skills and talents that are useful outside of the company you are with, don’t expect to get paid more once you make a move.  You may expect to be paid less.  Also, don’t expect other companies to view your value when you can only offer skills that will only work for a past job / employer. 

After about 2-3 years at a position, you might start feeling pretty comfortable and confident in your ability for that particular role.  This might be a time to evaluate your professional growth and challenge yourself so you won’t be deteriorating.

Paying Attention to the Trends of the Times

10+ years ago it was common for a professional to switch jobs or employers.  Today the trend is about 3 to 4 years.  Today is a faster pace and upbeat professional world than was experienced years ago. 

Employers have different needs than yester-years and they are not afraid to obtain that outside of their company – they have to, to keep up with the fast pace market demands.  Employees look to stay on top of the high demands of the so many technologies and tools that are out there.  Competition to remain marketable is so high that employees have to constantly look outside their current employer to remain employed and receive a good pay.

It is very much know among employers and employees that the competition today is in at a much faster pace than it was 10+ years ago.  Hiring managers can expect and are familiar with seeing resumes that list people being in jobs for 2-3 years.  Keep up with the trends and when noticing trends, ask why things are trending like they are.  You need to keep up with the changes and keep competitive too.

How to Handle Those Morning Job Interviews

Morning interviews can be a struggle for those who call themselves a “night owl.”  For morning interviews, you may be still waking up and you’re not as alert and sharp in the morning as opposed to an interview later in the day when you've had time to become alert and get your brain warmed up.  Often times those morning interviews give you anxiety because of less time you have to get up, get ready, make sure you have everything you need for the interview, and then get to the interview.

Below are some good steps for handling those morning job interviews.  The big key is to Plan Ahead!

1)  Get to bed early  You need to be alert and pay attention during the interview.  So go to bed early so you can get up early.

2)  Set out what you are going to wear and bring to the interview the night before (2-3 extra resumes, pen and notepad to take notes, ID cards, etc.)

3)  Rise early  Get that brain working, alert, and ready to answer questions and to have open discussions with those who will interview you.  You need to be upbeat and talkative while in the interview so start out early that morning getting your body, brain, and mouth moving.

4)  Read something  The best practice to be in the mindset to get your mind warmed up is to start the day with reading something.  Read the job description you’ll interview for, read the newspaper or online news and just read something to get your brain warmed up.  Take a good 10-15 minutes to read that morning before the interview.   Take time to concentrate on the job and why you want it – how you will convey that desire in the interview.  Go over the questions you have prepared to ask and go over you strengths.

5)  Have an early morning conversation  To be talkative and answer questions in an interview, get those muscles in your mouth moving.  You will be better to articulate words and won’t be groggy, but alert and attentive.

6)  Eat breakfast  It is the best way to start your day.  If you are hungry during the interview, you won’t be able to concentrate because your nutrient and energy levels will be low.  You mind and your functionality will not be at high enough levels to mentally and intellectually ace an interview.

7)  If you drink coffee in the morning, don’t overdo it before the interview.  Too much coffee will make you jittery and intensify your nervousness to an unappealing fashion.  Going cold turkey off coffee the day of the interview is a no, and I think we all know why.

8)  Get to the interview on time  Know in advance the route and what kind of traffic will be on your way.  Doing this will reduce your anxiety and make sure you show up on time.  Sometimes you have some traffic issue unexpectedly.  Do yourself a favor and just leave earlier than you think you would and if you get to the interview early, just sit in your car waiting to walk in.  Better safe than sorry, right?