This paradigm shift is relatively recent and can be traced back to the rise of dot-com companies and the fall of the late nineties. Regardless of the reasons for the change, the current employment climate relies on excellent personnel maneuverability and agility. You will notice that fewer people stay in their jobs for longer than 3 or 4 years. Here is why you should be one of these people, according to Monster.ca.
Rapidly evolving skill sets.
It is human nature to get comfortable and settle into a predictable routine. If you can perform your job competently, there may be little motivation to improve or update your skill sets consistently. If this describes you, you may want to check out what’s happening in the job market. Companies are evolving daily in how they do business and staff their positions. What is a necessary skill set today may not be required tomorrow. And vice versa. If you have been at your job for several years, check out job portals and find available comparable jobs. Look at the job requirements and see if they match your skill set. You may be surprised by what employers are currently looking for.
Technological advancements.
As technology evolves, so does the face of entire industries. If you are working a technical job, keep your finger on the pulse of what is happening in your industry. At the same time, your current employer may not be adopting new platforms or technologies; their competitors might. If you are, for example, a Systems Administrator and have been with your company for several years, there may be entire lines of software and hardware that is utterly foreign to you. If you haven’t kept up with these changes over the years, you may have difficulty taking the next step in your career. You don’t want to become a dinosaur in your industry by staying at a job for too long.
Career Advancement.
While you can remain in the employ of a company for many years, holding onto the same position for more than four years can be problematic. If you have aspirations to evolve within your company, you should be looking to do so within two years of joining. You may consider other options if you have been in the same seat for four years.
For example, if you are happy with your employer but stuck in a position with no growth, you can try branching out to other departments within the same company. Many companies also offer continuing education benefits, so inquire as to whether you can qualify for some subsidized courses to help grow your skills. As always, you should consult with your manager if you feel this way, as they are in a great position to advise you. The critical factor here is always to keep moving forward; stay ahead of the competition by keeping your eyes on it.
Remember that being too promiscuous with your career can also be damaging. Jumping from job to job is rarely seen positively as it can give the impression that you are unreliable. Also, jumping from job to job can affect your seniority, and you often feel like you are taking a step back whenever you join a new team.
As with anything in life, think carefully before making any major career decisions. Take the time to see what is happening in your respective industry and how it can benefit your career. Just don’t let yourself become stagnant where you are. Exploration is vital to keeping you excited and motivated about your work.
Credit: Monster.ca
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