Shout Out to Long Term Employees

In case you didn’t catch it, by ‘furniture’ I mean becoming a permanent fixture, a figurative way of saying you have stayed in the company so long that you have blended into the décor.

Many workers are aware that if they stay too long at one company, without moving up or getting a raise, can make it tougher to land future jobs. Yet, more often than not, we see people clinging to their jobs. Here’s why they might choose to stay put:

1. The cultural phenomenon of ‘Tang Ping’ —lying flat— reflects the powerlessness this generation faces in climbing the social ladder. Employees didn’t push for career advancement because they felt stuck in a rut.

2. Running on autopilot is comfortable. It’s scary to pick up new skills, meet new people and adapt to a different workflow.

3. The bond with existing colleagues is so strong that feels like friendship.  Leaving the company means risking these connections — a trade-off that is hard to accept.

One might be considered a pessimist for thinking this way, but I don’t blame you. Given the current economic climate, it’s natural to see things through a gloomy filter.

But as the saying goes, ‘Pessimists sound smart while optimists make all the money.’ you may want to read on if you seek abundance in life (in both material and spiritual terms).

Why consider jumping ship even if you’re comfortably employed? 3 major risks of inaction.

1. Hurting your salary growth

Annual salary review within a company is usually modest and is based on a percentage of your current salary, which does not reflect the true market value of your skills and experience. The longer you have worked in the same company, the larger the discrepancy between your salary and your value. Studies show that people who stay in the same company for over 2 years earn on average 50% less.

2. Limiting your network growth

Remaining in the same company confines your interactions to the same group of colleagues, clients, and industry contacts, in a way that stifles your exposure to new ideas, skills and opportunities. When Porter Gale wrote ‘Your Network is Your Net Worth,’ she was not talking making friends with rich people but highlighting how expanding your network is the key to overall financial and professional success.

3. Becoming stagnant in your skillsets amid technological shifts

The pandemics has accelerated technology adoption, exemplified by ChatGPT, which reached 100 million unique users within its first two months. Its open-source code is revolutionising industries, impacting both product offerings and work processes. Transitioning to a technologically progressive company now is crucial to prevent your skills from becoming stale.

How long is too long?

Recruiters often suggest that staying in a job for up to five years is still acceptable, as you’re likely still acquiring new skills, gaining fresh perspectives and achieving mastery in your field. However, it’s advisable to start planning your exit well before you reach the five-year mark as preparing for a career transition takes time.

In a nutshell…

Remember, staying too long in one spot could turn yourself into office furniture. It’s comfy to be the old, reliable armchair but even furniture gets updated once in a while. When the time comes, dust off your ambitions, and polish up your skills. After all, it’s your journey and you won’t regret embracing growth when you look back!