In the build up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrating 70 years of duty and service, we are inspired to reflect on longevity from a workplace perspective.
Throughout her ‘career’ there have been many troubles, strife, and controversy but one thing is for certain: the Queen has been a constant. At LAW Absolute we want to consider whether this stoic continuity is beneficial in the modern workplace, or whether the sometimes-tumultuous gig economy is the new way forward.
Impatience is a virtue?
Millennial milestones seem to be less mile more metre when it comes to career patterns. According to Yahoo! Finance, GenZ and Millennials stay an average of 2.6 years at their current workplace before moving on, against an average of 5.2 years for 41-56 year olds and 8 years for 57-75 year olds. There is a stark difference in longevity here but one thing is clear- over the years the willingness to stay in one workplace has decreased- there are clearly benefits.
Millennials have often been tarnished with being the ‘impatient’ generation but might this work to their advantage. There have been many stories of success relating to the power of quitting, most notably ‘34-year-old increases salary by nearly 200k- all thanks to quitting’ – detailed in CNBC. Leaving your workplace for promotional reasons, salary increases, flexibility and benefits clearly works and pays dividends!
Impulse, Instinct, and Intuition
Yet, there is another side to the impatient strategy. Hopping from permanent position to permanent position can still raise the eyebrows of the hiring manager. Hardship at work is inevitable but, as with hardship in life, there are other options than just quitting or giving up. Acting on impulse is not wise when considering your career. An argument with a colleague, bad client or even a bad call can leave anyone in a vulnerable state to make decisions that are clouded. It is one thing to be impatient for the next salary increase or promotion but acting too quickly on impulse for the next role can impact your decision making when looking at another role.
Slow and Steady wins the race?
For many, lawyers included, money is an important factor. However, for the majority of people it is not the most important factor. More money does not mean more happiness.
Whilst the average tenure has noticeably reduced over recent years, there are many benefits to staying with an organisation for an extended period. When an employer sees numerous short-term roles on a CV this can raise red flags, especially when employed on a permanent basis. Employers question loyalty, stability, and motivation.
Longevity in a role provides a much stronger impression to employers especially within the corporate environment. Investing time with an employer shows loyalty and allows you to make your mark on an organisation, build strong relationships and potentially even obtain promotions and a wider remit due to the trust you have instilled. Some employers value job promotions within the same role more favourably than those obtained by moving jobs. Never underestimate the relationships you build with managers and supervisors; those relationships will last long past your tenure in the organisation.
New employers like to see candidates have committed to an organisation for a good period of time- This shows resilience, motivation, growth & development. You will be viewed as someone who will likely show them the same loyalty if they were to hire you.
As individuals we are all in control of our own career growth and path. Some decide moving on is the way to reach those goals, and others prefer to stay and see that growth and development within the organisation they are currently in. If you are looking to have a longer tenure within an organisation it is important when interviewing, you question the employer on what the growth and development of the role could like for you should you be offered and accept a role. Incorporate job longevity into your interview questions. To stay put or leave is a personal question, but we would advise thinking about the factors most important to you and whether your current organisation could fulfil those requirements instead of job- hopping every few years.
LAW Absolute want to wish everyone happy jubilee celebrations next week and if the extra long weekend leaves you thinking about your next role… you know where we are!
Read the article and comment on LinkedIn
