Have I Stayed Too Long at My Job?

Employees who find themselves unhappy and void of any job satisfaction often consider a job change to seek out a worthy position that is challenging and fulfilling. It can be disheartening to spend so many hours fulfilling job duties that do not enhance your skills. Determine your overall happiness to evaluate if you have been at your position for too long.

Some employees do not need to put a number of years or time restriction on when to leave a company for another career or position. If you have worked for a company for 25 years and gained skills, achieved accomplishments and had adventures that make you happy, then 25 years is not too long to stay at a job, explains Liz Ryan for Forbes. You may think otherwise if you cannot recall one accomplishment, dread going into work and do not feel challenged on a regular basis.

A job change is not a decision that should be taken lightly. You may feel secure with a stable paycheck or familiar surroundings. However, most people know it is time to go when their attitude sours and commitment to the company dwindles.

Reasons for Experiencing Job Dissatisfaction

Uncover the reasons why you are not experiencing job satisfaction. Your boss may be unprofessional or overly demanding, signaling it may be time for a job change. Employees who feel berated or underappreciated are often more open to a career change or a new opportunity within their industry. The company culture or team dynamic can also impact how long an individual stays at a place of employment. Negative attitudes are contagious and often affect workflow, opportunities for advancement and cohesiveness within the office culture.

Employees who feel unfulfilled with mundane responsibilities and tasks often know it is time for a job change. Your position may evolve into busy work that leaves you feeling unfulfilled, or co-workers may pile on excess work that should not be your responsibility. Frustration often fuels the need to seek out other positions or indicate it is time to leave a job. Employees need to feel challenged. You may notice your ability to learn new skills is dwindling or the opportunities for professional development are not available at your current place of employment, which can lead you to consider a job change.

You may learn of another career opportunity that seems much more appealing than your current position, which may signal that it is time for you to change jobs or companies. Employees who make the switch, regardless of their age or the length of time they've been at an organization, are frequently nervous about the risks involved. Still, adventure awaits when seeking new experiences and often when change is needed the most.

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