ASK HR: After how long should one move from one company to another?

Q. When do you know that it is time to move from one company to another? I have been working for my current employer for five years now – the experience I have gained is priceless, and I feel there is still more room for growth. After how long should one seek greener pasture? Is it necessary to move if you are comfortable?

You are lucky to have a job that has given you good experience.  However, it seems you have been in the same position for five years. The reality in most companies is that you may not be promoted, however your supervisor has an option of giving you stretch responsibilities or project to manage so as to keep you engaged. If this happens, then you can work for your employer longer than five years.

In some situations, an employee may hold the same position and responsibilities that have not changed over a period of time. In this instance, I would advise that you look for an alternative role. Otherwise you will can carry out your responsibilities effortlessly and will not be challenged enough.  There is no defined timeline to move however, once you have worked in an organisation for a long period, from seven years and above, it becomes very difficult to move and settle in a different company since you get used to the culture of the organisation and may find it hard to adopt to a different work environment. Most employees are happy to be in a “comfort zone” but this is a very dangerous zone to trend in since it means your job has become a routine and you have gained all the experience from the role and there is no further learning. If you would like to grow, you have different options you can pursue. Discuss with your boss to find out the possibilities for growth. Career growth does not necessarily mean a promotion. You could also request to lead a project to challenge your capacity and gain more experience.

There could also be tell-tale signs that can propel you to move; when other employees find you in the same position and are given stretch responsibilities like leading a project or get promoted, it is time to start looking for an alternative employer. Does your employer invest in you, if they do, then it is a positive sign that you should stay on. The other aspect that makes employees move from a company is the work environment. How do you relate to your boss? Most workers leave their supervisors and not the organisation.