… to think I’ve messed up my career?

[Worryingmama]

I’ve been at the same organisation for 9 years. Four different roles - each one a promotion. In that time I’ve had children and taken maternity leave for them, and done a year’s secondment at another organisation.

I’m finally planning to move on but am worried that such a long stint is going to look a bit odd.

Am I being unreasonable to worry about this?

Why would that be a bad thing?

Surely loyalty and progression in one place is a positive? They thought enough of you to keep developing instead of you job hopping. 9 years isn't that long either.

I was in the same role for 9 years, then took a secondment in the same company for 9 months. When that was ending, I applied for roles outside the company and have been moving roles and companies since then. You have been moving through the company in different roles, I think you are in a much stronger position than I was and I was able to progress (I did make sure my training and development was really good). Why do you think it’s an issue?

9 years isn’t that long, you’re overthinking it

This is fine - indeed good! Be chill.

So promotion every 2 and a bit years? I think you're overthinking it.

Such a long stint at what? You've been with one company for less than a decade, Inc a year secondment and average two years in a role before promotion despite having numerous children and maternity leaves.

I mean, I know people who have been in the exact same job for as long as that who have gotten new jobs no problem.

Eh ? I be stayed at one place for 19 years in various different roles and it was never seen as a negative thing.

Agree it's a non issue especially as you have developed in the organisation. Was in my last job 10 years.

such a long stint is going to look a bit odd.

eh?

Reassuring that people seem to think it is a non issue. In my sector staying with one org (a non profit) for that many years is unusual, even with progression. But I’m sure I am over-thinking it.

I understand where you’re coming from. But it looks great! Internal promotions are always a positive thing, longevity is desirable, and I’m sure you can highlight or make more of the secondment, too. I’d say you’ve achieved a lot in the 9 years! Don’t worry about it

YABU

I've been with the same company for 15 years and changed roles (promotions) every 18 months approx. I've recently been headhunted by 2 of our competitors based on this experience listed on LinkedIn and the fact they like how loyal I've been. I've said yes I'm very loyal so it will take a huge payrise for me to consider moving awaiting theirs offers at the moment!!

Good progression, stable work history. What is not to like?

I did 8 years then two and now another new role. It was easy to leave and find a new role. I did find the cultural change bigger than expected after so long in one place. Good luck op

It depends if you actually have a career (which is self-directed) or just a job. if you have a career, 9 years with one organisation is too long. If it is a job, it doesn't matter - the next employer will see you as loyal.

Thanks @Pascal80. Not sure I completely understand your distinction though… definitely consider it a career rather than just a job!

I work in recruitment and as long as you have progression we’d consider you an ideal candidate. 15+ years and/or no progression and we might be a little dubious. You’ve done the secondment too.

Why is it a bad thing? I’d be more concerned about someone who jumps employer every few years.

Am I being unreasonable to worry about this?

Yes.

Everyone hates recruitment. Everyone ones loyal employees who they can promote within the organisation.

Good luck on the job hunt.

Yabu

Everyone hates updating their CV. It’s the pits!!!

You long stint with promotions would be a plus for my as an interviewer.