Being brave and leaving a job I've been in forever

[ReinventingMyselfSlowly]

I've been in the same company for nearly 20 years. I've had lots of opportunity and am now senior enough, but I'm bored and jaded and it's time for a change. The hours are all over the place and I've recognised that its preventing me putting in place good habits in my personal life.

This is the year I leave. I've said it before but haven't done anything - honestly I think I'm a bit institutionalised. I've dipped my toe in and applied for a few jobs but haven't made it to a single interview. I'm also checking out people on LinkedIn and many of the people I'd be working for are younger than me. I'm worried I missed my chance and should have moved years ago.

I'm determined to move to a new company and challenge myself but I'm feeling daunted. Any advice or happy stories would be very welcome!

As a recruiter, if I see someone has been at the same company for 20 years, I am fairly cautious with their application.

Sorry, I know that probably isn't what you want to hear but might explain the lack of interview opportunities.

Just keep applying as there is a company out there looking for your skill set and would see your time in one company as loyalty and something good.

To explain my comments, I recruit for tech companies and your lack of change would not appeal to my hiring managers.

Maybe a temp position OP? Whilst you are looking for perm?

I was in my old position for 10+ years, then this one for 12. But 4 years ago when current dropped down from 3 days to 2, I took another position, one job for a year, then another 2nd job for 2 years. So I've had 2 jobs for 4+ years now. So this helps. I did find it hard re-adjusting after being at a place for 10+ years.

@Fooksticks Can I ask why this is such a negative? I would like to think that someone with longevity in a role was more appealing than someone who changed jobs every other year.

I was made redundant after 14 years, aged 52 and I was terrified. But ended up walking in to a much better role. Not financially speaking, but the company, the people, the job itself was much nicer. The hiring manager barely asked me any questions, so I was sure he hated me on sight, but in fact he told me later that my CV stood up on its own.

This is very interesting. I actually work now for a big tech firm and have done about 7 different roles with progression during my time. I probably should have moved pre covid but honestly with homeschooling I thought better the devil you know. Then I got an opportunity I couldn't turn down and had to stay long enough to make it significant for a CV (seniority level). Is there any way to show all this in a positive light?

@SilverGlitterBaubles for the tech roles I hire for, being exposed to other tech company projects helps with your skills and knowledge and you're likely to bring other valuable insights around the tech you're working on as well.

Having said that, anyone who moves every 12-18 months raises flags as well.

@ReinventingMyselfSlowly if you were on my 'maybe' list, reaching out to me on LinkedIn and briefly introducing yourself and letting me know you're keen to chat, always helps to connect the CV with the person.

Thank you @Fooksticks

I took the plunge & moved after nearly 18 years with the same company. It felt like a 'now or never' opportunity for me (I'm 54). It's been such an eye opener & after treading water for the last few years I feel motivated, challenged, appreciated & have got my mojo back.

I wonder if there is any evidence behind what recruiters think. @Fooksticks this is not to single you out but how do you track how your candidates do once they are placed? Is there any proof that 20 years at one firm results in people being out of date /institutionalised, which seems to be the main concern? Have you ever placed a ‘20 year person’?

If I had not worked at the same place for a long time I would assume it’s a disadvantage. But actually, at the same company, things always change. The longer you are there the better you get at change, at development, at strategy, at relationships with colleagues clients and suppliers. Those 20 years can be one year of settling in and 19 years of solid experience. For someone moving jobs every 4 years, in 20 years they might spend 5 of them settling in and only 15 of useful experience. So the long term person is ‘concentrated’ and the mover is ‘diluted’.

The comments on this thread suggest people who move after a long time do well for themselves but recruiters don’t agree?…

I’ve been at the same place for over 20 years with 4 promotions. Just accepted a totally new job which a client headhunted me for. So I’m hoping I will be good at it!!!

I work in tech and am hiring for management roles, 100% remote if necessary. Hit me up with you CV!

I worked in higher education in a university for 16 years and in that time so much changed and I had multiple jobs . But I get the feeling it's not about your experience but the fact they see you as complacent and comfortable and dare I say unambitious. I had so many interviews where I was asked why I wanted to leave as I'd been there so long I must be comfortable there.

My current company is so big there are so many opportunities. My ambition has come back ten fold.

This is really interesting and reassuring to read 🙂. Hopefully I'll be posting something similar once I've been in my new job for a few months.