3 ms·

During my last job search, my long tenure (almost a decade) in a single role was considered extremely valuable. I was most attractive to companies looking to hi

During my last job search, my long tenure (almost a decade) in a single role was considered extremely valuable. I was most attractive to companies looking to hire someone who would become a resident expert. On the other hand, I've had to make it known to my current employer that they need to pay me well in order for me to stay for a long time. IMO: Tenure at a company should increase with experience. It's hard to do monumental software engineering in a short stint; but there are often good reasons to "get in and get out" too. IE, it's good for someone to have shorter tenures early in their career, as they're still understanding the industry. Very few of us are lucky enough to have an entry-level job that we want to turn into our career. Also, it's really hard for a candidate and company to mutually evaluate each other in the interview process, so short stints for an experienced software engineer will happen. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that someone who stays in a job for a long time is underpaid or doesn't like change: These are the people who often develop into the archetypes described here: https://lethain.com/staff-engineer-archetypes/ https://lethain.com/staff-engineer-archetypes/ (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33112915 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33112915)

PainfullyNormal 4y ago
> On the other hand, I've had to make it known to my current employer that they need to pay me well in order for me to stay for a long time. This is the primary problem. American companies aren't willing to give 100% raises year after year to keep up with their competition and retain their employees.
silisili 4y ago
I had the exact same experience in my recent job search. The interview process was also wildly different than most, just a few mostly casual conversations. All of that said, I probably left a ton of money on the table by not grinding for money in my 20s.

PainfullyNormal 4y ago

> On the other hand, I've had to make it known to my current employer that they need to pay me well in order for me to stay for a long time. This is the primary problem. American companies aren't willing to give 100% raises year after year to keep up with their competition and retain their employees.

silisili 4y ago

I had the exact same experience in my recent job search. The interview process was also wildly different than most, just a few mostly casual conversations. All of that said, I probably left a ton of money on the table by not grinding for money in my 20s.