3 ms·

I'm the opposite (a non lifer ?). The problem I've had is that most of the places I've been at didn't promote but rather got you to take on more work and respon

I'm the opposite (a non lifer ?). The problem I've had is that most of the places I've been at didn't promote but rather got you to take on more work and responsibility even though you've not been paid for it. That means when I was a junior I was doing a mid levels job, mid level I was doing a seniors job, senior I was doing a principles job. How do I know this? Because when I interviewed and moved position I got the promotion easily off of the back of explaining what I was doing day to day. I guess the summary was I haven't worked at places that actually promote at pace. I'd also never started with a high salary for example my first programming job was in a big famous city at £15k ($18k) per year salary. Couple that with very low yearly pay increases that meant the only way to get a reasonable pay increase was to move jobs often. I've now got into this as a habit to move jobs more often. That's not to say I haven't been at a single job for a good amount of time, I've managed to stay at 2 jobs almost 5 years each. I also don't job hop every year my average tenure is just under 3 years. Although I do admit I now enjoy moving: “A person needs new experiences. It jars something deep inside, allowing them to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.”

throwaway2037 4y ago
Definitely, you will be paid more with careful, selective moves. I have mentioned it in previous posts: The key is to find the maximum "move rate" (considering local cultural/social/profession factors). Move at that rate or just below it to maximise your economic return. Another dumb thing: It is so much easier to get a pay raise or promotion by moving. When you are leaving, a bunch of lame middle managers play the loyalty card or worse offer "soft" promises of future pay rises and promotions. Tell them to GTFO. And don't do exit interviews. Those only benefit the org -- nothing for you. If absolutely necessary, play sick on the day of the exit interview (have done it before!). Plus, people who move more are more adaptive to new environments because (1) experience from different org and (2) forced to adapt to new org. The lifers in my experience are mostly comfortable, (somewhat) coasting, trying to navigate the politics. I have no issue with lifers. Most are focused on the good life outside work (family, friends, etc.) I respect that. Each time I change jobs, I try to find one lifer/long-termer, so I can get the "house view" when I need it. Then I can better judge if "that hill is worth dying over". :)

throwaway2037 4y ago

Definitely, you will be paid more with careful, selective moves. I have mentioned it in previous posts: The key is to find the maximum "move rate" (considering local cultural/social/profession factors). Move at that rate or just below it to maximise your economic return. Another dumb thing: It is so much easier to get a pay raise or promotion by moving. When you are leaving, a bunch of lame middle managers play the loyalty card or worse offer "soft" promises of future pay rises and promotions. Tell them to GTFO. And don't do exit interviews. Those only benefit the org -- nothing for you. If absolutely necessary, play sick on the day of the exit interview (have done it before!). Plus, people who move more are more adaptive to new environments because (1) experience from different org and (2) forced to adapt to new org. The lifers in my experience are mostly comfortable, (somewhat) coasting, trying to navigate the politics. I have no issue with lifers. Most are focused on the good life outside work (family, friends, etc.) I respect that. Each time I change jobs, I try to find one lifer/long-termer, so I can get the "house view" when I need it. Then I can better judge if "that hill is worth dying over". :)