How long is too long?

[Kilpper]

removed

[phoenix]

For me - and it is completely personal, but I have done the hiring and firing of designers before - anywhere in one place does seem to infer that you could be a little stale or insular. Moreso if you're in an inhouse position I think, rather than a studio where a range of work comes in. But I would want to see that (regardless of employer) there has been some career progression in that time - one jump up the rung? I understand that some employers / benefits are good though and it's comfortable and secure to stay.

Do you enjoy your job enough to not worry about advancement? Do you plan on staying there for another five to ten years? Project to that time - how do you think you will look to a prospective employer?

I think not jumping around shows loyalty - although for the Gen Ys it apparently infers that you are not challenged enough (read, want more money and will jump to get it regardless of experience or loyalty).

For me, it's always come down to portfolio and personality. Person A with three jobs and portfolio X, and Person B with one job and portfolio Y... it's all about the work baby!

[arenacreative]

Some people are happy stuck in the same dead-end job for their entire life. I was honestly about to quit my last corporate design job, when - low and behold - I got my pink slip! This was almost 4 yeas ago, and a huge blessing in diguise. Prior to that I had 2 other design jobs, avg of 2 years at each. Once I saw there was no more room for growth, I was out.

This is what I learned. Most places just treat you as the IT/do all/typical corporate peon. Everyone is replaceable. No matter how much money your work has improved the company's profits or product/service they will never fully appreciate it. That's why I am happy to be doing my own thing now. Maybe I didn't find the right job, but I'm done trying. 3 strikes, you're out - that's how I feel.