Have I Been In My Job Too Long?

[Treacle71]

My mum thinks so! In fact, it's the longest job I've had - 9 years! I used to temp before that for twenty years and was in and out of temp jobs every month or so. I never thought I'd be in a job for so long with this current one and when I started this one, I was glad to have job stability and was glad I didn't have to move around so often. I'm an office worker and whilst it's not my dream job, it's 'a job'. I don't like my job nor am I advancing in it, but I don't detest it either. I suppose you can say I've got too comfy in it and it's handy location-wise. I rarely get a pay rise either. My mum's friend, who used to live round the corner (she now lives in another city), rang my mum last week. She only hears from her every couple of years and asks my mum if "I'm still in the same job".  My mum keeps telling me I should try another career, but is it because she's ashamed that I'm still in the same job all these years or what? Nothing changes in my life and my mum thinks by my leaving my current job, I may progress to better things. What do you think? 🙁

[barry1010]

You must be around 40 at least - it is entirely up to you.

[scorpiojo]

It doesn't matter what your mum thinks. It's your life.

[Treacle71]

I'm 53, barry1010!

[barry1010]

Ask your mother if she's ashamed of you if you worry about it - no point anyone second guessing somebody they don't know what she feels.

Personally, I think it is none of your mother's business where you work and it is entirely up to you how you steer your working life

[davebro3]

At 53 I don't think you're going to become a go-getter. Stay comfortable.

[elliemay1]

I think it's silly of your Mum to suggest leaving your current job without having something else lined up. How would you support yourself? 

[Treacle71]

I think she wants me to try for another job in another industry entirely before I leave this one, elliemay1.

[elliemay1]

Is there any other industry that appeals to you, treacle? Just out of interest, what did your Mum work at?

[naomi24]

You're the one doing the job so it doesn't matter what we think or what your mother thinks - only what you think.  But for what it's worth, if you like the job and you're happy and secure in it, stay there.  I wouldn't give up a job I liked and paid me a salary I liked just because someone else said I should.

[Treacle71]

I agree, naomi24.

My mum's had various jobs, elliemay1; dinner lady, doctor's receptionist, telephonist, cleaner .....

[rowanwitch]

Most options would need a degree of retraining.  Have you upskilled while in the current job.   I tried to do at least one job related course a year, shows management you are still worth considering if something better comes up.  It's more important when you are older as it's easy to give the impression you are" just what you do ".   Possible courses for an isolated office worker can be limited but short courses like mentorship,  supporting change, or something like higher levels of IT skills should be available locally, plus the OU do a lot of free online ones

[Old_Geezer]

How long to stay in a job depends on how you feel about it and what your career plans are. Since it isn't a job you like it may be wise to consider a different one. And if you are getting paid less in real terms as the years go by, that's another incentive to check what is out there.

 

If hoping to climb the slippery pole (and it appears that isn't a priority for you) then regular changes every, say, 7 to 10 years, allows you to progress without gaining a reputation as never showing loyalty.

 

But how do you really feel about your future, are you ambitious, or do you prefer security & stability ?

[DarceyK123]

If you prefer the stability of this job then stay there, it's nothing to do with anyone else.  You would think your Mother would be glad you have a regular job and not flit around from here to there.

In my day, I'm 61, being in a job for a long time was something to be proud of, it showed you were responsible and committed to the Company you worked for.

But do what's best for YOU.

 

[Peter Pedant]

no - stay in your  job

[Treacle71]

Thank you all for taking the time and trouble reading and answering my question xx

[davebro3]

PS - if you want to know what job insecurity is like read some of abbeylee90's questions.

e.g.  https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Jobs-and-Education/Question1871458.html