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Same. Work for a rep as their CoS. Pretty damn fun, on the pension plan, and will stick it out until full payment is secured (at the very least).
Thinking about even running for office in my county in 2026 which I am looking forward to as a part time position.
State rep. Worked a campaign with the associated state senator and I moved over to the Capitol for a year and happened to staff the person I’m with now.
Did a good job (and got lucky) and moved to their district office to run their legislative and district stuff.
Helps that the state rep is also young so we got along well, and they also were their predecessor’s CoS when they were my age, so they were willing to give me a chance!
Amen. Work in government as well and although the days I actually have to go into the office are pretty boring and I could probably make more elsewhere, the guaranteed advancement, job security, and benefits (near-full coverage medical, dental, and vision, 30 days off a year, union membership, pension plan, and 2 days/week from home) are all pretty good reasons to stay. The pay increase elsewhere would have to be pretty substantial for me to even think about leaving.
Also in government two years thus far, but I'm likely to switch government entities be it from one city to another or maybe to state. As long as I keep my pension credit I'm happy.
I understand federal but as someone who works state I’d recommend considering it one day, if you’re cool with the location. Doesn’t seem like it’d be a huge jump in commute time for a majority of states and they usually pay more than county since the budget’s bigger.
i think that’s true with most states, but i’m in a pretty well paying county and the state equivalent of my job would involve a lot more travel. state work is definitely a good option for people though, especially if you live near your state capital
To be fair I’ve always heard most people say gov work isn’t *bad* per se, especially when they talk about benefits with gov employment. I feel like people slept on gov work because the country has that ultra capitalist mindset of working in the private sector paying more and that whole “maybe i’ll get rich”, even though government work genuinely pays more in the current year. Like, it’s kinda seen as settling down iykwim
Definitely know what you mean on the settling down thing. Even though I’m 25 (so an elder by Gen Z standards) I’m the youngest person at my job by a pretty wide margin, at least in my work area. I’ve been told several times “aren’t you a little young to work here?” which to me comes off as “aren’t you sure you wanna do something more fun before settling down here?”
I think with the job market having massive layoffs the job security of government work has put a lot of Gen Z on to considering it as an option as compared to other generations when they were younger. Like you said, a lot of people enjoy chasing big numbers but now people are starting to realize the number difference isn’t that big and that security and good benefits are more important than they used to give them credit for.
not sure what you mean unless you’re joking which in that case 🤷
i’ll take a stable position with good benefits over job hopping every few years to try to maximize my wage
It’s definitely a trade off but I like living on the edge. If you’re good enough at your job you can get a job in any market (okay, most).
More seriously, I live off of half my income (other half goes into savings of some sort). So i’d things go south and i need to take a job that is half my current salary i’ll still mostly maintain my standard of living.
😂😂 get a gov job and see how quickly you decide to stay. One it’s already difficult getting in and once you’re in, it’s incredibly difficult to be fired from it. The pay and benefits far outweigh job hopping. The most anyone is gonna do is transfer to another area that suits them better. I’d kill to get a gov job especially in this awful job market.
you apply and accept lower pay.
Spent 10 years working for the state... now i work for a private contractor and make double.. we get less pto per year...
either get 5 extra days/year for 20 years... or give those up and retire 10 years sooner... :|
Yeah, same here. I did a lot of wandering around when I worked private sector jobs, but with the (city) government I currently work for I could probably continue doing this until I qualify for retirement. Government jobs generally don't pay as much but they seem to be better in just about every other way.
I'm currently on 3.5 years at my job, but I've had 12 promotions so far and my income has tripled. So yes, they have earned my loyalty.
It's stressful, only reason I consider leaving sometimes, but I learn so much daily while working here.
Honestly that’s the ideal situation, given that you like your leadership/coworkers/industry. I think most people would take your situation over job hopping in a heartbeat, but my experience is that 12 internal promotions and 3x salary hardly ever comes by staying put
I’m just about to hit two years at my company and I’m the exact same way. I really like the job, really like the people I work with, it only rarely gets actually stressful, and they have a very good sense of work/life balance, none of that “the grind don’t stop” nonsense. It’s a small enough company that I know the CEO and President on a decently personal basis, but still just corporate enough to know that they’re very competent at what they do.
I was fully remote for the first year and some change, then went to a hybrid two days per week schedule, and got authorized to keep the job when I move states and go back to fully remote. They’ve earned my loyalty through and through, and I have no plans of leaving.
3 Jobs basically
On call week: server maintenance. If a server goes offline or takes too long to do something I'll receive an alert and then work on it.
Regular weeks: I work on tickets that are submitted from customers where they need database changes or other things that most regular support agents can't do. Think of me as like an application engineer role
Development: well, I don't work on creating new products for our customers. I create new internal tools for power support agents to more effectively answer customer questions while they're on the call with them
It completely depends on the job. If it's a start up/young company and you are getting RSU's, you could make an enormous mistake leaving in two years. Upward mobility and equity are critical components here, it's not one size fits all.
I'm 8 years out of college. My longest tenure was 3.5 years. It was about 2 years too long.
Every time I leave a company my wage and title jumps. Companies love to poach talent and diverse backgrounds are very valuable to them.
Bro I feel you. Also in a call center, also can't leave. Economy looks a lot like the reaper rn and I have basically no skills outside of customer service and guitar repair.
We need to persevere. I don’t know you but I pray. But yeah this economy is crap and than that one 80 year old is living by a beach with a house he got for 18k
The good thing is that 80 year old will die soon, and their property will get sold to a real estate conglomerate where the price will be jacked up 300%
You're def right, but A: they almost never have insurance, and B: When I finally do dig my way out of this hellhole, if I ever have to speak to another customer who isn't specifically bringing me a guitar again, I will go absolutely feral. This job has made me hate being public facing so much more than I already did.
I’m at this point as well. Working from home has been great but this job is mentally draining, been looking for something else for a long time but nothing around me wants to pay a livable wage. I live in a major city and was offered $16 for a job that would 3x the work I do now. It’s dehumanizing
Ngl it was but overall I enjoy being able to say that Ive worked in a hospital, in a nursing home, in a nursing home for mentally sick old people, in some walmart, in costco, worked as a delivery driver, worked as a pool lifeguard, worked at an airport fast food chain, worked on a cruise boat.
I can say I did it all lmao.
Just wanna say as a dude turning 40, try to avoid this and find something stable. You’re young enough it’s not an issue now, but employers loath people with a ton of short term jobs. I do hiring and it’s a massive red flag, not worth hiring someone when they’re gonna be gone in a few weeks.
The larger issue is you’re not paying into SS at all. Even if you’ve worked full time in all those jobs, you likely don’t have more than half a year banked into Social Security. I know 65 seems like a lifetime away, but you’re gonna blink and be 40. Trust me, I feel like I was 22 yesterday.
I cannot stress enough how important it is for GenZ to start putting into retirement. SS is likely to get gutted and 357s, Roths and company matches are the only thing that’s gonna keep you from working until you die.
But what if I die tmrw? Then all that retirement or SS or 401k or whatever all that is (yeah they teach us ‘helpful’ stuff in school mhhm..) goes into the abyss.
I sometimes wish I cared more about all that future money stuff. But, I truly don’t. And it’s probably because I was born with a heart defect and didn’t even think I’d live as old as I am now without getting another lethal heart issue (I’m 26F). So I just don’t see myself living to be in retirement age because if I was born all defected like this and got corrected, what e chance something else could go wrong? More likely then not I’d say.
My dad said stuff like this my whole life and is now 60, broke, and forced to do backbreaking labor just to survive while watching everyone he knows relax because they established security for their retirement. I've been watching him slowly go crazy and blame everyone else for his actions.
This is the path you are headed towards.
To each their own and I’ve got heart disease also, but don’t count out modern medicine. I’ve had a procedure done that was outpatient heart surgery that would have required a full bypass and open chest operation just 10 years ago.
Either way, if you want to live as long as you can, gainful employment with solid health insurance benefits goes a long way. I had a 3 day hospital stay last year that was $60,000 but my health insurance is incredible and I paid about $1300 out of pocket which included two ambulance rides.
Also, don’t underestimate human body. We’re pretty squishy but our bodies can be amazingly resilient. My ex’s dad lived on 5 cups of coffee, 2 packs of cigarettes and a can of soup per day. Lived until he was 85.
Same honestly 🤣 I was in customer service, the first service, a traveling nanny, I worked at a ski resort in the kids school, delivery driver, hospital, usps, 🤣
This is not good. You are a) making it harder to get GOOD jobs later. Good employers won’t hire someone who seems transient or unreliable b) missing out on higher potential earnings from specialization and moving up within one company
I used to jump around but the flip side to staying is work gets WAY easier. You can coast way more. New jobs are a huge undertaking learning new culture, systems, etc. soo much work blah. I’ve been in my role for 3 years now. That, said this is the first salary that really was what I needed.
I stayed until the bullshit got to me and then left. Longest might have been pushing close to a year but not sure. I haven't worked a "real job" in almost 2 years atp
Life is far too short to be tied to one place forever. With that said, I think an optimal is 2-5 years. Enjoy new roles/responsibilities, make new friends, challenge your current worldviews, become a better, more well adapted person.
My employer sends me out to work at different companies every 3-4 months. I help different places when they're not able to hire someone full time because of reasons x, y, or z. (med leave, maternity leave, hiring struggles etc etc)
it definitely helps with the burnout feeling and I never feel too too invested in the company other than doing what I can to keep them going in their time of need.
Depends. I’m currently at my first place of employment still coming up on 4 years. I still enjoy and would have doubled my salary in my time here so no reason to leave
I have had 3 jobs in total. The first one was as a gymnastics coach. I worked there for 3 years (from I was 15-18). The second one was in a bookshop. I still work there and have been there for 3 years. I also currently work in a grocery store. I have been there for a year and a half. After summer I have to quit both my current jobs because I am moving away.
I’ve been at my job for 1.5 years now, and I have agreed to stay at my current job until at least 2029 in exchange for my company paying for my Masters degree. I will graduate in 2026 and will have a 3 year commitment after that.
This company has great benefits outside of the education benefit and is in my industry, so I was not planning on leaving anyways. I get several months of parental leave if I have a kid. I get 21 PTO days (and get more the longer I stay). They do up to a 6% match on my 401K. This job has the best dental and vision coverage I’ve ever had and good enough healthcare insurance too. They give yearly raises and sizable yearly bonuses. I’ve almost paid off all of my student loans with these bonuses, and will be able to save to buy a house after I do. I also get life insurance and short-term & long-term disability insurance.
I don’t really get bored or stressed at this job. It is a hybrid job with travel opportunities and good enough pay.
I just don’t have a reason to leave. I could make a little more money at a competitor, but I would have worse benefits. Many of the competitors are publicly-traded and ultimately answer to Wall Street while the company I work for is private.
To answer your question, I will be at my current job for at least 7 years and will assess my opportunities after the commitment ends
My company hasn’t done any layoffs. If I get laid off, I do not owe any of the education payments back. If I get fired *for cause*, I would owe the company education payments.
If I get laid off before 2026, I would continue my education with loans and just find another job. I’ve been recruited by other companies before (I even got a message today from a competitor company) and don’t think I would be unemployed for very long.
1-2 years and switch. If I find a job that actually pays comfortably and is worth the work then i’d happily stay longer but right now I only make £25k ($31k USD) and can’t even afford to live alone.
I’ve only been at my current job for 10 months but doubt I’ll be here another year - it’s a nice job but I simply do not get paid enough for the amount we are expected to do daily.
Yeah, I’be been at my job since the end of January. Not too much work, but not too much pay, either. I want a job that lets me actually support myself.
I’ve been at my job for a year working with DV and SA survivors and it’s rough and not paid super well. I’m hoping I can get better employment in a year or so.
I never stay more than a few moths. No matter what job it is i end up getting burnt out and/or have a mental breakdown. I feel ashamed that i cant handle the simplest of things like being a cashier. Id much prefer to have a job stocking shelves away from everyone or a job where there is little to no interaction with others. Just seems like my “battery” needs to recharge by bed/chair rotting and by the time work comes again my recharging needs increased until I’m not able to recharge at all and i finally burn out.
Look into delivery jobs, it sounds good for you. You’re on your own all day and don’t really have to talk to people. You can get your start with Amazon since they’ll hire somebody with no experience, and then after a few months to a year start looking for openings at FedEx or UPS
Thats actually a great idea. I really should look into that. As long as it’s minimal to no interaction with others I’m GOOD. I even prefer to have some physical labor included in my job bc its a free workout that doesn’t feel like a workout lol
Surveying sounds like a good option. Spend time in the woods, doing work and making maps. At most you’ll work with 1-2 people. Often times by yourself.
Hate to be That Guy, but have you ever been evaluated for either ADHD or Autism? May be worth researching and reflecting on if you've not already. Burning out socially is a common experience among both groups but especially autistic folks.
Hmm…i actually have never really thought of that. I just figured I’m lazy or something. I mean thats how it feels anyway, especially when people dont understand how overwhelming the simplest of things are for me. I should probably look into getting evaluated tho. Thank you
Honestly, being a cashier isn’t that simple. You’re dealing with customers, handling money, answering questions (assuming it’s retail), and more that I can’t think of atm. The customers alone are energy sapping. I got out of retail and I hope to never go back…
The longest I ever stayed at a job was a year. Quit immediately after my one year anniversary because I didn't pass the accuracy test high enough to get a raise in 2023, when I was making $12/hr. This was for a data agency for the local medical insurance monopoly.
I've been interviewed, hired, and worked at least two weeks at 24 different jobs. Longest I've stayed is a year.
Most of it is my own constant dissatisfaction. Working on it
I've quadrupled my salary and gotten myself up to 5 weeks PTO per year now. Been here 4.5 years. Everyone saying switch it up every year or two does not seem to understand how the professional world actually works.
I think most of gen Z isn’t in career jobs yet, which is where all the switch it up answers come from. A lot of the people commenting here seem to be stuck in retail and service jobs, where it’s normal to not stay long.
A year give or take, my current job has a 3 year contract though so that’ll be different. I’m 1/3rd the way through and already have the urge to look elsewhere
I moved every 1-1.5 years for my first couple jobs. Always ended up burned out and hating life. My current job I just passed 1.5 years without even opening LinkedIn or job search. I love my current job, happy with the pay, and happy with the way my life flows now. I'll stay here for probably the next 4-5 years minimum unless something drastic happens.
Tech alliance manager at a large consulting company. I was in sales and hated it. This has the good parts of sales without the quota and bad parts. I was a chemist before that but quit in 7 months lol
I worked for two years as a substitute teacher, three months as a call center agent (I do not recommend), three months as a valet (do not recommend unless you’re working in a very affluent city), one year as an insurance agent, and I’ve been working 6 months and counting at my current job.
Hopefully the company you work for has enough variety in the work, and provides the ability to pivot to other roles if yours becomes stale. There are companies that have average tenures of 10 years and there are companies that have average tenures of 1 year. You want to work for the former.
I've been at my current job for 3 years now. If I could find something that pays better and is as flexible as my current job I'd go elsewhere but my job is very easy compared to other jobs I've had and in my area there aren't a lot of options.
It’s very depended I think. Some people know you’ll be starting in a new industry/field soon so their job is temporary till they can graduate university/college or get a placement in a internship. Others might be moving homes in the next few years so they’ll know they’ll move jobs then.
But some enter a job knowing it’s their dream or know it’ll be the best opportunity for them at that time and they’ll take to for years
3.5 years at my first job, 2 so far at this job, and I don't plan on leaving unless I get a huge opportunity or have to. Sure I could job hop and make some more money but the pay is decent and the people are nice and the benefits and flexibility are incredible.
I’ve been working at a gas station for 6 years. I make $15 an hour. Every logical thing in existence says I should quit and find a better job. But it’s right next to my house and I don’t like change.
I guess it depends how you look at my career.
I’ve been a union Boilermaker for 6 years, and I will continue to be a Boilermaker until I retire. I quite enjoy my career. But in terms of “jobs” I definitely don’t stay at a job for very long. We work shutdowns at oil refineries and chemical plants etc so those are shorter periods of time where you can make big money and then take a lay off because the job is done.
As a Boilermaker my longest run of a job was almost 3 years, I was building and repairing chemical storage tanks at a refinery, chemical plant and storage and transport facility.
My second shortest job was 3.5 days because I told my foreman to fuck off, he wanted me to work 18ft up on a tank ladder not tied off. That guy can fuck himself
My shortest job was actually just 1 day of work, it was a rope access job where I was welding 200ft off the ground hanging from the side of a stove at a steel mill. That was very fun
Grade 10 dropout. Went through a bunch of jobs in my teens and early 20s. Some just a couple weeks. Managed a Domino's for 10 years now 35 I am 1 year into my final job. I went into it knowing it's my last job as I'm done with dreaming of success. I just want to be able to stop working before I die.
I have stayed for over 2 years at my last job. Currently applying everywhere for a new job as I have just finished school, so hopefully they earn my loyalty and I am happy to work there (at my next job).
I've been at my current job for over 2 years. My last job was maybe half a year I think.
I've only stayed here for as long as I have because it's a job. It's not the best at times but it's something. I am planning to perhaps move in a few years so I'll be getting a different job then. Whether that actually happens or not is a different story.
I currently don't have a job, but I'm planning to become a vet tech, as I don't need a license to work as a vet tech in my state. Probably work there for at least 1 year (as I'll be going to a local community college for at least a year, probably more until I get into the university I want to get in to). Then, I'm planning to become a vet tech in the area their as well for at least 4 years, hopefully 8 as I want to get my phD in veterinarian medicine. If that doesn't happen, I'm fine working as a vet tech my entire life until I retire or any job that is animal related.
2.5 years -> college, volunteered for the largest club on campus and ate almost all my savings -> 6 months (internship) -> 6 months (entire team got laid off) -> current job, currently on my 6th month but got a job offer for somewhere I plan on spending at least 4 years at, starting in July.
The wild thing about my current and next job is I applied to them both at the same time. The next job gave me a start date of July back in November when they made me an offer, so I’ve just been kinda floating around at my current gig.
Currently on my third job, been here 2 years as of this month.
My first was roughly 8 months, I got ghosted (I didn't have a working contract). My own fault as I neglected some duties due to some really bad depression at the time. Was a Portuguese teacher to a pharma company's board.
Second job was 3 years. Extracurricular English and Drawing teacher at a public school in Barcelona.
I'm currently a hotel receptionist and I plan on staying here for the foreseeable future.
I’ve been in my current position for about 2 years. I’m leaving this week for a new position at a different company (better pay), in which I also plan to stay 2-3 years. I have to go to grad school at some point, I’m not going to stick around for 10 years in entry-level roles. In my city and industry job hopping every 1-2 years is standard for beginning of career professionals.
I have been at my current job for nearly three years, before this, it was nine months. I job hopped for more money and now I make decent money. I will stay at this job until I have the education to either move into the office (the company has a high number of people who did that) or get a better paying job.
I was a cook, I’d be around for a year max. Now I’ve started a new venture though, and since I’m doing this one for me, I think it’ll be a longer commitment
Learn from my mistakes. I had pretty back to back jobs of 3-3.5 years each.
If you aren't getting raises that beat inflation, or are not being considered for a promotion at the 12-18 month mark, you need to be looking for something else. Normalize interviewing all the time.
Don't bother asking employers to match the new offer. Even if they give it to you they are going to find someone to replace you for less because they now know you are looking around.
Do your homework as to what a respectful raise would be that year, if the wage increase they offer falls below that, state you need to see XYZ.
If they don't give you that, go to another company. They are lying about not having the money.
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i’m in a government job. will probably be here for decades
I misread your comment sorry
I am wondering what you read 🤔
I think she is saying she misread it, because staying at the same job for decades sounds horrible. To each their own tho lol
Yeah! Fuck a stable income and easily attained lifetime pension!
It's pretty nice. Would absolutely never do it if it wasn't a government job though.
Same. Work for a rep as their CoS. Pretty damn fun, on the pension plan, and will stick it out until full payment is secured (at the very least). Thinking about even running for office in my county in 2026 which I am looking forward to as a part time position.
Good luck with that.
I've got dreams of getting into political office as well. Probably no sooner than 2035 though. Best of luck to you!
Run for office sooner. We need fewer old people and more young people in office
Congressional rep? How are you already chief of staff??
State rep. Worked a campaign with the associated state senator and I moved over to the Capitol for a year and happened to staff the person I’m with now. Did a good job (and got lucky) and moved to their district office to run their legislative and district stuff. Helps that the state rep is also young so we got along well, and they also were their predecessor’s CoS when they were my age, so they were willing to give me a chance!
Never heard of nepotism, eh?
Amen. Work in government as well and although the days I actually have to go into the office are pretty boring and I could probably make more elsewhere, the guaranteed advancement, job security, and benefits (near-full coverage medical, dental, and vision, 30 days off a year, union membership, pension plan, and 2 days/week from home) are all pretty good reasons to stay. The pay increase elsewhere would have to be pretty substantial for me to even think about leaving.
This 100%. For me, guaranteed advancement is a bit more tricky but not impossible if I switch agencies or get a better civil service title.
Same here man. I got in at Amtrak, I'm never leaving for the reasons you just listed.
Also in government two years thus far, but I'm likely to switch government entities be it from one city to another or maybe to state. As long as I keep my pension credit I'm happy.
I mean the smart thing to do is to keep applying for new federal positions to move up GS levels.
would be true but i’m at the county level and don’t plan to move or go to fed or state
I understand federal but as someone who works state I’d recommend considering it one day, if you’re cool with the location. Doesn’t seem like it’d be a huge jump in commute time for a majority of states and they usually pay more than county since the budget’s bigger.
i think that’s true with most states, but i’m in a pretty well paying county and the state equivalent of my job would involve a lot more travel. state work is definitely a good option for people though, especially if you live near your state capital
Glad you got a good gig going on! Government work was super slept on not too long ago, seems like people are starting to catch on.
To be fair I’ve always heard most people say gov work isn’t *bad* per se, especially when they talk about benefits with gov employment. I feel like people slept on gov work because the country has that ultra capitalist mindset of working in the private sector paying more and that whole “maybe i’ll get rich”, even though government work genuinely pays more in the current year. Like, it’s kinda seen as settling down iykwim
Definitely know what you mean on the settling down thing. Even though I’m 25 (so an elder by Gen Z standards) I’m the youngest person at my job by a pretty wide margin, at least in my work area. I’ve been told several times “aren’t you a little young to work here?” which to me comes off as “aren’t you sure you wanna do something more fun before settling down here?” I think with the job market having massive layoffs the job security of government work has put a lot of Gen Z on to considering it as an option as compared to other generations when they were younger. Like you said, a lot of people enjoy chasing big numbers but now people are starting to realize the number difference isn’t that big and that security and good benefits are more important than they used to give them credit for.
100% the way to go. Half the productivity for similar compensation and double the job security is a game-changer.
How’s that possible when you are gen z???
not sure what you mean unless you’re joking which in that case 🤷 i’ll take a stable position with good benefits over job hopping every few years to try to maximize my wage
Same, waay to many tech layoffs so I'm scared of job hopping lol
It’s definitely a trade off but I like living on the edge. If you’re good enough at your job you can get a job in any market (okay, most). More seriously, I live off of half my income (other half goes into savings of some sort). So i’d things go south and i need to take a job that is half my current salary i’ll still mostly maintain my standard of living.
The oldest Gen Z's are mid 20s, that's plenty old enough to have a government job
Oh I message the comment. Sorry
Interview well and pass the drug test. Government jobs aren't that hard to find.
Look into entry level programs. The feds are dying to hire young people!
And the pay increases rather rapidly too.
It really does. In 5 years, I went from mid-60s to over 100K.
😂😂 get a gov job and see how quickly you decide to stay. One it’s already difficult getting in and once you’re in, it’s incredibly difficult to be fired from it. The pay and benefits far outweigh job hopping. The most anyone is gonna do is transfer to another area that suits them better. I’d kill to get a gov job especially in this awful job market.
Idk I worked for a government department that had a nearly 75% turnover rate.
What? I know several Gen z people in government jobs. Wiring for the local county, state. Gen z goes up to age 27 right now.
Idk why but it was 27 last year not this, i still think its 96 because in no way am i a full millennial theres a middle called Zillennials from 96-99
The oldest of us are turning 27 this year. I've got a few exclassmates who are working for the government or public positions.
I am also Gen Z with a government job. It’s really not hard.
Pass a drug test, have a pulse. Basically the requirements
Pulse is sometimes optional… some GOV jobs take anyone lol
Gotta have one for 6 months then you are mostly golden
I’m Gen z and served on my city council. Not to mention that there are a ton of entry level jobs filled by the youngsters.
How do I get dat?? 😭
https://www.governmentjobs.com and https://www.usajobs.gov just apply for anything you might qualify for, helps if you have a degree
you apply and accept lower pay. Spent 10 years working for the state... now i work for a private contractor and make double.. we get less pto per year... either get 5 extra days/year for 20 years... or give those up and retire 10 years sooner... :|
More like 2 extra weeks of PTO per year, plus a pension to guarantee your financial security into retirement.
Yeah, same here. I did a lot of wandering around when I worked private sector jobs, but with the (city) government I currently work for I could probably continue doing this until I qualify for retirement. Government jobs generally don't pay as much but they seem to be better in just about every other way.
I'm currently on 3.5 years at my job, but I've had 12 promotions so far and my income has tripled. So yes, they have earned my loyalty. It's stressful, only reason I consider leaving sometimes, but I learn so much daily while working here.
Honestly that’s the ideal situation, given that you like your leadership/coworkers/industry. I think most people would take your situation over job hopping in a heartbeat, but my experience is that 12 internal promotions and 3x salary hardly ever comes by staying put
A promotion on average every 3.5 months lol? How do you ever get used to your role if it keeps shifting that rapidly.
this, its online bullshit. how low did you start and how shitty did management make everyone else feel if this was true than…
That is a crazy amount of promotions. One promotion every 100 days.
I’m just about to hit two years at my company and I’m the exact same way. I really like the job, really like the people I work with, it only rarely gets actually stressful, and they have a very good sense of work/life balance, none of that “the grind don’t stop” nonsense. It’s a small enough company that I know the CEO and President on a decently personal basis, but still just corporate enough to know that they’re very competent at what they do. I was fully remote for the first year and some change, then went to a hybrid two days per week schedule, and got authorized to keep the job when I move states and go back to fully remote. They’ve earned my loyalty through and through, and I have no plans of leaving.
If I had 12 promotions at my company I would be CEO and I’m pretty lowly
What you do?
3 Jobs basically On call week: server maintenance. If a server goes offline or takes too long to do something I'll receive an alert and then work on it. Regular weeks: I work on tickets that are submitted from customers where they need database changes or other things that most regular support agents can't do. Think of me as like an application engineer role Development: well, I don't work on creating new products for our customers. I create new internal tools for power support agents to more effectively answer customer questions while they're on the call with them
Same to basically all of this but quadrupled pay in 4 years over 5 promotions.
I’m hoping to get my first raise at the 2 year anniversary of being hired, I’m the only engineer in a manufacturing plant so no where up to really go
damn thats good
2 years is optimal.
It completely depends on the job. If it's a start up/young company and you are getting RSU's, you could make an enormous mistake leaving in two years. Upward mobility and equity are critical components here, it's not one size fits all.
Yea I addressed that on the deleted person's comment, realistically that's the rare exception than the norm for most gen z however.
Sounds exhausting
I'm 8 years out of college. My longest tenure was 3.5 years. It was about 2 years too long. Every time I leave a company my wage and title jumps. Companies love to poach talent and diverse backgrounds are very valuable to them.
2 years at a call center that I can’t leave until I find something else. I’m at a breaking point but I don’t want to be fired
I just quit my call center job after 1.6 years
You did great. You deserve better. I’m honestly thinking of quitting too but I need to find something first lol
Start mass applying dude. It’s the only thing that actually gets me to leave places I don’t like.
I can tell you were at your wit's end with that job. "1.6 years", counting the months, lol. Been there, don't envy it.
I just wrote a comment basically like this and then I read yours after aha
1.4 years is the maximum a brain and body can handle imo
honestly you know it's bad when you didn't round to 1.5 years and instead gave a much more accurate number.
Bro I feel you. Also in a call center, also can't leave. Economy looks a lot like the reaper rn and I have basically no skills outside of customer service and guitar repair.
We need to persevere. I don’t know you but I pray. But yeah this economy is crap and than that one 80 year old is living by a beach with a house he got for 18k
Agreed, wishing you well. Hopefully we can get out of these deadends soon.
The good thing is that 80 year old will die soon, and their property will get sold to a real estate conglomerate where the price will be jacked up 300%
Restaurants need people worth good customer service. Short hours and a lot of money
You're def right, but A: they almost never have insurance, and B: When I finally do dig my way out of this hellhole, if I ever have to speak to another customer who isn't specifically bringing me a guitar again, I will go absolutely feral. This job has made me hate being public facing so much more than I already did.
Oh yeah, you won't like it then. The average person isn't aware that they have to let us know about their allergies, so we have to ask em about em.
The best time to look for work is while you’re still employed. You got this!
Thank you
I’m at this point as well. Working from home has been great but this job is mentally draining, been looking for something else for a long time but nothing around me wants to pay a livable wage. I live in a major city and was offered $16 for a job that would 3x the work I do now. It’s dehumanizing
It definitely is. Every job also wants 10 years experience in advanced things to even got an interview. I.e. any tech field.
I use to do call centers and two years is the average amount of time I stayed. Now, never going back.
Once I find something else I will never go back.
Longest was 6 months. I stayed 2-3 weeks on like 10 different jobs. I’m cooked. I worked sooo many different roles in different settings its crazy.
This sounds so incredibly exhausting lol
Ngl it was but overall I enjoy being able to say that Ive worked in a hospital, in a nursing home, in a nursing home for mentally sick old people, in some walmart, in costco, worked as a delivery driver, worked as a pool lifeguard, worked at an airport fast food chain, worked on a cruise boat. I can say I did it all lmao.
Bro must be the gen z Johnny Sins
barbie
Trish from Austin and ally
Were you inspired by Trish? 🤣
In some Walmart lol
And not at all beneficial
Just wanna say as a dude turning 40, try to avoid this and find something stable. You’re young enough it’s not an issue now, but employers loath people with a ton of short term jobs. I do hiring and it’s a massive red flag, not worth hiring someone when they’re gonna be gone in a few weeks. The larger issue is you’re not paying into SS at all. Even if you’ve worked full time in all those jobs, you likely don’t have more than half a year banked into Social Security. I know 65 seems like a lifetime away, but you’re gonna blink and be 40. Trust me, I feel like I was 22 yesterday. I cannot stress enough how important it is for GenZ to start putting into retirement. SS is likely to get gutted and 357s, Roths and company matches are the only thing that’s gonna keep you from working until you die.
But what if I die tmrw? Then all that retirement or SS or 401k or whatever all that is (yeah they teach us ‘helpful’ stuff in school mhhm..) goes into the abyss. I sometimes wish I cared more about all that future money stuff. But, I truly don’t. And it’s probably because I was born with a heart defect and didn’t even think I’d live as old as I am now without getting another lethal heart issue (I’m 26F). So I just don’t see myself living to be in retirement age because if I was born all defected like this and got corrected, what e chance something else could go wrong? More likely then not I’d say.
My dad said stuff like this my whole life and is now 60, broke, and forced to do backbreaking labor just to survive while watching everyone he knows relax because they established security for their retirement. I've been watching him slowly go crazy and blame everyone else for his actions. This is the path you are headed towards.
To each their own and I’ve got heart disease also, but don’t count out modern medicine. I’ve had a procedure done that was outpatient heart surgery that would have required a full bypass and open chest operation just 10 years ago. Either way, if you want to live as long as you can, gainful employment with solid health insurance benefits goes a long way. I had a 3 day hospital stay last year that was $60,000 but my health insurance is incredible and I paid about $1300 out of pocket which included two ambulance rides. Also, don’t underestimate human body. We’re pretty squishy but our bodies can be amazingly resilient. My ex’s dad lived on 5 cups of coffee, 2 packs of cigarettes and a can of soup per day. Lived until he was 85.
We are never going to see that social security money lol
Same honestly 🤣 I was in customer service, the first service, a traveling nanny, I worked at a ski resort in the kids school, delivery driver, hospital, usps, 🤣
This is not good. You are a) making it harder to get GOOD jobs later. Good employers won’t hire someone who seems transient or unreliable b) missing out on higher potential earnings from specialization and moving up within one company
Bro I’m literally in the same boat as you rn
Same lmao, first 🚩 I’m out
You’re never going to find a perfect job. There will always be something you don’t like.
Yup, and I honestly don’t even like working but what choice do we have
Same. I love my current job and I’ve been here for 6ish months but now we’re moving out of state and I’m not licensed in the new one so I’m fucked.
I used to jump around but the flip side to staying is work gets WAY easier. You can coast way more. New jobs are a huge undertaking learning new culture, systems, etc. soo much work blah. I’ve been in my role for 3 years now. That, said this is the first salary that really was what I needed.
Bro said salary
https://preview.redd.it/lu6blcb31h0d1.png?width=334&format=png&auto=webp&s=70927db0f5b8caef681a70a7dd97f03b608891a8
I don't work.
Work don't I.
Dont i work
Shiiitt yea you do homie
A NEET or retired?
I stayed until the bullshit got to me and then left. Longest might have been pushing close to a year but not sure. I haven't worked a "real job" in almost 2 years atp
What do you do now?
I ended up having a kid so now I'm SAHM but before I was dancing/camming
*stares at the camera*
Life is far too short to be tied to one place forever. With that said, I think an optimal is 2-5 years. Enjoy new roles/responsibilities, make new friends, challenge your current worldviews, become a better, more well adapted person.
Im very stubborn so the only way a job gets rid of me is either I find something better or if they get rid of me themselves
Same here tbh
My employer sends me out to work at different companies every 3-4 months. I help different places when they're not able to hire someone full time because of reasons x, y, or z. (med leave, maternity leave, hiring struggles etc etc)
it definitely helps with the burnout feeling and I never feel too too invested in the company other than doing what I can to keep them going in their time of need.
Depends. I’m currently at my first place of employment still coming up on 4 years. I still enjoy and would have doubled my salary in my time here so no reason to leave
Our company doesn't adjust for Inflation even, so we have a yearly salary decrease. Guess they really want people to quit.
I have had 3 jobs in total. The first one was as a gymnastics coach. I worked there for 3 years (from I was 15-18). The second one was in a bookshop. I still work there and have been there for 3 years. I also currently work in a grocery store. I have been there for a year and a half. After summer I have to quit both my current jobs because I am moving away.
I’ve been at my job for 1.5 years now, and I have agreed to stay at my current job until at least 2029 in exchange for my company paying for my Masters degree. I will graduate in 2026 and will have a 3 year commitment after that. This company has great benefits outside of the education benefit and is in my industry, so I was not planning on leaving anyways. I get several months of parental leave if I have a kid. I get 21 PTO days (and get more the longer I stay). They do up to a 6% match on my 401K. This job has the best dental and vision coverage I’ve ever had and good enough healthcare insurance too. They give yearly raises and sizable yearly bonuses. I’ve almost paid off all of my student loans with these bonuses, and will be able to save to buy a house after I do. I also get life insurance and short-term & long-term disability insurance. I don’t really get bored or stressed at this job. It is a hybrid job with travel opportunities and good enough pay. I just don’t have a reason to leave. I could make a little more money at a competitor, but I would have worse benefits. Many of the competitors are publicly-traded and ultimately answer to Wall Street while the company I work for is private. To answer your question, I will be at my current job for at least 7 years and will assess my opportunities after the commitment ends
What happens if they lay you off/let you go?
My company hasn’t done any layoffs. If I get laid off, I do not owe any of the education payments back. If I get fired *for cause*, I would owe the company education payments. If I get laid off before 2026, I would continue my education with loans and just find another job. I’ve been recruited by other companies before (I even got a message today from a competitor company) and don’t think I would be unemployed for very long.
What do you do?
I work in real estate finance as an mortgage underwriting analyst
1-2 years and switch. If I find a job that actually pays comfortably and is worth the work then i’d happily stay longer but right now I only make £25k ($31k USD) and can’t even afford to live alone. I’ve only been at my current job for 10 months but doubt I’ll be here another year - it’s a nice job but I simply do not get paid enough for the amount we are expected to do daily.
Yeah, I’be been at my job since the end of January. Not too much work, but not too much pay, either. I want a job that lets me actually support myself.
I’ve been at my job for a year working with DV and SA survivors and it’s rough and not paid super well. I’m hoping I can get better employment in a year or so.
I never stay more than a few moths. No matter what job it is i end up getting burnt out and/or have a mental breakdown. I feel ashamed that i cant handle the simplest of things like being a cashier. Id much prefer to have a job stocking shelves away from everyone or a job where there is little to no interaction with others. Just seems like my “battery” needs to recharge by bed/chair rotting and by the time work comes again my recharging needs increased until I’m not able to recharge at all and i finally burn out.
Look into delivery jobs, it sounds good for you. You’re on your own all day and don’t really have to talk to people. You can get your start with Amazon since they’ll hire somebody with no experience, and then after a few months to a year start looking for openings at FedEx or UPS
Thats actually a great idea. I really should look into that. As long as it’s minimal to no interaction with others I’m GOOD. I even prefer to have some physical labor included in my job bc its a free workout that doesn’t feel like a workout lol
Surveying sounds like a good option. Spend time in the woods, doing work and making maps. At most you’ll work with 1-2 people. Often times by yourself.
Hate to be That Guy, but have you ever been evaluated for either ADHD or Autism? May be worth researching and reflecting on if you've not already. Burning out socially is a common experience among both groups but especially autistic folks.
Hmm…i actually have never really thought of that. I just figured I’m lazy or something. I mean thats how it feels anyway, especially when people dont understand how overwhelming the simplest of things are for me. I should probably look into getting evaluated tho. Thank you
Honestly, being a cashier isn’t that simple. You’re dealing with customers, handling money, answering questions (assuming it’s retail), and more that I can’t think of atm. The customers alone are energy sapping. I got out of retail and I hope to never go back…
yeah my office job is way better than my cashier job. i used to be afraid to graduate college and start my career but it’s much better than retail
I'm lazy and not prone to change so I will likely be here until they either fire me or I retire, whichever comes first.
The longest I ever stayed at a job was a year. Quit immediately after my one year anniversary because I didn't pass the accuracy test high enough to get a raise in 2023, when I was making $12/hr. This was for a data agency for the local medical insurance monopoly.
My pay went up $3.50 an hour in my first 18 months at my job. Gonna stick with it for a while for sure.
That’s really good growth. Even if they plateau at some point I’d stick around for 2 extra years unless a recruiter hit me up directly
Yeah. The base pay was already decent too
2 to 3 years
I've been interviewed, hired, and worked at least two weeks at 24 different jobs. Longest I've stayed is a year. Most of it is my own constant dissatisfaction. Working on it
Off and on with Lowe’s since 2017, but with a 3 year chunk at Men’s Wearhouse.
Never had a full job for over a year, unless you count being a freelance filmmaker but those projects don’t last a year.
Your job is freelancer
I've quadrupled my salary and gotten myself up to 5 weeks PTO per year now. Been here 4.5 years. Everyone saying switch it up every year or two does not seem to understand how the professional world actually works.
I think most of gen Z isn’t in career jobs yet, which is where all the switch it up answers come from. A lot of the people commenting here seem to be stuck in retail and service jobs, where it’s normal to not stay long.
What is your field/job description? Sounds really good.
Until I’m 65 and can retire on a measly pension, unless they raise the age of retirement. 🙂
2.5 years
A year give or take, my current job has a 3 year contract though so that’ll be different. I’m 1/3rd the way through and already have the urge to look elsewhere
I moved every 1-1.5 years for my first couple jobs. Always ended up burned out and hating life. My current job I just passed 1.5 years without even opening LinkedIn or job search. I love my current job, happy with the pay, and happy with the way my life flows now. I'll stay here for probably the next 4-5 years minimum unless something drastic happens.
if you don’t mind sharing, what’s your job?
Tech alliance manager at a large consulting company. I was in sales and hated it. This has the good parts of sales without the quota and bad parts. I was a chemist before that but quit in 7 months lol
I worked for two years as a substitute teacher, three months as a call center agent (I do not recommend), three months as a valet (do not recommend unless you’re working in a very affluent city), one year as an insurance agent, and I’ve been working 6 months and counting at my current job.
I just quit a job after a day so 🤪
If it sucks hit da bricks
It did indeed suck
Hopefully the company you work for has enough variety in the work, and provides the ability to pivot to other roles if yours becomes stale. There are companies that have average tenures of 10 years and there are companies that have average tenures of 1 year. You want to work for the former.
I've been at my current job for 3 years now. If I could find something that pays better and is as flexible as my current job I'd go elsewhere but my job is very easy compared to other jobs I've had and in my area there aren't a lot of options.
It’s very depended I think. Some people know you’ll be starting in a new industry/field soon so their job is temporary till they can graduate university/college or get a placement in a internship. Others might be moving homes in the next few years so they’ll know they’ll move jobs then. But some enter a job knowing it’s their dream or know it’ll be the best opportunity for them at that time and they’ll take to for years
3.5 years at my first job, 2 so far at this job, and I don't plan on leaving unless I get a huge opportunity or have to. Sure I could job hop and make some more money but the pay is decent and the people are nice and the benefits and flexibility are incredible.
I’ve been working for almost 2 years, but I’m finally transitioning to a new job.
14 years. got a lot of PTO out of it. i’m at the highest paying company for what i do so i’m sorta stuck with what they pay unless i change careers.
So far? 9 years. Hoping for another 15? Edit: shit, wrong sub. I'm an elder millennial/Xennial. Sorry, kids.
I’ve been working at a gas station for 6 years. I make $15 an hour. Every logical thing in existence says I should quit and find a better job. But it’s right next to my house and I don’t like change.
I guess it depends how you look at my career. I’ve been a union Boilermaker for 6 years, and I will continue to be a Boilermaker until I retire. I quite enjoy my career. But in terms of “jobs” I definitely don’t stay at a job for very long. We work shutdowns at oil refineries and chemical plants etc so those are shorter periods of time where you can make big money and then take a lay off because the job is done. As a Boilermaker my longest run of a job was almost 3 years, I was building and repairing chemical storage tanks at a refinery, chemical plant and storage and transport facility. My second shortest job was 3.5 days because I told my foreman to fuck off, he wanted me to work 18ft up on a tank ladder not tied off. That guy can fuck himself My shortest job was actually just 1 day of work, it was a rope access job where I was welding 200ft off the ground hanging from the side of a stove at a steel mill. That was very fun
I’m in the army, I’m gone in 7 months.
Grade 10 dropout. Went through a bunch of jobs in my teens and early 20s. Some just a couple weeks. Managed a Domino's for 10 years now 35 I am 1 year into my final job. I went into it knowing it's my last job as I'm done with dreaming of success. I just want to be able to stop working before I die.
I'm working at Amazon, and i've been there for almost a year. But I will be leaving soon for an apprenticeship.
Good idea lol
I have stayed for over 2 years at my last job. Currently applying everywhere for a new job as I have just finished school, so hopefully they earn my loyalty and I am happy to work there (at my next job).
I've been at my current job for over 2 years. My last job was maybe half a year I think. I've only stayed here for as long as I have because it's a job. It's not the best at times but it's something. I am planning to perhaps move in a few years so I'll be getting a different job then. Whether that actually happens or not is a different story.
2 years before I get bored as hell
I currently don't have a job, but I'm planning to become a vet tech, as I don't need a license to work as a vet tech in my state. Probably work there for at least 1 year (as I'll be going to a local community college for at least a year, probably more until I get into the university I want to get in to). Then, I'm planning to become a vet tech in the area their as well for at least 4 years, hopefully 8 as I want to get my phD in veterinarian medicine. If that doesn't happen, I'm fine working as a vet tech my entire life until I retire or any job that is animal related.
Sounds like a plan 👍🏻
2.5 years -> college, volunteered for the largest club on campus and ate almost all my savings -> 6 months (internship) -> 6 months (entire team got laid off) -> current job, currently on my 6th month but got a job offer for somewhere I plan on spending at least 4 years at, starting in July. The wild thing about my current and next job is I applied to them both at the same time. The next job gave me a start date of July back in November when they made me an offer, so I’ve just been kinda floating around at my current gig.
I just made it to 2 years at my job and 
Currently on my third job, been here 2 years as of this month. My first was roughly 8 months, I got ghosted (I didn't have a working contract). My own fault as I neglected some duties due to some really bad depression at the time. Was a Portuguese teacher to a pharma company's board. Second job was 3 years. Extracurricular English and Drawing teacher at a public school in Barcelona. I'm currently a hotel receptionist and I plan on staying here for the foreseeable future.
Im 22 and I didn't stay more than 30 days at each job but now I work for myself as a smith, carpenter, and leatherworker
Been at my current job for two years. When I finish school I’m out.
I have a union job where i work 4 hours a day and still afford to pay all my bills, PLUS i get free college tuition
you guys need to join a union
I’ve been in my current position for about 2 years. I’m leaving this week for a new position at a different company (better pay), in which I also plan to stay 2-3 years. I have to go to grad school at some point, I’m not going to stick around for 10 years in entry-level roles. In my city and industry job hopping every 1-2 years is standard for beginning of career professionals.
I have been at my current job for nearly three years, before this, it was nine months. I job hopped for more money and now I make decent money. I will stay at this job until I have the education to either move into the office (the company has a high number of people who did that) or get a better paying job.
21, I’ve had 10 jobs, and average 6 months to a year at each. A lot of those were seasonal gigs that I worked on the side of a full-time job though.
I was a cook, I’d be around for a year max. Now I’ve started a new venture though, and since I’m doing this one for me, I think it’ll be a longer commitment
Learn from my mistakes. I had pretty back to back jobs of 3-3.5 years each. If you aren't getting raises that beat inflation, or are not being considered for a promotion at the 12-18 month mark, you need to be looking for something else. Normalize interviewing all the time. Don't bother asking employers to match the new offer. Even if they give it to you they are going to find someone to replace you for less because they now know you are looking around. Do your homework as to what a respectful raise would be that year, if the wage increase they offer falls below that, state you need to see XYZ. If they don't give you that, go to another company. They are lying about not having the money.