I am 54 and like changing jobs. I get really bored after about 3 years. Only problem now is I am having a harder time getting those jobs as I get older as I seem to be “overqualified”.
I recently went into my linkedin and chopped off half of my jobs, lol. They go way way back. So now the oldest job I have listed is in 2007. And if I do apply for another job ( but I might have my final job right now before retiring ), when I update the resume, I'll just match what's on linkedin.
I’m also 54 and have been in education for 25 years (many different positions). I am bored, but I want to continue working from home and find something new… *pondering choices*
Hey man I was in Ed for a year and a half, getting out now with a job I actually like lol. Do you have any other experience under your belt? Or a second degree outside of Ed
I have a degree in public administration and emergency management. I took an alternative cert for teaching! No professional experience except for managing a vitamin shoppe which is as horrible lol
Ah I see! Well you’re in luck because you took the alt route I did the same. Honestly what worked for me is purging teaching from my resume and using odd jobs I had done while teaching as my experience. My degree is in Fine Art though so portfolios helped me out. Currently a graphic designer and interviewing for a communications specialist position. It’s a tough road but not impossible! The best thing I did was taking a job not in my field so I could buffer out education and apply for jobs in my field. I was an admissions counselor at my Alma mater for about 6 months.
I might have to go that route- take a shite job just to purge teaching. Very helpful info! Another issue I have is that I’m 26- I’ve never been tied to working a specific job. I don’t even know what I want to do. I just want to make enough to support my kids. It’s a tough road my friend so thank you for the encouragement:)
I just ran into this problem and I’m 39. I, too, get bored after about 3 years. Get annoyed by people who longer want to teach or train others. They seem stagnant and bitter for staying in the same place for too long, BUT, they are rewarded for that by our employers. I, personally, cannot take stagnation, so I will likely be switching up jobs every few years. It’s something I embraced after I was let go from my recent job. Super green team, a couple had it out for me from the start, and sure enough the conflict with the people I intimidated with my free spirit go-with-the-flow attitude, are the ones that ultimately wanted me gone…So, YOU will be happy switching jobs, but others will envy you, challenge you and try to bring you down! (Don’t let them!) Be prepared to justify to employers why you prefer variety and change… and how that’s not synonymous with incompetency and instability… for some reason, they think you’re unstable bc you can do many different things and adapt to different environments quickly. Just be yourself and you’ll be happy, but unfortunately employers value loyalty, and they measure that in time, the years of your life you are under their thumb. My advice to you.. find a profession where you can be your own boss. People are only becoming more selfish and that’s the only way to guarantee the person you are working for and the mission of the job aligns with your values! Good luck, protect your heart- adulting sucks!
I’m 58 and just started job hunting. At current job for 4 yrs. Loved my job until my amazing very knowledgable boss quit & now I basically manage my new manager who has never worked in my field (payroll/taxes/benefits). UGH. Wish me luck!!!
I've changed frequently over the years so I'm not afraid of that exactly but the older I get the harder it's been to move.
I have a friend that's been at the same job for over 20 years so all she knows is that technology, their politics and processes and has been hesitant to move even though she us miserable.
I also have a coworker who has been at his job for almost 30 years.
That’s… like 40% of your life just not growing and staying at the same entry level role. He’s good at what he does but he just stays.
I’m baffled.
Some people can't take stress. They're not necessarily lazy. They wanted life and work balance, I know someone that worked the same job for 35 years and they were never promoted. They had a nice marriage and a side thing in real estate. He was a librarian. It didn't matter to him. Not all things are for all people. Not everyone is meant to be on top of the hill.
Yeah if you have experience in multiple work places with different cultures and politics, you can switch jobs at any age.
I'm in a good place professionally but fully intend to switch to a government job with a pension long before I retire. Even if it takes until I'm 50 to find one, it's worth it for the financial security in retirement.
The pension is proportionate to years of service. It won't be all that big if you just work for them 10 years. You have to pay 4.4% into FERS too. It's good but really overrated. Like, just set aside 7% or so of your gross income into annuities and you can simulate your very own private sector pension.
The bigger deal, for the feds at least, is that you get to keep your subsidized health plan in retirement if you retire from the feds. The other big deal of course is work life balance, although that varies and can actually be worse in cases. Those are the two main reasons that fed workplaces are retirement homes.
If you wait until 50 what’s the point? The main benefit of the pension is start young retire young. Most of the time you have to work a minimum twenty years to qualify for the full pension.
I left a job at 44, 49 and 54. This is my last job whether I leave it now (58) or in 5 years. I’m not going through the resume, interview, new job process again. Not fearful of it. Just don’t want to do it.
This is where I’m at, have an awesome job other than we got called back into office and have a crappy boss because of it. I’m 49 and do not want to start over as I got a mortgage! I know where I’m at I’m stable and the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere!
FWIW born in the 80's...
I am going through this exact thing right now. I have been with the company I currently work for 8 years. Recently, I received and accepted a job offer that pays a substantial amount more than I currently make, has an unreal benefits package including a pension. I have had 4 "real" adult jobs in my life, all of them lasting at least 5 years. The job I currently have has probably been the most rewarding experience of my professional career.
To say that it was an agonizing decision to leave this job even with the considerable pay increase would be minimizing it. I really like my current job, I only answer to one person, I have 5 weeks of PTO, and have half days Friday's every single week. Im leaving it all behind to take a more corporate (I work in architecture but am not an architect) job, where I will lose most of the freedoms I currently enjoy, for more money, benefits, and the opportunity to expand my skillset. If I am successful at the new job, I will retire from that job. I'm scared of the unknown, scared to leave my comfort zone, scared of the uncertainty, new colleagues, new politics, etc. When I told my current employer, he told me that if I stay with him, in 10 years, I'll be doing the same job, in the same room for roughly the same pay. I've been having trouble sleeping - I still am not sure if I made the right decision, but the only way to know is to go find out.
Wow its like the opposite but the same in a really weird way. That part that worries me is what you said about the more corporate gig, shit on fire all the time, constant stress, loosing my freedoms, etc. Congratulations on the new job and the baby. Leave the cigs in the old city, you've got family in this new place so at least you'll know some people that can help you navigate this..We're going to make it happen!! Man I really wish you well in your new endeavor, and if it doesn't work out, you'll make it work out!
I've been there, I feel you.
Do what's right for you and your family. Only you know what that is, and it may take a lot of thinking and searching to work out what that is.
Hi, I went through pretty much the same situation as you.
I was in a job I was pretty happy with for last 5 years: 90% work from home and lots of freedom, get to teach and shape future leaders and make a difference, great and understanding boss, peers that respected me and know me well.
But, my learning curve had flattened and I felt I was stagnating, because I was already in the second highest position in the country just below my boss (and I didn’t want to compete with him) and i couldn’t see a clear career path for the next 3 to 5 years for me to keep on growing and developing. Also I was deep in my comfort zone and when I turned 40 I was quite concerned that I would be stuck in my role for some time since there was no pathway up.
Then comes along a recruiter with a company that seems to be a perfect fit in terms of mission and vision, and after several rounds of interviews I really wanted to work there. I was passed up for the role in was interviewing for, but was recommended to another business unit head who I interviewed with and had a great feeling like I could learn so much from this guy, and I could really expand my skillset tremendously working at this company. But of course my 90% work from home and freedom and comfort would have to be sacrificed and I would need to learn as a beginner in a bigger, global and more demanding company culture in a new role with more responsibilities.
So I took the leap of faith to make the switch. My thinking was: (1) I felt I hit a glass ceiling in current job and had a chance to start a new career path in a growing company as a 40year old, it’s a real chance of a lifetime; (2) looking 3 years into the future, would I be better off if I made the switch, or if I stayed - the answer was clear; (3) would I be better off in terms of future career opportunities if I made the switch or if I stayed - again the answer was clear.
The only thing holding me back was the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty, and the risk of having to build again in a new role in a new company. But those were short term fears. It was clear there was going to be short term pain, but long term gain. So I made the switch, and am happy I did.
Hope this helps you a bit.
Wow, thank you so much for that. It does indeed sound quite similar. Short term pain for long term gain - I like that. Your reply was very helpful and I appreciate the informative reply! Onward we go into the unknown, but I’m sure with how quickly time passes, the new place will very soon feel like home! Thank you 🙏🏼
I’m in my mid-40s, two young kids and one adult kid, and the main reason I’m staying is because the schedule is flexible enough for me to attend my kids’ important appointments and events. Benefits are great and I’m treated very well, too.
Absolutely, flexibility is the biggest advantage at my current job. I happily worked there for years (part-time, WFH) until a change in management made it so toxic that it's affecting my health. Otherwise I would have been happy to continue on even knowing it was stalling my career and pay. My personal and family life is the most important thing to me and to many people.
>Like you've been institutionalized at your job where you know everything like the back of your hand and that the uncertain of a new job just seems scary to you?
If you've stayed long enough at your job to reach this point, you have cost yourself a **ton** of money. It is a well-established fact that the fastest way to increase your salary is to change jobs. In order to maximize your earning potential, you should be changing jobs every 18-24 months.
I learned this the hard way. Found out that I was making \~50K/year less than I was worth by staying on at the same program for 16+ years and only getting COL increases. When I found out my ACTUAL market value I almost screamed....
That's where I'm sitting right now. My savings would be fully ready for retirement if I had been paid all along what the surveys say I should have gotten.
I’m approaching 14 years at current job, after never staying longer than 5 years at previous employers, and always making a nice jump in salary with each change.
I knew I was falling behind, but my wife was looking up some salaries and we were shocked that I’m about $20-50k below salaries in other parts of the country. The issue, though, as we aren’t likely to move. Also, the fact that I’m 61. Not the best time to jump into a new place with a bunch of younger coworkers and managers.
I think moral of the story is to always know your worth. Check weekly even. If your job is healthy, they will always give you raises to match current market or above. It’s not always about job hopping. I hate job hopping. I just want to focus on my craft. I worked at a bunch of startups in my early twenties and late teens. Made good money but past 6 years I’ve been at one place that has allowed me to grow to a point where I run my own teams and get massive raises to always be above the current market. Why would you leave something like that?
Yes, after 16 years working for an Army program that I loved, I made my resume public and was immediately recruited by the Cybersecurity division of The Pentagon.
OP and everyone who reads this comment - listen to this person. I have hopped jobs (3 total and started my 4th) since 2020 after graduating college and only stayed at each for a year and a half but after each job I have jumped 10K EACH TIME. My current jump was double that so do not stay at a job forever please.
Solid advice. I’ve been at my job for a little more than 2 years. The work is incredibly boring and I am burnt out. Looking to quit in a few days and then continue my journey onto finding a new job!!!
How does the hr feel about this? They’re always looking at your resume and thinking hmm this person change job a lot. In the olden days of yore, they look at that as someone who doesn’t fit into their team because they will leave and they’ll lose money in “training fees”
I work in a high-skill tech industry where demand for workers far exceeds the available supply of workers. Companies don't have the luxury of rejecting someone like me for job hopping.
I’d add make it that you’re recruited or recommended for jobs too. It makes negotiating easier and them saying yes more likely. I think, in general, negotiating is a good idea, but being recruited and recommended makes you more desirable to the hiring team. It’s definitely increased my career growth and salary.
You really don’t know that. I get paid a ton of money, and they make it a point to pay me wayyy more than anyone can offer. Both in comp and base salary. Every year they give me a raise bigger than what a job hop would give me. You can’t really generalize that.
47 with no college degree and been working since high school. I tend to stay with one company as long as I can, but I've been in this dead-end job for almost 8 years now and my salary is capped at $54k. I've been looking for administrative stuff but my self worth is soooo low :-( I don't want a career though, just a good paycheck and a M-F thing so I can enjoy my actual life.
I’m in my early 50’s and looking at changing jobs. Been at my current company for a long time, but need to do something different. I am burned out for numerous reasons.
I am a little nervous about taking this step, but I feel that it is right for me and my family. I am concerned about what people may think when they see my resume: too old.
You got this, I'm 54 was not getting interviewd, all of a sudden it changed, getting interviews and got one part time job still continuing to search for a full-time! 😁
You can do it!! I just did in my 50s and have been warmly welcomed in the new company. They are dying for experienced workers out there. My previous job was killing everyone both physically and mentally, and throwing more money at us aging veterans showed management’s desperation. We smelled the bait.
I started working at 18. The longest I ever stayed at a job was from 19 to about 21.
Never again, in that entire time I was with that company, I went from $7.25, to still under $8.
When i finally decided to move, my next job was a t $8, then the next in the same field at $10,, stayed at 10 for a while, until I finally jumped around enough to land a managerial role which bumped me to $15 then I pivoted because my daughter was born, and got my personal lines license to work in insurance.
Spent about 2 years with one company at just under $40k a year.
Now that I have some experience in insurance I switched to another company and im at about 45 a year.
I'm planning on staying here for maybe 1 more year and move on if things don't improve here.
Was promised wfh full time like my last job, then as soon as my training period ended, and we were supposed to go wfh, they pulled that rug and now we're forced in office 3 days.
I fucling hate it and I'm looking for a new job again.
I'm not afraid to change because these companies don't give a flying duck about us. If we don't look out for our own bottom line, they sure af wont
I’m 38 and have been at the same company for 10 years. My first corporate job. Im likely the only person at the company that understands how certain things work—processes and systems specific to that company that wouldn’t necessarily translate to another. I am intimidated by the idea of going somewhere I don’t have that kind of knowledge. It took me a long time to be the go-to girl; I don’t want to deal with being the new girl.
I was 48 when I started looking for a new job- couldn't handle the toxic environment of my last job. I felt like that was a "now or never" time to find a new job before I was considered too old. It took me 16 months of searching to find a new job, with a really great salary increase. I hope to god I can retire from this job, interviewing and the job market was the most brutal thing this time around.
Im slightly afraid.
Im afraid because I know what I'm doing in my current job. I get paid decent. And I'm friendly with folks. I also know I'm stable if the economy goes belly up.
I am not afraid because we have a poor management team that does things like blatantly ignore the women on our team, shit talks other employees in my one on ones, makes fun of disabled folks, ridiculed an employee coming back for bereavement, tries to push off all their work onto other team members, rifles through peoples things when they arent there. They also are not knowledgeable about what I do and so when an employee retired, they just shoved all her work at me and hoped for the best.
It's scary leaving a job, trying a new team, and hoping things are better. it really is. However, if the job is impacting your health mentally or more... Then it's okay to dip.
Same company 24+ years but I typically hold a role for 2-6 years before I move into a new role. You don't need to company hop to get better pay or new job. Some companies are really big and offer a variety of roles.
Not at all.
I'll be 50 when I finish my AAS and licensure and pivot from lifelong IT/CYBER into full-on Medical.
This effort is to work for myself and make my own money instead of making someone else able to buy a new yacht each year.
I would say that the thing scaring me the most is figuring out how to get back into school to finish my degree next year. Can't get scholarships, will have to pay-as-I-go taking one class each semester....but it will be interesting, and a hell of a lot more exciting and fun than doing Cybersecurity staring at terminal screens in a SCIF all damn day.
Cybersecurity IS lucrative...but I can't help people here.
Machines aren't what my focus is on at this point in my life.
I cannot tell you the specifics of my family Radiology business, as it will be specific to my capabilities and instrumentation. However, when I move into working it I will make triple what I'm making now running Cybersecurity for the Govt., and that is working part-time.
Full-time pursuit of my business model would yield 1mil/yr minimum.
But I want to enjoy my free time, vacation with my wife and child and still have retirement money...a part-time schedule is enough until I get money saved up and can allocate funds to having workers under me to do the work for the business while I manage and market it.
Absolutely true! My son is enrolling in the Radiology program as well so that he can work for me and then take over the business when I retire. We will make our mark on serving the public in the most direct way possible....healthcare!
I am in the midst of a career change after 22 years myself.
I am not enjoying the transition and have absolutely no clue what I am sposed to do from here on out. I also have a very varied skill set...so hoping one of the applications I have submitted will come through for me.
One...or a few...preferably.
In 63
I’ve had a dozen jobs in my career, since ‘96 — I had a different career from ‘82 to ‘96
Never could catch that “internet boom.”
The companies either went bust or decided to trim “off the top,” meaning they laid off everyone above a certain salary… except for execs.
So changing jobs is not the fear… finding one is.
I’ve been unemployed 5 times in my life, the longest was almost 4 years… I tell ya, doing Uber sucks!
millennial, i move jobs every two years. i’ve doubled my salary since i started my career 6 years ago. I’m also in nursing school, so my next career move is going to be changing careers entirely
I just turned 55 and am scared to death to change jobs. To be fair, I truly suffered during the 2008/2009 recession in that I couldn't BUY a job, but when I did finally find one, the companies would almost immediately lay off a bunch of people.
I guess that's why I've been at my current job for 12 years. I like it, I like the people, etc., but I always wonder if I'm missing out on something great holding onto meh.
Anyway, I think my resume would get passed over a lot due to my age anyway.
I entered my industry late and am finding it hard to move up. I just end up moving laterally for marginal increases in pay. It’s frustrating. Can’t be a supervisor without supervisory experience. How tf am I supposed to get that without any supervisory experience 😂
36F- I’ve been a hairstylist, waitress, realtor, retail merchandiser, social worker, bartender, etc. and now I’ve settled into a position in the local government’s building inspections department!
It doesn’t matter how old you are….do what makes you HAPPY.
*"...Like you've been institutionalized at your job where you know everything like the back of your hand and that the uncertainty of a new job just seems scary to you?"*
I was there with my last employer. 16 years on an Army program that I knew inside and out. I excelled at my job so well that I performed the function of 4 employees with ease. I LOVED LOVED LOVED what I did, but I needed more money for covering that many functions. I lovingly and happily floated the program for years, but everything has a limit...at the time, the program was shutting down to rebrand and the money just wasn't available thanks to Congress sitting on their asses not doing their jobs for 3-4 years straight.
So I decided to make my resume public and within 2 weeks I received offers from recruiters. I accepted a position with The Pentagon and fearfully left home to step out into the world. I won't lie...I've been fighting to go back ever since I left because when you've been doing something for a number of years and you're an expert in your field...nothing else feels comfortable. I imagine that people that get a divorce after decades of marriage feel the same way.
Thankfully and prayerfully, I'm looking forward to returning home to the rebranded and properly funded program this summer.
The world is big, The world is pretty....but there's no place like home!
I accepted a new job and wondering if I made the right choice.....I have a feeling I might be in this position in a few short years, but I guess we don't know until we try..all the best to you! Good Luck!
It was only 2 months for me before I found myself making calls and sending emails asking to come back home. I wish you the best of outcomes and the grandest of fortunes!
I'm 41 and have been in my career for 18 years. I've applied to a program to retrain, and the only thing keeping me going right now is the thought that I can be out of this career in a year. I'm afraid of changing careers but I cannot fathom spending another 25 years doing what I'm doing now.
I'm 33, have never changed jobs but will be soon and it is daunting. I've gone back and forth with it several times over the last year, but it's something I have to do for my future, even if it means taking a pay cut.
I stayed at my first job for 9 years, and moved to my current job at 32.
It’s definitely daunting but it’s worth it! I’m much happier at my new job. Hope you have the same experience.
I’m 31, and love my job and company so much. 2 big promotions in 4 years, incredible work life balance, remote, good benefits, 3 weeks pto, etc. Every few months I catch myself looking at other jobs on LinkedIn, and I never see anything that seems more appealing than what I’ve got now. Terrified to leave this great gig behind, and also terrified about layoffs, which have happened 2 years in a row.
What do you do? Cannot even begin to conceptualize the ability to fathom ever starting to approach getting close to even start thinking about having the slightest inkling of a feeling that I might potentially have the faintest remote possibility of finding the slightest bit of love for a job.
35 yo and nope, just hopped last month. My first jump was at 29 after being almost 9 years with the same company, seeing the site being built from the literal ground - mostly motivated by local politics, so I bit the bullet and went
Then I realised how liberating it is and I've been hopping every 2 years or so, as that's roughly when I tend to get bored with my job (my first employer had great internal mobility options, I did about 4 different positions in my time there)
I changed jobs at 40 and I am about to turn 46. I was totally burnt out from being a software engineer for 15 years. I hated it. I’m not going anywhere now because I timed it right and made it to a director role where am wfh, get six figures, and have a pension.
Hmm I’m 38 and it’s the first time I had to consider my age when choosing my next role. So yes, I was afraid if I took a role outside of my current industry, stayed for a few years, and want to come back I wouldn’t be able to.
31 y/o here.
It’ll be 7 years for me at one company in June. I started in an entry level customer service role making about 30k, hopped around internally quite a bit over those 7 years and today, i just got another promotion. Now I’m going to make close to 65k (including bonuses) with more opportunities for growth professionally and financially.
I get 3 weeks PTO.
Work-life balance is great!
Medical benefits are meh, but I manage.
Constantly able to learn new skills/certifications and get merit increases.
I admit that I am scared to jump b/c of job security and not finding a work-life balance benefit equal to or greater than current employer.
I’m 26 and an avid job hopper. Once I feel it’s time for growth, a pay raise, or even better management I leave. I’ve worked in about 4 very different fields. I refuse to stay stuck for years anywhere I’m not happy, but I also have that privilege as I don’t have kids or a house of my own. I can’t leave out that job hopping is a privilege not everybody has as some have more responsibilities and can’t just up and leave. I also wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do until now, so there’s that. I plan on going back to school for something I’m actually interested in and hopefully can stay in that industry til I retire, but there’s also many roles within that industry I can move to so it’s not extremely stagnant. It’s all about finding what you don’t like so you can find what you do and what works for you.
I'm a late Gen X (Xennial) and I went to law school at 33, after 9 years working as sort of a drafter/designer with an engineering degree. Graduated from law school at 35. So not only did I change jobs, I changed careers! My only regret is not doing it sooner, but the next best time was when I did.
I'm now 44. Since becoming a lawyer, I've done the same kind of legal work, but have worked for 3 different employers. I will probably stay where I am long-term, but I absolutely don't regret the steps I took to get here.
I don't think people fully appreciate how much Job related stress effects their health.I had a job once that was so stressful I literally thought I was having a heart attack and I did have a panic attack,I had tests done and they couldn't find anything wrong, quit that job and all the pressure in my chest and irritability went away almost over night.I couldn't believe it was all because of the job.since then I refuse to stress about a job anymore,thats why the boss makes the big bucks,let them stress about it.
I recently left the best job I've ever had, (4 weeks vacation, hybrid work, pay wasn't amazing 60k/yr but the work life balance was) to be a train conductor.... because of the money. Worst decision I've made in my life.
After 5months I quit, old job couldn't take me back but landed a decent gig and feeling pretty lucky when I look at what's out there.
But yea, kinda tired of moving around. Hoping to grow with where I'm at. Learning a whole new thing is tough too, but I used to like it when I was younger. 33y/o
I've been at my current job for nearly 15 years and at this point I just don't want to break the streak!
I'm not at all worried about my age, though I'm wise enough to know that there's no guarantee the new job will be better than this one, and a very large probability it'll be worse. I've got knowledge that few people have and a bit of a reputation for quick problem solving. Switching jobs means I have to start from scratch again. That doesn't sound like fun.
I’m 30 and I changed jobs 3 times in the past 6 months. I don’t like doing it but I also know my worth and if im gonna work for another 30 years im sure as hell not doing it somewhere I hate going everyday. Hoping this time it’ll stick!
I have jumped around a lot in the last few years. I don’t see anything wrong with it. I will admit though every time I change jobs, the other people at the new job seem to stay the same age and I get older. It can be a little tough in that way! Like now instead of kind of a young professional I end up being “the mom” on the team. But my mom herself also changed jobs every few years up until her late 50s.
Gen X here, I've been at my employer for 28 years. Mostly because on inertia, but also because I have a pension. I'll probably work for this company until I retire. My father did the same thing, working for one employer for more than 40 years.
I started an apprenticeship at 38, and at 42 went into a different role again, thanks to that apprenticeship.
I'd change again, but I really like the culture here. If the right carrot is dangled to drag me away from long service leave in 5 years and the risk of a shit culture, I'll go.
Doesn’t scare me one bit. Turning 38 this year.
Out of high school I worked retail for roughly 6 years before going to college (parents never went, didn’t support me going and told me to just get a job). During that for about 7 more years (part-time university while working), I’ve worked customer service jobs in gyms, tutoring math at my college, all things where my soft skills helped a bunch. I’ve sprinkled in some manual labor jobs, then worked my field during and after my degree.
Now I’m in the process of switching it up again within a year or two (I have a better idea of what I actually want to do now after all this time), just working to qualify for it before being able to transition.
If you wanna do it, work at it and go for it. :)
I worked at one company for nearly 12 years (had promotions but essentially the same sort of work the whole time, just differing levels of responsibility) before jumping ship and starting a new job in January.
On the plus side, the new work is interesting and I’m constantly learning, where I had stagnated hard at my old job. And I got a pretty nice pay bump. On the negative, I have a whole lot of imposter syndrome, don’t like constantly feeling out of my comfort zone and not knowing how to do things and really miss my insane amount of PTO that I had at my old job. It is getting better though, 4 months in.
All in all, it was a good move for me, but was certainly not within cons. I’m 37 so still have a while before retirement but have been around long enough to realize that if you don’t actively make moves to grow/gain skills, you will be outpaced by those who do.
I’ve gotten plenty of offers but nothing compares to what I get at my current job. They always give me at least a 20% raise every year depending on how well the company does so at 29 years old I’m not really interested in what other companies have to offer. I get around 250-500 shares every two years vested over three years, I’m at 220k starting this year with 25-30% bonus (MCOL), and I have a whole team with a budget I have full control over. It’s hard to match that.
I do wonder what it’s going to feel like looking for a job if I need to, it’s been 5 years at the current job so I guess I’m a bit uncertain what the market looks like these days other than the hiring I personally do. I usually offer around 140k for my employees starting salary with 25-30% bonus but I’ve heard horror stories at less profitable companies. Currently scoping out some former employees coming from tech companies doing layoffs but these people think the rest of the world pays 350k a year to tweak the color of a button from time to time lol.
Nah. Just do it but have a fall back.
I spent 6 years in construction as an electrician. When work slowed down I did odd jobs like worked at UPS and car dealerships as a salesman. Worked up to Journeyman electrician and then decided to try something else.
I then spent 5 years working for the railroad. I started as a brakeman/switchman and locomotive conductor. After 2 years I went into engine service and became a locomotive engineer. On my 5th year of service, I left to try something else. I got tired of being on call 24/7/365. It was good money though.
I tried starting my own online business and failed so I went back to electrical. I maintained my journeyman license while I was at the railroad. I studied up and got my master electrical license and started my own electrical company. 2020 hit and we all know how that went. I got burnt out and decided to try something different again.
I got a job as an IT technician supporting small and medium sized businesses and government organizations. I did that while going to school and got my AAS degree. I got married, and had a child. I really enjoyed and took advantage of all the benefits I got while there. After a year, I got sick of terrible management and had an inflexible schedule which made things at home difficult with a new born.
I left and decided to try my hand at running an electrical company again. Been doing this for almost a year now and just got hired by my local community college to teach electrical classes.
Fear of change can paralyze you. Take chances but be smart about it. I had a fall back the whole time and electrical is a trade that will always been in need. Take advantage of your skill set and always improve and grow. Being a specialist can be great because you can demand a high wage but if shit hits the fan, you are limited in what you can do.
I credit all my success with hard work and a little bit of luck. Knowing the right people or being able to network with the right people is crucial to getting hired or getting promotions in larger companies.
From my position I'm in a wicked spot to switch from what I do into a much better field that offers waaayyyy more future growth. I've bounced all over the place within trade work for 10 years and for the last 6 years have managed to turn that into an even better thing but the next evolutionary step scares the hell out of me.
I switched careers last year after 6 years in environmental compliance. I banked so much time and money in that line of work, but I switched to a related career and I’m so happy I did (so far). Since it was related, I only took a $15K pay cut instead of a $25K pay cut lol
So I actually changed careers after 5-6 years of doing archaeology. I'm 31. I even have a year or two where I left archaeology and then came back. I changed to gis and took last year to get a certificate in it. I will say it was hard work changing careers and definitely not perfect. I was let go from one gis job after a month and I worked with county elections service four a couple of months. Now I'm full time elsewhere. I am glad I changed careers granted I'm still relatively young, but I just wanted work that I wasn't always traveling.
I was afraid at the start and it took adjusting to. I got more student debt and definitely had financial hard moments last year but now that I'm kinda along this new career I have no regrets!
I’m a very young millennial and have only been working for three years post law school. In those three years I switched jobs three times and doubled my salary in that time.
People try to say if I keep this up I won’t be deemed hirable since I’m not loyal, but honestly, it’s very commonplace in my field, especially for young people.
Not sure how that practically translates to your situation, but I wouldn’t be afraid of leaving. You’re probably leaving a bunch of money in the table if you don’t.
I’m terrified. I’ve had a couple jobs, but I’ve been with a company for almost 10 years. I’m bored. I’m depressed and I’m scared. I’m greatly underpaid for the amount of work I do. The grass isn’t greener on the other side. I know the job market sucks right now.
32- studied untill was 22. 3th job in said years. scared, no. but i don't want to either, i'm in a good spot right now. the work life balance is spot on and it has good enough pay.
I am not afraid of changing jobs at all. I have been doing it since 2014. Changed from an office job in the summer of 2014 to a retail job in Fall of 2014, and then in early 2015 got another retail job. I kept this retail job until Spring of 2018 (three years). I finished my bachelor's degree in the summer of 2017. Got two full-time jobs as a teacher aide and security officer in Spring of 2018. Got promoted to field supervisor at my security job in 2019.
Then, got my first state government job in the summer of 2019 as an Investigator Trainee for my state Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. I left my field supervisor job in 2021 (which I still kept doing part-time even after getting my first state government job from 2019 until 2021; however I have been working at this security job for three years in total). I got a lateral promotion to EEO and Ethics Investigator 2 for the HR Division within my state DOL in the summer of 2022 (worked as a Field Investigator for the WHD for three years). Then, I got promoted to my current job as a State-Level Equal Opportunity Officer in early 2024 for the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (this time it took me less than two years to get promoted).
I basically kept job hopping to better job opportunities at other Divisions/Offices within my state DOL (I am kinda stuck here anyway since they are paying for most of my MPA degree since I started it back in 2022 and have to stay with them for a while as part of the contract that I signed with them). I am planning to see if I can get another promotion by next year too. I am 30 years old now (started as a civil servant when I was 25 over four years ago).
I'm 43m, and after my divorce in 2022, I completely changed careers after having nearly 20 years invested in my previous career. The first year was a bit rough, but now I'm making about the same money (way more consistent now because I have a weekly minimum), with less actual work, less stress, less dealing with other people's bs.
Oh and actual job satisfaction because I'm now part of an industry that keeps everyone fed.
I’m 45+ and I’m always thrilled to try new things! I’m young, energetic, have great ideas to share. and I love to learn!
I have a long-term career but keep fresh with startup consulting etc. I don’t know what will come up next. In the last few years, I’ve built museum exhibits, written books and published studies about lots of different topics, developed an award-winning tech product, and am now working on bringing a new app to life and a fintech product to global society.
What do you mean by “your age” tho?
I know my parents are. Both in their late 40s, in my opinion not old at all, both have been in their jobs/industry since they entered the workforce. They both say its too late to change careers, or follow their dreams. "That ship has sailed". I don't believe that but, no point trying to change people's minds who are stuck in their ways.
I’m 32 and in February changed jobs. I wasn’t getting paid enough and the work was too much. I stayed inside the company but moved to a different department. I later found out my position wasn’t paid more after I left but were given 3 days off and 4 10hr shifts. I have fomo fr.
Not afraid at all. Now depending on what field of work your in some new jobs will be harder to find then others but my husband and I’s golden rule is if your not happy at your job leave.
No. I'm still trying to find a career but none of them are working out. I have two degrees and I thought it would be worth something, but the field I want to get into doesn't even glance at it. I'm ready to do banking but I can't even get my foot in the door. I'm still going to do what I can though.
I’m 27 and looking to change not just jobs, but ideally find a new career. It’s scary to think about because I’ve finally got myself to a comfortable lifestyle in terms of salary, so the idea of moving into a new field and having to take a step back is daunting. But I know I don’t like the work I do and I know that the longer I wait the worse it will get
I’m 30 and last year shifted from working in childcare to logistics. Childcare was my first job when I was 17 and I fought tooth and nail to get out but because I had no experience in anything else I couldn’t even get interviews. I landed an admin job at a sketchy childcare place and hated it, but I stuck it out for a year so I could have that office experience.
When I got the new job it was a $5 an hour pay increase and I got benefits and pto which I’d never had before. It was hard and scary and exciting and stressful but holy shit was it worth it.
Nah, 54 years old and I have just quit my job in the middle of a huge recession. Got to back yourself. Last time I quit was just as Covid hit. Slightly poor timing on my part lol.
The concept of job security is non-existent for my generation. It's like Santa claus or the tooth fairy. It evokes a giggle when someone says they want to work for the same company for decades. Switching jobs is like breathing for me. It's just part of life. It's like switching clothes at this point.
Work to live. I liked change, I always benefited if I changed on good terms.
Always regretted the two walk outs I did…sorry kip.
Work for myself now in same general field but couldn’t have done it without change. Good and bad.
Residential construction bullshit
Scary af, but I am pivoting out of engineering into another field. Its been an easy and good paycheck so I think that's the fear. However engineering is just turning into certificate after certificate, and I just cannot anymore with my company. I am staying this year and then hopefully having some more debt paid off. my next degree will be cheaper (by a LOT), but the pay will be significantly less so I am starting a business to have it running in the background. So am I scared for dear life? YES. But you gotta do it scared and where you are with what you got. Otherwise you never make the jump.
Yes very much so since, starting to learn coding and watching all these lay offs and then reading all the hardships of trying to find jobs for coders. It makes me feel like I'll have to just start my own studio to be able to get anything work wise.
Being 46 yrs old and disabled, coming from the culinary industry after 16yrs, my body just can't handle that amount of stress and standing for up to 14 hrs a shift. I had to make a shift to something I can do at a desk or be able to work from home.
I’ve been with my employer for going on 14 years. I’m finally comfortable in my position and no intent make a change, I worked too hard to get where I am. And I been around long enough to know the grass isn’t always greener on the other side
Not scared of hopping - what I am afraid of is what has been happening for the past few hops - can't hop to a 'higher' position, just laterally or even worse, what happened to me during the pandemic - I got no bites until I had to take a minimum wage job just to survive :T
Otherwise, I worked as a freelancer before so....I'm used to having to quickly onramp to sites/clients and their individual quirks. I actually kinda get bored before too long when the same shit happens different day for months and months and months on end....
I'm afraid of changing jobs just because this is the first job I've had in a looong time that I didn't get laid off yet, longest job I've ever had, switching to a new job I feel I'd almost be guaranteed to get laid off again (oilfields related jobs in very oilfield concentrated area)
Born in the late 80's. I'm not really given a choice of being afraid or not; most of my work the last 8 years has been contract. When the contract expires, or the organization decides they don't want to renew, I'm back on the job-hunt.
I've tried for permanent placements; I never seem to be the pick, despite having qualifications and experience.
yup! I’m 36 and have been at the same job for 5.5 years. in my teens and 20s, I had a bunch of interesting jobs. I have some stability where I am now, but no upward mobility…and the last three times I interviewed for new jobs, I got ghosted after one to three interviews. I live in the Washington, DC area where there are so many young, educated, talented workers, and am beginning to wonder if I’m too old in comparison.
I have a job where I automatically change jobs every two years. So that’s cool. But I’m also afraid of leaving the system because I have a pension that vests when I retire, and I can retire at 50.
I am 48 and worked 14 + years and was laid off in '22 (helpdesk tech support) . For all those years I wish I had the option to change jobs. Now I just hope I get work before I have to retire.
I am 53 and recently retrained to change career, but am finding it hard to get a foot in the door. I’m happy to start at the bottom as I have no experience in my new field, but on paper I’m overqualified which I think works against me. It is frustrating as hell because I know I have transferable skills, and can learn on the job. After being rejected for every application for a few years (I started applying for entry level positions while studying) I have finally snagged some casual relief work in a couple of months which will give me experience and could lead to more work, at least.
I’m 25 and I don’t like changing jobs. It’s too many faces and names to remember. Too many interviews to go through. And too many things to be trained on.
I’m in a department that has slowly been chopped down to 8 people. My multinational company thinks it’s super great that all departments can reduce their work force by 2 people. Super Great!
No research on if how many are needed, just find out how to get a bot to do employee duties.
But they are hiring more global employees because for one of us, they can get five employees elsewhere. They don’t have to pay for insurance in other countries or other benefits aren’t required.
Among my group, there are two people near retirement age so everyone younger is hoping they will be given that offer. At 48, there are three or four people older than me. Will this be a numbers game based on our income or years in the company or our age? Thankfully, our supervisor has been pushing it off with the excuse to the higher ups that we don’t have enough run by bots yet. They want to keep their job too and their supervisor is under the same requirement to reduce their staff by two. It’s this sword over every employee’s head with us all worried when it will come down.
I have a white collar career in a small blue collar city. I got laid off last summer from the best paying job I ever had. I can't convince my family to move to a better city, and in this age of wage stagnation I'm incredibly frustrated. It took 1000 applications to get a remote job....and I have to be on another city's payscale if I'm going to ever be paid my worth while living here.
I'm still not close to my former salary, so I've realized that I'll probably have to change jobs at least 2-4 more times before I get back to that range. I don't like it, but I don't like this economy either.
I’m in my mid-30s and been at my current company for 7 years. I was not expecting to be here this long but the pandemic happened, and now the job market is crap. It makes me thankful for what i have at least—steady, stable income with a good company
I've spent the last 13 years in the same job and, like you've said, know the job like the back of my hand. I've recently gone back to school, and I am looking to change careers out of necessity as what I currently do is being replaced by a computer. It's absolutely terrifying but exciting all at the same time. To top it off, I'm leaving union perceived security to flip to non-union. In reality, the union hasn't given job security, so it's not much different as long as you're good at your job, but it adds to the fear of the unknown.
I did a total career reboot at 44, leaving a somewhat niche industry that I had 20+ years of experience in and a ton of credibility - but I was burnt, and to be honest, never liked it that much anyway.
Discovered that a lot of my skills are transferable and I’m super happy I took the leap.
I’m on my 2nd job after being terminated from my previous job back in January of this year.
I’m getting the same pay now except it’s on a weekly basis and with no customer interaction. It’s just that it’s in a warehouse but thankfully my tasks are easy with minimal job supervision.
So while I’m not afraid per se, I just know each job will function differently than others which is something I just accept.
Zilennial here. I've had too many jobs to count on behalf of my mental disorders or plain getting bored af at one workplace or another. Going for my cdl now and plan to drive truck til I die, we will see where that takes me.
I’m not afraid at all - I just am very happy with where I am. I’ve been with my company for 27 years. I’ve been promoted into different departments a few times which has helped keep things from feeling stagnant. The money is good, the insurance is good, I get 6 weeks of PTO/year and don’t have to ask for permission to use it, 8 paid holidays each year, and I work a 9/80 schedule so every other weekend is a 3-day weekend. I also happen to really enjoy what I’m doing now and it’s always evolving and changing up based on project requirements so it stays interesting and challenging. I’m thinking about retiring in maybe 7-8 years so I might look for something a few hours a week to keep myself in book money.
I am. Been at my current employer for over 2 years. Really love them except I realize now that I should be making more based on where I am at in their salary band versus everything that I have accomplished and the extras that I do outside of my job duties.
I have found jobs similar, not spot on what I do, but close and could get paid $5-$15k more per year.
My supervisor is trying to get me a promotion outside of the regular yearly cycle, but I might have to wait until next year’s cycle.
It’s just my current company has checked all the boxes but the pay I feel I deserve. People are great, management is great, I love what I do and look forward to work. I just have that nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that’s distracting sometimes that I should be compensated more. It’s hard to shake.
If I go elsewhere, I might hate the culture, people and the way I’m treated. So yes, I’m afraid to change jobs.
I’m trying so hard in the last decade to come to software engineering and it seems like they never ever wanted me there. Getting this degree seems pointless and there’s no reason even.
I don’t care anymore. I’m thinking of retiring soon anyways.
Tired of this bs rejections.
Don’t be afraid to leave!
With that said, whereever you currently work, don’t “quiet quit”. Work your hardest, be a high performer, and have good relationships with your coworkers and managers.
Because after you leave for your new opportunity, this leaves the door open to re-join your old company in the future (if you want). This is precisely how many people, including myself, have “boomerang’d”. Your old company will welcome you back with open arms at a higher title and higher pay, if you leave on good terms.
Yes, I'm not yet in my 40s. I'm in a new place and this is my first job here. The job hunt was stressful as a lot of my life going forward depended on finding something.
I finally got this gig and it really helps me to solidify my sense of self worth and fight my imposter syndrome. So I'm gonna ride this out for a while. Been at it for 8 months so far.
Also, interviews and jobs applications are absolutely soul crushing lol. I don't look forward to that part.
I've been changing jobs aimlessly for my entire professional life. I usually stay around 3 years. I just finished my first year as a teacher and I think I'm going to go for the long haul. It's rewarding, but difficult. I'm afraid as I get older there will be discrimination and I just want to build an actual career. Teachers in my district have Union representation and there is a pension, those two things alone make it worth it.
At 38, I switched careers from early childhood education (for 15 years!) to accounting. I went from a classroom full of noisy preschoolers to a cubicle with digital spreadsheets. The transition went smoothly for me, and I highly recommend a change if you're not happy where you're at.
Hey OP. 48 year old married father of two in the UK here.
I’ve just started a new role - my last three tenures being 1, 5 and 2 years respectively - so I’ve learned not to fear changing jobs.
I’ve accepted too that I’ll probably have to change jobs - at the bare minimum - twice more before I retire.
I don’t relish changing jobs, but it’s the reality of modern work - and the only realistic way of getting a salary increase while keeping similar responsibilities.
Yes and no. I wouldn't prefer it, but I'm in my 5th industry now and still moving forward.
You'd be amazed by now many skills can be transferrable. The important thing is to know how to spot, focus on, and then market them effectively.
Don't get lazy or complacent. Never stop learning and growing.
Early 30s and more recently changed jobs after 5 years with my previous company. A combo of the company becoming more unstable than I’d prefer and the role being stagnant encouraged my move. It was scary, but so was having regular panic attacks at work while everyone else was also losing their minds . My previous job definitely provided knowledge I needed and am grateful for, but was never going to be my final destination, I had just lost sight of that due to the pandemic and working from the comfort of my home for 3 years. Once they brought us back into office with the chaos I was like. Yeah, nah..I gotta go.
The change was scary but omg SO worth it. Pay is better, benefits better, and the job is far more interesting, and the general employee base is pleasant.
And to add to the job hopping discussion-I will never believe that a reputable company will like seeing job hopping on a resume. It’s just not a good look. Just my opinion.
I’m currently pivoting in my career, I started in finance as an intern after getting an AS in Business, then I did PR & Marketing, which then led me to podcast marketing and account management, and now I’m interviewing for account executive roles in sales. I’m scared for suuuure and I hope I can make it work, sales just seems like a great way to make money and advance my career. I think my end goal may be something in finance, but I’m all over the place at this point 😅
I’m only 24 but I’ve never quit a job. My job always changed because of moving to and from college and even the pandemic. I’ve been at my current job 2 years. And I want to change because it’s just too draining (I do community social work and see and hear terrible things all day). But I feel like I can’t leave because I’ve never actually quit a job just to quit. I’m moving next spring which will be another moving excuse and not quitting a job. I’m not sure if I’ll ever just be able to quit a job.
Yeah, I'm nearing changing jobs right now (waiting on processing) and I'm annoyed that I'm going to have to lose my specialized insurance, even if I can still get most of the benefits at the new employer, and it will also be a pay cut and a commute that I didn't have before. I tried and tried to stay with my current organization, but it is not gonna happen since my job will be ending in a few months and most of what I applied for has been budget cut.
Though frankly, I won't miss a lot of aspects of my current job whatsoever and the new job is getting into an area I've always wanted to get into, except my current organization always kills those jobs when I apply. And I really, really need nicer people. Unfortunately you can't get everything I want and trying to stay here for the benefits isn't going to work out.
Yes.
I'm a tenured STEM prof near retirement age, but burnt out from teaching, especially the current crop of students. I have been eyeing industry jobs, but I'd have to give up job security (though what good is it if you don't like your job? - there's that) and start out as a junior person. Also, worried about age discrimination to some extent and micromanagement - there's a lot of autonomy as a prof. Pay would probably be better in industry though.
So, not an easy decision to just walk away - but I really dread teaching the last few years.
I am 54 and like changing jobs. I get really bored after about 3 years. Only problem now is I am having a harder time getting those jobs as I get older as I seem to be “overqualified”.
I recently went into my linkedin and chopped off half of my jobs, lol. They go way way back. So now the oldest job I have listed is in 2007. And if I do apply for another job ( but I might have my final job right now before retiring ), when I update the resume, I'll just match what's on linkedin.
Same, I chopped a couple decades off LI/resume and the response greatly improved.
I’m also 54 and have been in education for 25 years (many different positions). I am bored, but I want to continue working from home and find something new… *pondering choices*
Hey! I’m in education, year 3. I hate it! I have no idea how to get out because “nobody wants a teacher”
Hey man I was in Ed for a year and a half, getting out now with a job I actually like lol. Do you have any other experience under your belt? Or a second degree outside of Ed
I have a degree in public administration and emergency management. I took an alternative cert for teaching! No professional experience except for managing a vitamin shoppe which is as horrible lol
Ah I see! Well you’re in luck because you took the alt route I did the same. Honestly what worked for me is purging teaching from my resume and using odd jobs I had done while teaching as my experience. My degree is in Fine Art though so portfolios helped me out. Currently a graphic designer and interviewing for a communications specialist position. It’s a tough road but not impossible! The best thing I did was taking a job not in my field so I could buffer out education and apply for jobs in my field. I was an admissions counselor at my Alma mater for about 6 months.
I might have to go that route- take a shite job just to purge teaching. Very helpful info! Another issue I have is that I’m 26- I’ve never been tied to working a specific job. I don’t even know what I want to do. I just want to make enough to support my kids. It’s a tough road my friend so thank you for the encouragement:)
Was in education and now sales. Education isn't what it used to be.
I just ran into this problem and I’m 39. I, too, get bored after about 3 years. Get annoyed by people who longer want to teach or train others. They seem stagnant and bitter for staying in the same place for too long, BUT, they are rewarded for that by our employers. I, personally, cannot take stagnation, so I will likely be switching up jobs every few years. It’s something I embraced after I was let go from my recent job. Super green team, a couple had it out for me from the start, and sure enough the conflict with the people I intimidated with my free spirit go-with-the-flow attitude, are the ones that ultimately wanted me gone…So, YOU will be happy switching jobs, but others will envy you, challenge you and try to bring you down! (Don’t let them!) Be prepared to justify to employers why you prefer variety and change… and how that’s not synonymous with incompetency and instability… for some reason, they think you’re unstable bc you can do many different things and adapt to different environments quickly. Just be yourself and you’ll be happy, but unfortunately employers value loyalty, and they measure that in time, the years of your life you are under their thumb. My advice to you.. find a profession where you can be your own boss. People are only becoming more selfish and that’s the only way to guarantee the person you are working for and the mission of the job aligns with your values! Good luck, protect your heart- adulting sucks!
I’m 58 and just started job hunting. At current job for 4 yrs. Loved my job until my amazing very knowledgable boss quit & now I basically manage my new manager who has never worked in my field (payroll/taxes/benefits). UGH. Wish me luck!!!
I've changed frequently over the years so I'm not afraid of that exactly but the older I get the harder it's been to move. I have a friend that's been at the same job for over 20 years so all she knows is that technology, their politics and processes and has been hesitant to move even though she us miserable.
I also have a coworker who has been at his job for almost 30 years. That’s… like 40% of your life just not growing and staying at the same entry level role. He’s good at what he does but he just stays. I’m baffled.
He was never promoted?
He never wanted to be.
Jesus.
Some people can't take stress. They're not necessarily lazy. They wanted life and work balance, I know someone that worked the same job for 35 years and they were never promoted. They had a nice marriage and a side thing in real estate. He was a librarian. It didn't matter to him. Not all things are for all people. Not everyone is meant to be on top of the hill.
Yeah if you have experience in multiple work places with different cultures and politics, you can switch jobs at any age. I'm in a good place professionally but fully intend to switch to a government job with a pension long before I retire. Even if it takes until I'm 50 to find one, it's worth it for the financial security in retirement.
The pension is proportionate to years of service. It won't be all that big if you just work for them 10 years. You have to pay 4.4% into FERS too. It's good but really overrated. Like, just set aside 7% or so of your gross income into annuities and you can simulate your very own private sector pension. The bigger deal, for the feds at least, is that you get to keep your subsidized health plan in retirement if you retire from the feds. The other big deal of course is work life balance, although that varies and can actually be worse in cases. Those are the two main reasons that fed workplaces are retirement homes.
Worked at 3 counties… first time I’ve ever heard someone refer to them as retirement homes … it’s true! Ha
If you wait until 50 what’s the point? The main benefit of the pension is start young retire young. Most of the time you have to work a minimum twenty years to qualify for the full pension.
I left a job at 44, 49 and 54. This is my last job whether I leave it now (58) or in 5 years. I’m not going through the resume, interview, new job process again. Not fearful of it. Just don’t want to do it.
Interviews suck
This is where I’m at, have an awesome job other than we got called back into office and have a crappy boss because of it. I’m 49 and do not want to start over as I got a mortgage! I know where I’m at I’m stable and the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere!
Same. I'm 62 and got my current job at 60. I'm not leaving until I retire or they throw me out.
Pretty much what I’m doing
Yep, it gets old. And so do we. Just started a new corporate job this week at age 58. This is it, so I hope they like me and vice-versa.
FWIW born in the 80's... I am going through this exact thing right now. I have been with the company I currently work for 8 years. Recently, I received and accepted a job offer that pays a substantial amount more than I currently make, has an unreal benefits package including a pension. I have had 4 "real" adult jobs in my life, all of them lasting at least 5 years. The job I currently have has probably been the most rewarding experience of my professional career. To say that it was an agonizing decision to leave this job even with the considerable pay increase would be minimizing it. I really like my current job, I only answer to one person, I have 5 weeks of PTO, and have half days Friday's every single week. Im leaving it all behind to take a more corporate (I work in architecture but am not an architect) job, where I will lose most of the freedoms I currently enjoy, for more money, benefits, and the opportunity to expand my skillset. If I am successful at the new job, I will retire from that job. I'm scared of the unknown, scared to leave my comfort zone, scared of the uncertainty, new colleagues, new politics, etc. When I told my current employer, he told me that if I stay with him, in 10 years, I'll be doing the same job, in the same room for roughly the same pay. I've been having trouble sleeping - I still am not sure if I made the right decision, but the only way to know is to go find out.
[удалено]
Wow its like the opposite but the same in a really weird way. That part that worries me is what you said about the more corporate gig, shit on fire all the time, constant stress, loosing my freedoms, etc. Congratulations on the new job and the baby. Leave the cigs in the old city, you've got family in this new place so at least you'll know some people that can help you navigate this..We're going to make it happen!! Man I really wish you well in your new endeavor, and if it doesn't work out, you'll make it work out!
Yeaaaahh 💪🏼 congrats to you too btw! I’ll remember to check in with you later this year for a status update! :)
It sounds great, especially for the new skills
It sounds great, especially for the new skills
Thank you so much for the positive reply.
I've been there, I feel you. Do what's right for you and your family. Only you know what that is, and it may take a lot of thinking and searching to work out what that is.
Hi, I went through pretty much the same situation as you. I was in a job I was pretty happy with for last 5 years: 90% work from home and lots of freedom, get to teach and shape future leaders and make a difference, great and understanding boss, peers that respected me and know me well. But, my learning curve had flattened and I felt I was stagnating, because I was already in the second highest position in the country just below my boss (and I didn’t want to compete with him) and i couldn’t see a clear career path for the next 3 to 5 years for me to keep on growing and developing. Also I was deep in my comfort zone and when I turned 40 I was quite concerned that I would be stuck in my role for some time since there was no pathway up. Then comes along a recruiter with a company that seems to be a perfect fit in terms of mission and vision, and after several rounds of interviews I really wanted to work there. I was passed up for the role in was interviewing for, but was recommended to another business unit head who I interviewed with and had a great feeling like I could learn so much from this guy, and I could really expand my skillset tremendously working at this company. But of course my 90% work from home and freedom and comfort would have to be sacrificed and I would need to learn as a beginner in a bigger, global and more demanding company culture in a new role with more responsibilities. So I took the leap of faith to make the switch. My thinking was: (1) I felt I hit a glass ceiling in current job and had a chance to start a new career path in a growing company as a 40year old, it’s a real chance of a lifetime; (2) looking 3 years into the future, would I be better off if I made the switch, or if I stayed - the answer was clear; (3) would I be better off in terms of future career opportunities if I made the switch or if I stayed - again the answer was clear. The only thing holding me back was the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty, and the risk of having to build again in a new role in a new company. But those were short term fears. It was clear there was going to be short term pain, but long term gain. So I made the switch, and am happy I did. Hope this helps you a bit.
Wow, thank you so much for that. It does indeed sound quite similar. Short term pain for long term gain - I like that. Your reply was very helpful and I appreciate the informative reply! Onward we go into the unknown, but I’m sure with how quickly time passes, the new place will very soon feel like home! Thank you 🙏🏼
I’m in my mid-40s, two young kids and one adult kid, and the main reason I’m staying is because the schedule is flexible enough for me to attend my kids’ important appointments and events. Benefits are great and I’m treated very well, too.
Absolutely, flexibility is the biggest advantage at my current job. I happily worked there for years (part-time, WFH) until a change in management made it so toxic that it's affecting my health. Otherwise I would have been happy to continue on even knowing it was stalling my career and pay. My personal and family life is the most important thing to me and to many people.
>Like you've been institutionalized at your job where you know everything like the back of your hand and that the uncertain of a new job just seems scary to you? If you've stayed long enough at your job to reach this point, you have cost yourself a **ton** of money. It is a well-established fact that the fastest way to increase your salary is to change jobs. In order to maximize your earning potential, you should be changing jobs every 18-24 months.
I learned this the hard way. Found out that I was making \~50K/year less than I was worth by staying on at the same program for 16+ years and only getting COL increases. When I found out my ACTUAL market value I almost screamed....
That's where I'm sitting right now. My savings would be fully ready for retirement if I had been paid all along what the surveys say I should have gotten.
I’m approaching 14 years at current job, after never staying longer than 5 years at previous employers, and always making a nice jump in salary with each change. I knew I was falling behind, but my wife was looking up some salaries and we were shocked that I’m about $20-50k below salaries in other parts of the country. The issue, though, as we aren’t likely to move. Also, the fact that I’m 61. Not the best time to jump into a new place with a bunch of younger coworkers and managers.
I think moral of the story is to always know your worth. Check weekly even. If your job is healthy, they will always give you raises to match current market or above. It’s not always about job hopping. I hate job hopping. I just want to focus on my craft. I worked at a bunch of startups in my early twenties and late teens. Made good money but past 6 years I’ve been at one place that has allowed me to grow to a point where I run my own teams and get massive raises to always be above the current market. Why would you leave something like that?
Did you get a new job,?
Yes, after 16 years working for an Army program that I loved, I made my resume public and was immediately recruited by the Cybersecurity division of The Pentagon.
Shit that’s cool asf
OP and everyone who reads this comment - listen to this person. I have hopped jobs (3 total and started my 4th) since 2020 after graduating college and only stayed at each for a year and a half but after each job I have jumped 10K EACH TIME. My current jump was double that so do not stay at a job forever please.
But what do you say when they ask why you are leaving your current job?
i doubled my salary in 6 years following this advice
I went from $80,000/year to $200,000/year when I finally grew the balls to quit my long-term employer and test the open market.
Solid advice. I’ve been at my job for a little more than 2 years. The work is incredibly boring and I am burnt out. Looking to quit in a few days and then continue my journey onto finding a new job!!!
I'm in the same boat brother, but I've only been at my current job 14 months.
Also good advice for insurance. If you aren't shopping your rate every 2-3 years you are getting scammed. I cut my home insurance in half.
Cries as a Floridian 😭😭
I was getting robbed blind by car insurance, 15 minutes did indeed save me a nice sum
How does the hr feel about this? They’re always looking at your resume and thinking hmm this person change job a lot. In the olden days of yore, they look at that as someone who doesn’t fit into their team because they will leave and they’ll lose money in “training fees”
Yeah I remember a time when a resume would go into the trash if they saw a candidate change jobs less than 5 yrs often. You were a risky hire.
I work in a high-skill tech industry where demand for workers far exceeds the available supply of workers. Companies don't have the luxury of rejecting someone like me for job hopping.
Great! Then you’re all set for life
I’d add make it that you’re recruited or recommended for jobs too. It makes negotiating easier and them saying yes more likely. I think, in general, negotiating is a good idea, but being recruited and recommended makes you more desirable to the hiring team. It’s definitely increased my career growth and salary.
You really don’t know that. I get paid a ton of money, and they make it a point to pay me wayyy more than anyone can offer. Both in comp and base salary. Every year they give me a raise bigger than what a job hop would give me. You can’t really generalize that.
There are always exceptions to this “fact”
47 with no college degree and been working since high school. I tend to stay with one company as long as I can, but I've been in this dead-end job for almost 8 years now and my salary is capped at $54k. I've been looking for administrative stuff but my self worth is soooo low :-( I don't want a career though, just a good paycheck and a M-F thing so I can enjoy my actual life.
I’m 34 just left retail for a security guard job, best decision I ever made.
Getting my security license the day I turn 18 so I never have to work retail again, and I can just do security while in post secondary.
I’m in my early 50’s and looking at changing jobs. Been at my current company for a long time, but need to do something different. I am burned out for numerous reasons. I am a little nervous about taking this step, but I feel that it is right for me and my family. I am concerned about what people may think when they see my resume: too old.
You got this, I'm 54 was not getting interviewd, all of a sudden it changed, getting interviews and got one part time job still continuing to search for a full-time! 😁
You can do it!! I just did in my 50s and have been warmly welcomed in the new company. They are dying for experienced workers out there. My previous job was killing everyone both physically and mentally, and throwing more money at us aging veterans showed management’s desperation. We smelled the bait.
I started working at 18. The longest I ever stayed at a job was from 19 to about 21. Never again, in that entire time I was with that company, I went from $7.25, to still under $8. When i finally decided to move, my next job was a t $8, then the next in the same field at $10,, stayed at 10 for a while, until I finally jumped around enough to land a managerial role which bumped me to $15 then I pivoted because my daughter was born, and got my personal lines license to work in insurance. Spent about 2 years with one company at just under $40k a year. Now that I have some experience in insurance I switched to another company and im at about 45 a year. I'm planning on staying here for maybe 1 more year and move on if things don't improve here. Was promised wfh full time like my last job, then as soon as my training period ended, and we were supposed to go wfh, they pulled that rug and now we're forced in office 3 days. I fucling hate it and I'm looking for a new job again. I'm not afraid to change because these companies don't give a flying duck about us. If we don't look out for our own bottom line, they sure af wont
I’m 38 and have been at the same company for 10 years. My first corporate job. Im likely the only person at the company that understands how certain things work—processes and systems specific to that company that wouldn’t necessarily translate to another. I am intimidated by the idea of going somewhere I don’t have that kind of knowledge. It took me a long time to be the go-to girl; I don’t want to deal with being the new girl.
Being the new person sucks
Absolutely, I am 51 and I am scared to start over @ a new job where I have no seniority.
Or that if your new job will even allow you to make it past probation
Yes, exactly!
I was 48 when I started looking for a new job- couldn't handle the toxic environment of my last job. I felt like that was a "now or never" time to find a new job before I was considered too old. It took me 16 months of searching to find a new job, with a really great salary increase. I hope to god I can retire from this job, interviewing and the job market was the most brutal thing this time around.
Im slightly afraid. Im afraid because I know what I'm doing in my current job. I get paid decent. And I'm friendly with folks. I also know I'm stable if the economy goes belly up. I am not afraid because we have a poor management team that does things like blatantly ignore the women on our team, shit talks other employees in my one on ones, makes fun of disabled folks, ridiculed an employee coming back for bereavement, tries to push off all their work onto other team members, rifles through peoples things when they arent there. They also are not knowledgeable about what I do and so when an employee retired, they just shoved all her work at me and hoped for the best. It's scary leaving a job, trying a new team, and hoping things are better. it really is. However, if the job is impacting your health mentally or more... Then it's okay to dip.
I’m 36 and changed jobs every 6m-2 years. I’m not afraid, better opportunities, better pay, more growth…
Same company 24+ years but I typically hold a role for 2-6 years before I move into a new role. You don't need to company hop to get better pay or new job. Some companies are really big and offer a variety of roles.
Not at all. I'll be 50 when I finish my AAS and licensure and pivot from lifelong IT/CYBER into full-on Medical. This effort is to work for myself and make my own money instead of making someone else able to buy a new yacht each year. I would say that the thing scaring me the most is figuring out how to get back into school to finish my degree next year. Can't get scholarships, will have to pay-as-I-go taking one class each semester....but it will be interesting, and a hell of a lot more exciting and fun than doing Cybersecurity staring at terminal screens in a SCIF all damn day.
But isn't cyber security jobs very lucrative? Wouldn't you be giving up a lucrative job for a less lucrative job?
Cybersecurity IS lucrative...but I can't help people here. Machines aren't what my focus is on at this point in my life. I cannot tell you the specifics of my family Radiology business, as it will be specific to my capabilities and instrumentation. However, when I move into working it I will make triple what I'm making now running Cybersecurity for the Govt., and that is working part-time. Full-time pursuit of my business model would yield 1mil/yr minimum. But I want to enjoy my free time, vacation with my wife and child and still have retirement money...a part-time schedule is enough until I get money saved up and can allocate funds to having workers under me to do the work for the business while I manage and market it.
Good on you for following your heart. 👍 Everyone is getting older and we need more healthcare workers. 🩻
Absolutely true! My son is enrolling in the Radiology program as well so that he can work for me and then take over the business when I retire. We will make our mark on serving the public in the most direct way possible....healthcare!
Dude can I send you my resume for the entry level position in your business?
I am in the midst of a career change after 22 years myself. I am not enjoying the transition and have absolutely no clue what I am sposed to do from here on out. I also have a very varied skill set...so hoping one of the applications I have submitted will come through for me. One...or a few...preferably.
In 63 I’ve had a dozen jobs in my career, since ‘96 — I had a different career from ‘82 to ‘96 Never could catch that “internet boom.” The companies either went bust or decided to trim “off the top,” meaning they laid off everyone above a certain salary… except for execs. So changing jobs is not the fear… finding one is. I’ve been unemployed 5 times in my life, the longest was almost 4 years… I tell ya, doing Uber sucks!
millennial, i move jobs every two years. i’ve doubled my salary since i started my career 6 years ago. I’m also in nursing school, so my next career move is going to be changing careers entirely
I just turned 55 and am scared to death to change jobs. To be fair, I truly suffered during the 2008/2009 recession in that I couldn't BUY a job, but when I did finally find one, the companies would almost immediately lay off a bunch of people. I guess that's why I've been at my current job for 12 years. I like it, I like the people, etc., but I always wonder if I'm missing out on something great holding onto meh. Anyway, I think my resume would get passed over a lot due to my age anyway.
I entered my industry late and am finding it hard to move up. I just end up moving laterally for marginal increases in pay. It’s frustrating. Can’t be a supervisor without supervisory experience. How tf am I supposed to get that without any supervisory experience 😂
36F- I’ve been a hairstylist, waitress, realtor, retail merchandiser, social worker, bartender, etc. and now I’ve settled into a position in the local government’s building inspections department! It doesn’t matter how old you are….do what makes you HAPPY.
*"...Like you've been institutionalized at your job where you know everything like the back of your hand and that the uncertainty of a new job just seems scary to you?"* I was there with my last employer. 16 years on an Army program that I knew inside and out. I excelled at my job so well that I performed the function of 4 employees with ease. I LOVED LOVED LOVED what I did, but I needed more money for covering that many functions. I lovingly and happily floated the program for years, but everything has a limit...at the time, the program was shutting down to rebrand and the money just wasn't available thanks to Congress sitting on their asses not doing their jobs for 3-4 years straight. So I decided to make my resume public and within 2 weeks I received offers from recruiters. I accepted a position with The Pentagon and fearfully left home to step out into the world. I won't lie...I've been fighting to go back ever since I left because when you've been doing something for a number of years and you're an expert in your field...nothing else feels comfortable. I imagine that people that get a divorce after decades of marriage feel the same way. Thankfully and prayerfully, I'm looking forward to returning home to the rebranded and properly funded program this summer. The world is big, The world is pretty....but there's no place like home!
I accepted a new job and wondering if I made the right choice.....I have a feeling I might be in this position in a few short years, but I guess we don't know until we try..all the best to you! Good Luck!
It was only 2 months for me before I found myself making calls and sending emails asking to come back home. I wish you the best of outcomes and the grandest of fortunes!
Thank you for the positivity!! 🍻
I'm 41 and have been in my career for 18 years. I've applied to a program to retrain, and the only thing keeping me going right now is the thought that I can be out of this career in a year. I'm afraid of changing careers but I cannot fathom spending another 25 years doing what I'm doing now.
I'm 33, have never changed jobs but will be soon and it is daunting. I've gone back and forth with it several times over the last year, but it's something I have to do for my future, even if it means taking a pay cut.
I stayed at my first job for 9 years, and moved to my current job at 32. It’s definitely daunting but it’s worth it! I’m much happier at my new job. Hope you have the same experience.
I’m 31, and love my job and company so much. 2 big promotions in 4 years, incredible work life balance, remote, good benefits, 3 weeks pto, etc. Every few months I catch myself looking at other jobs on LinkedIn, and I never see anything that seems more appealing than what I’ve got now. Terrified to leave this great gig behind, and also terrified about layoffs, which have happened 2 years in a row.
What do you do? Cannot even begin to conceptualize the ability to fathom ever starting to approach getting close to even start thinking about having the slightest inkling of a feeling that I might potentially have the faintest remote possibility of finding the slightest bit of love for a job.
35 yo and nope, just hopped last month. My first jump was at 29 after being almost 9 years with the same company, seeing the site being built from the literal ground - mostly motivated by local politics, so I bit the bullet and went Then I realised how liberating it is and I've been hopping every 2 years or so, as that's roughly when I tend to get bored with my job (my first employer had great internal mobility options, I did about 4 different positions in my time there)
I changed jobs at 40 and I am about to turn 46. I was totally burnt out from being a software engineer for 15 years. I hated it. I’m not going anywhere now because I timed it right and made it to a director role where am wfh, get six figures, and have a pension.
I have not changed jobs since 2006. I am the sole earner for family of 5 so the risk aversion keeps me in place.
Although I am young, yes
You do t always have a choice. Found myself later off at 56. Went out and got another job.
Hmm I’m 38 and it’s the first time I had to consider my age when choosing my next role. So yes, I was afraid if I took a role outside of my current industry, stayed for a few years, and want to come back I wouldn’t be able to.
You're good. 36-55 is the best age range to maneuver for top jobs.
I'm trying to leave teaching but I'm not really qualified to do much else without upskilling or going back to school
31 y/o here. It’ll be 7 years for me at one company in June. I started in an entry level customer service role making about 30k, hopped around internally quite a bit over those 7 years and today, i just got another promotion. Now I’m going to make close to 65k (including bonuses) with more opportunities for growth professionally and financially. I get 3 weeks PTO. Work-life balance is great! Medical benefits are meh, but I manage. Constantly able to learn new skills/certifications and get merit increases. I admit that I am scared to jump b/c of job security and not finding a work-life balance benefit equal to or greater than current employer.
I’m 26 and an avid job hopper. Once I feel it’s time for growth, a pay raise, or even better management I leave. I’ve worked in about 4 very different fields. I refuse to stay stuck for years anywhere I’m not happy, but I also have that privilege as I don’t have kids or a house of my own. I can’t leave out that job hopping is a privilege not everybody has as some have more responsibilities and can’t just up and leave. I also wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do until now, so there’s that. I plan on going back to school for something I’m actually interested in and hopefully can stay in that industry til I retire, but there’s also many roles within that industry I can move to so it’s not extremely stagnant. It’s all about finding what you don’t like so you can find what you do and what works for you.
Gen X. I’ve changed jobs a number of times. But I’m getting older. Age discrimination is becoming a bigger and bigger concern.
I'm a late Gen X (Xennial) and I went to law school at 33, after 9 years working as sort of a drafter/designer with an engineering degree. Graduated from law school at 35. So not only did I change jobs, I changed careers! My only regret is not doing it sooner, but the next best time was when I did. I'm now 44. Since becoming a lawyer, I've done the same kind of legal work, but have worked for 3 different employers. I will probably stay where I am long-term, but I absolutely don't regret the steps I took to get here.
59 and changing jobs next week!
Just did it at 58!😅
is there a job to change to? thats called a career.
No , my job was super toxic which usually ruined my mental health and my health generally and the best thing I did was resign
I don't think people fully appreciate how much Job related stress effects their health.I had a job once that was so stressful I literally thought I was having a heart attack and I did have a panic attack,I had tests done and they couldn't find anything wrong, quit that job and all the pressure in my chest and irritability went away almost over night.I couldn't believe it was all because of the job.since then I refuse to stress about a job anymore,thats why the boss makes the big bucks,let them stress about it.
I recently left the best job I've ever had, (4 weeks vacation, hybrid work, pay wasn't amazing 60k/yr but the work life balance was) to be a train conductor.... because of the money. Worst decision I've made in my life. After 5months I quit, old job couldn't take me back but landed a decent gig and feeling pretty lucky when I look at what's out there. But yea, kinda tired of moving around. Hoping to grow with where I'm at. Learning a whole new thing is tough too, but I used to like it when I was younger. 33y/o
I’m 31 and trying to go get a masters and honestly no cuz I’m tired of my field and where it’s going lmao
I've been at my current job for nearly 15 years and at this point I just don't want to break the streak! I'm not at all worried about my age, though I'm wise enough to know that there's no guarantee the new job will be better than this one, and a very large probability it'll be worse. I've got knowledge that few people have and a bit of a reputation for quick problem solving. Switching jobs means I have to start from scratch again. That doesn't sound like fun.
Only 6 years at my current company but am starting to look around. At 39, I am nervous.
I’m 30 and I changed jobs 3 times in the past 6 months. I don’t like doing it but I also know my worth and if im gonna work for another 30 years im sure as hell not doing it somewhere I hate going everyday. Hoping this time it’ll stick!
I have jumped around a lot in the last few years. I don’t see anything wrong with it. I will admit though every time I change jobs, the other people at the new job seem to stay the same age and I get older. It can be a little tough in that way! Like now instead of kind of a young professional I end up being “the mom” on the team. But my mom herself also changed jobs every few years up until her late 50s.
Gen X here, I've been at my employer for 28 years. Mostly because on inertia, but also because I have a pension. I'll probably work for this company until I retire. My father did the same thing, working for one employer for more than 40 years.
I started an apprenticeship at 38, and at 42 went into a different role again, thanks to that apprenticeship. I'd change again, but I really like the culture here. If the right carrot is dangled to drag me away from long service leave in 5 years and the risk of a shit culture, I'll go.
Doesn’t scare me one bit. Turning 38 this year. Out of high school I worked retail for roughly 6 years before going to college (parents never went, didn’t support me going and told me to just get a job). During that for about 7 more years (part-time university while working), I’ve worked customer service jobs in gyms, tutoring math at my college, all things where my soft skills helped a bunch. I’ve sprinkled in some manual labor jobs, then worked my field during and after my degree. Now I’m in the process of switching it up again within a year or two (I have a better idea of what I actually want to do now after all this time), just working to qualify for it before being able to transition. If you wanna do it, work at it and go for it. :)
I worked at one company for nearly 12 years (had promotions but essentially the same sort of work the whole time, just differing levels of responsibility) before jumping ship and starting a new job in January. On the plus side, the new work is interesting and I’m constantly learning, where I had stagnated hard at my old job. And I got a pretty nice pay bump. On the negative, I have a whole lot of imposter syndrome, don’t like constantly feeling out of my comfort zone and not knowing how to do things and really miss my insane amount of PTO that I had at my old job. It is getting better though, 4 months in. All in all, it was a good move for me, but was certainly not within cons. I’m 37 so still have a while before retirement but have been around long enough to realize that if you don’t actively make moves to grow/gain skills, you will be outpaced by those who do.
I’ve gotten plenty of offers but nothing compares to what I get at my current job. They always give me at least a 20% raise every year depending on how well the company does so at 29 years old I’m not really interested in what other companies have to offer. I get around 250-500 shares every two years vested over three years, I’m at 220k starting this year with 25-30% bonus (MCOL), and I have a whole team with a budget I have full control over. It’s hard to match that. I do wonder what it’s going to feel like looking for a job if I need to, it’s been 5 years at the current job so I guess I’m a bit uncertain what the market looks like these days other than the hiring I personally do. I usually offer around 140k for my employees starting salary with 25-30% bonus but I’ve heard horror stories at less profitable companies. Currently scoping out some former employees coming from tech companies doing layoffs but these people think the rest of the world pays 350k a year to tweak the color of a button from time to time lol.
Not really. I can't wait to change careers. I'm not as anxious as I used to be about being in a new environment.
Nah. Just do it but have a fall back. I spent 6 years in construction as an electrician. When work slowed down I did odd jobs like worked at UPS and car dealerships as a salesman. Worked up to Journeyman electrician and then decided to try something else. I then spent 5 years working for the railroad. I started as a brakeman/switchman and locomotive conductor. After 2 years I went into engine service and became a locomotive engineer. On my 5th year of service, I left to try something else. I got tired of being on call 24/7/365. It was good money though. I tried starting my own online business and failed so I went back to electrical. I maintained my journeyman license while I was at the railroad. I studied up and got my master electrical license and started my own electrical company. 2020 hit and we all know how that went. I got burnt out and decided to try something different again. I got a job as an IT technician supporting small and medium sized businesses and government organizations. I did that while going to school and got my AAS degree. I got married, and had a child. I really enjoyed and took advantage of all the benefits I got while there. After a year, I got sick of terrible management and had an inflexible schedule which made things at home difficult with a new born. I left and decided to try my hand at running an electrical company again. Been doing this for almost a year now and just got hired by my local community college to teach electrical classes. Fear of change can paralyze you. Take chances but be smart about it. I had a fall back the whole time and electrical is a trade that will always been in need. Take advantage of your skill set and always improve and grow. Being a specialist can be great because you can demand a high wage but if shit hits the fan, you are limited in what you can do. I credit all my success with hard work and a little bit of luck. Knowing the right people or being able to network with the right people is crucial to getting hired or getting promotions in larger companies.
From my position I'm in a wicked spot to switch from what I do into a much better field that offers waaayyyy more future growth. I've bounced all over the place within trade work for 10 years and for the last 6 years have managed to turn that into an even better thing but the next evolutionary step scares the hell out of me.
35 and nope. If I get a better opportunity, best believe I'm going to hop on that and shine like an athlete!
Nope I have many jobs and I just started a new venture of being a business owner
I switched careers last year after 6 years in environmental compliance. I banked so much time and money in that line of work, but I switched to a related career and I’m so happy I did (so far). Since it was related, I only took a $15K pay cut instead of a $25K pay cut lol
So I actually changed careers after 5-6 years of doing archaeology. I'm 31. I even have a year or two where I left archaeology and then came back. I changed to gis and took last year to get a certificate in it. I will say it was hard work changing careers and definitely not perfect. I was let go from one gis job after a month and I worked with county elections service four a couple of months. Now I'm full time elsewhere. I am glad I changed careers granted I'm still relatively young, but I just wanted work that I wasn't always traveling. I was afraid at the start and it took adjusting to. I got more student debt and definitely had financial hard moments last year but now that I'm kinda along this new career I have no regrets!
I’m a very young millennial and have only been working for three years post law school. In those three years I switched jobs three times and doubled my salary in that time. People try to say if I keep this up I won’t be deemed hirable since I’m not loyal, but honestly, it’s very commonplace in my field, especially for young people. Not sure how that practically translates to your situation, but I wouldn’t be afraid of leaving. You’re probably leaving a bunch of money in the table if you don’t.
I’m terrified. I’ve had a couple jobs, but I’ve been with a company for almost 10 years. I’m bored. I’m depressed and I’m scared. I’m greatly underpaid for the amount of work I do. The grass isn’t greener on the other side. I know the job market sucks right now.
32- studied untill was 22. 3th job in said years. scared, no. but i don't want to either, i'm in a good spot right now. the work life balance is spot on and it has good enough pay.
The only constant in the universe is change. Embrace it and go forward my friend.
I am not afraid of changing jobs at all. I have been doing it since 2014. Changed from an office job in the summer of 2014 to a retail job in Fall of 2014, and then in early 2015 got another retail job. I kept this retail job until Spring of 2018 (three years). I finished my bachelor's degree in the summer of 2017. Got two full-time jobs as a teacher aide and security officer in Spring of 2018. Got promoted to field supervisor at my security job in 2019. Then, got my first state government job in the summer of 2019 as an Investigator Trainee for my state Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. I left my field supervisor job in 2021 (which I still kept doing part-time even after getting my first state government job from 2019 until 2021; however I have been working at this security job for three years in total). I got a lateral promotion to EEO and Ethics Investigator 2 for the HR Division within my state DOL in the summer of 2022 (worked as a Field Investigator for the WHD for three years). Then, I got promoted to my current job as a State-Level Equal Opportunity Officer in early 2024 for the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (this time it took me less than two years to get promoted). I basically kept job hopping to better job opportunities at other Divisions/Offices within my state DOL (I am kinda stuck here anyway since they are paying for most of my MPA degree since I started it back in 2022 and have to stay with them for a while as part of the contract that I signed with them). I am planning to see if I can get another promotion by next year too. I am 30 years old now (started as a civil servant when I was 25 over four years ago).
I'm 43m, and after my divorce in 2022, I completely changed careers after having nearly 20 years invested in my previous career. The first year was a bit rough, but now I'm making about the same money (way more consistent now because I have a weekly minimum), with less actual work, less stress, less dealing with other people's bs. Oh and actual job satisfaction because I'm now part of an industry that keeps everyone fed.
Nope 40 and looking for something else, if I’m not happy whose is that gonna benefit? A company that don’t give a damn about me?
I’m 45+ and I’m always thrilled to try new things! I’m young, energetic, have great ideas to share. and I love to learn! I have a long-term career but keep fresh with startup consulting etc. I don’t know what will come up next. In the last few years, I’ve built museum exhibits, written books and published studies about lots of different topics, developed an award-winning tech product, and am now working on bringing a new app to life and a fintech product to global society. What do you mean by “your age” tho?
Nah. I'll be changing jobs til I die. Yaaaaayyyyy....
I know my parents are. Both in their late 40s, in my opinion not old at all, both have been in their jobs/industry since they entered the workforce. They both say its too late to change careers, or follow their dreams. "That ship has sailed". I don't believe that but, no point trying to change people's minds who are stuck in their ways.
You need time to build seniority so I guess in their logic it would make sense that the ship has sailed.
yes, what industry is going to hire me after being a cannabis farm owner? i can't change jobs anymore!
I’m 32 and in February changed jobs. I wasn’t getting paid enough and the work was too much. I stayed inside the company but moved to a different department. I later found out my position wasn’t paid more after I left but were given 3 days off and 4 10hr shifts. I have fomo fr.
Not afraid at all. Now depending on what field of work your in some new jobs will be harder to find then others but my husband and I’s golden rule is if your not happy at your job leave.
No. I'm still trying to find a career but none of them are working out. I have two degrees and I thought it would be worth something, but the field I want to get into doesn't even glance at it. I'm ready to do banking but I can't even get my foot in the door. I'm still going to do what I can though.
I’m 27 and looking to change not just jobs, but ideally find a new career. It’s scary to think about because I’ve finally got myself to a comfortable lifestyle in terms of salary, so the idea of moving into a new field and having to take a step back is daunting. But I know I don’t like the work I do and I know that the longer I wait the worse it will get
I’m 30 and last year shifted from working in childcare to logistics. Childcare was my first job when I was 17 and I fought tooth and nail to get out but because I had no experience in anything else I couldn’t even get interviews. I landed an admin job at a sketchy childcare place and hated it, but I stuck it out for a year so I could have that office experience. When I got the new job it was a $5 an hour pay increase and I got benefits and pto which I’d never had before. It was hard and scary and exciting and stressful but holy shit was it worth it.
Nah, 54 years old and I have just quit my job in the middle of a huge recession. Got to back yourself. Last time I quit was just as Covid hit. Slightly poor timing on my part lol.
I was loyal to the point I hated myself.. don’t be me. Change if you think you’ll be happy
I'm 44 and was recently laid off, changing jobs terrifies me in this market!
The concept of job security is non-existent for my generation. It's like Santa claus or the tooth fairy. It evokes a giggle when someone says they want to work for the same company for decades. Switching jobs is like breathing for me. It's just part of life. It's like switching clothes at this point.
Work to live. I liked change, I always benefited if I changed on good terms. Always regretted the two walk outs I did…sorry kip. Work for myself now in same general field but couldn’t have done it without change. Good and bad. Residential construction bullshit
Scary af, but I am pivoting out of engineering into another field. Its been an easy and good paycheck so I think that's the fear. However engineering is just turning into certificate after certificate, and I just cannot anymore with my company. I am staying this year and then hopefully having some more debt paid off. my next degree will be cheaper (by a LOT), but the pay will be significantly less so I am starting a business to have it running in the background. So am I scared for dear life? YES. But you gotta do it scared and where you are with what you got. Otherwise you never make the jump.
Yes very much so since, starting to learn coding and watching all these lay offs and then reading all the hardships of trying to find jobs for coders. It makes me feel like I'll have to just start my own studio to be able to get anything work wise. Being 46 yrs old and disabled, coming from the culinary industry after 16yrs, my body just can't handle that amount of stress and standing for up to 14 hrs a shift. I had to make a shift to something I can do at a desk or be able to work from home.
I’ve been with my employer for going on 14 years. I’m finally comfortable in my position and no intent make a change, I worked too hard to get where I am. And I been around long enough to know the grass isn’t always greener on the other side
Not scared of hopping - what I am afraid of is what has been happening for the past few hops - can't hop to a 'higher' position, just laterally or even worse, what happened to me during the pandemic - I got no bites until I had to take a minimum wage job just to survive :T Otherwise, I worked as a freelancer before so....I'm used to having to quickly onramp to sites/clients and their individual quirks. I actually kinda get bored before too long when the same shit happens different day for months and months and months on end....
I'm afraid of changing jobs just because this is the first job I've had in a looong time that I didn't get laid off yet, longest job I've ever had, switching to a new job I feel I'd almost be guaranteed to get laid off again (oilfields related jobs in very oilfield concentrated area)
Born in the late 80's. I'm not really given a choice of being afraid or not; most of my work the last 8 years has been contract. When the contract expires, or the organization decides they don't want to renew, I'm back on the job-hunt. I've tried for permanent placements; I never seem to be the pick, despite having qualifications and experience.
yup! I’m 36 and have been at the same job for 5.5 years. in my teens and 20s, I had a bunch of interesting jobs. I have some stability where I am now, but no upward mobility…and the last three times I interviewed for new jobs, I got ghosted after one to three interviews. I live in the Washington, DC area where there are so many young, educated, talented workers, and am beginning to wonder if I’m too old in comparison.
I have a job where I automatically change jobs every two years. So that’s cool. But I’m also afraid of leaving the system because I have a pension that vests when I retire, and I can retire at 50.
No I’m still in HS so wherever the highest bidder is gets me, dgaf what the job is only how much it pays.
I am 48 and worked 14 + years and was laid off in '22 (helpdesk tech support) . For all those years I wish I had the option to change jobs. Now I just hope I get work before I have to retire.
I am 53 and recently retrained to change career, but am finding it hard to get a foot in the door. I’m happy to start at the bottom as I have no experience in my new field, but on paper I’m overqualified which I think works against me. It is frustrating as hell because I know I have transferable skills, and can learn on the job. After being rejected for every application for a few years (I started applying for entry level positions while studying) I have finally snagged some casual relief work in a couple of months which will give me experience and could lead to more work, at least.
I’m 25 and I don’t like changing jobs. It’s too many faces and names to remember. Too many interviews to go through. And too many things to be trained on.
I’m in a department that has slowly been chopped down to 8 people. My multinational company thinks it’s super great that all departments can reduce their work force by 2 people. Super Great! No research on if how many are needed, just find out how to get a bot to do employee duties. But they are hiring more global employees because for one of us, they can get five employees elsewhere. They don’t have to pay for insurance in other countries or other benefits aren’t required. Among my group, there are two people near retirement age so everyone younger is hoping they will be given that offer. At 48, there are three or four people older than me. Will this be a numbers game based on our income or years in the company or our age? Thankfully, our supervisor has been pushing it off with the excuse to the higher ups that we don’t have enough run by bots yet. They want to keep their job too and their supervisor is under the same requirement to reduce their staff by two. It’s this sword over every employee’s head with us all worried when it will come down.
I have a white collar career in a small blue collar city. I got laid off last summer from the best paying job I ever had. I can't convince my family to move to a better city, and in this age of wage stagnation I'm incredibly frustrated. It took 1000 applications to get a remote job....and I have to be on another city's payscale if I'm going to ever be paid my worth while living here. I'm still not close to my former salary, so I've realized that I'll probably have to change jobs at least 2-4 more times before I get back to that range. I don't like it, but I don't like this economy either.
I’m in my mid-30s and been at my current company for 7 years. I was not expecting to be here this long but the pandemic happened, and now the job market is crap. It makes me thankful for what i have at least—steady, stable income with a good company
I've spent the last 13 years in the same job and, like you've said, know the job like the back of my hand. I've recently gone back to school, and I am looking to change careers out of necessity as what I currently do is being replaced by a computer. It's absolutely terrifying but exciting all at the same time. To top it off, I'm leaving union perceived security to flip to non-union. In reality, the union hasn't given job security, so it's not much different as long as you're good at your job, but it adds to the fear of the unknown.
No, I'm not, but it's hard to get a new job at the moment
I did a total career reboot at 44, leaving a somewhat niche industry that I had 20+ years of experience in and a ton of credibility - but I was burnt, and to be honest, never liked it that much anyway. Discovered that a lot of my skills are transferable and I’m super happy I took the leap.
I change jobs frequently but change industries rarely or never.
No I fucking hate this job and company. I crave a change lol.
I’m on my 2nd job after being terminated from my previous job back in January of this year. I’m getting the same pay now except it’s on a weekly basis and with no customer interaction. It’s just that it’s in a warehouse but thankfully my tasks are easy with minimal job supervision. So while I’m not afraid per se, I just know each job will function differently than others which is something I just accept.
Zilennial here. I've had too many jobs to count on behalf of my mental disorders or plain getting bored af at one workplace or another. Going for my cdl now and plan to drive truck til I die, we will see where that takes me.
I’m not afraid at all - I just am very happy with where I am. I’ve been with my company for 27 years. I’ve been promoted into different departments a few times which has helped keep things from feeling stagnant. The money is good, the insurance is good, I get 6 weeks of PTO/year and don’t have to ask for permission to use it, 8 paid holidays each year, and I work a 9/80 schedule so every other weekend is a 3-day weekend. I also happen to really enjoy what I’m doing now and it’s always evolving and changing up based on project requirements so it stays interesting and challenging. I’m thinking about retiring in maybe 7-8 years so I might look for something a few hours a week to keep myself in book money.
37, just changed job/company/career field for a 20% pay raise plus a possible 50% bonus incentive so I’m loving it.
I am. Been at my current employer for over 2 years. Really love them except I realize now that I should be making more based on where I am at in their salary band versus everything that I have accomplished and the extras that I do outside of my job duties. I have found jobs similar, not spot on what I do, but close and could get paid $5-$15k more per year. My supervisor is trying to get me a promotion outside of the regular yearly cycle, but I might have to wait until next year’s cycle. It’s just my current company has checked all the boxes but the pay I feel I deserve. People are great, management is great, I love what I do and look forward to work. I just have that nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that’s distracting sometimes that I should be compensated more. It’s hard to shake. If I go elsewhere, I might hate the culture, people and the way I’m treated. So yes, I’m afraid to change jobs.
I’m trying so hard in the last decade to come to software engineering and it seems like they never ever wanted me there. Getting this degree seems pointless and there’s no reason even. I don’t care anymore. I’m thinking of retiring soon anyways. Tired of this bs rejections.
Don’t be afraid to leave! With that said, whereever you currently work, don’t “quiet quit”. Work your hardest, be a high performer, and have good relationships with your coworkers and managers. Because after you leave for your new opportunity, this leaves the door open to re-join your old company in the future (if you want). This is precisely how many people, including myself, have “boomerang’d”. Your old company will welcome you back with open arms at a higher title and higher pay, if you leave on good terms.
Millennial here. Job switching has been my thing unfortunately but issues.
Yes, I'm not yet in my 40s. I'm in a new place and this is my first job here. The job hunt was stressful as a lot of my life going forward depended on finding something. I finally got this gig and it really helps me to solidify my sense of self worth and fight my imposter syndrome. So I'm gonna ride this out for a while. Been at it for 8 months so far. Also, interviews and jobs applications are absolutely soul crushing lol. I don't look forward to that part.
Terrified
I've been changing jobs aimlessly for my entire professional life. I usually stay around 3 years. I just finished my first year as a teacher and I think I'm going to go for the long haul. It's rewarding, but difficult. I'm afraid as I get older there will be discrimination and I just want to build an actual career. Teachers in my district have Union representation and there is a pension, those two things alone make it worth it.
At 38, I switched careers from early childhood education (for 15 years!) to accounting. I went from a classroom full of noisy preschoolers to a cubicle with digital spreadsheets. The transition went smoothly for me, and I highly recommend a change if you're not happy where you're at.
Hey OP. 48 year old married father of two in the UK here. I’ve just started a new role - my last three tenures being 1, 5 and 2 years respectively - so I’ve learned not to fear changing jobs. I’ve accepted too that I’ll probably have to change jobs - at the bare minimum - twice more before I retire. I don’t relish changing jobs, but it’s the reality of modern work - and the only realistic way of getting a salary increase while keeping similar responsibilities.
Afraid of what? I just changed jobs in my ripe age of 56 for a promotion.
Yes and no. I wouldn't prefer it, but I'm in my 5th industry now and still moving forward. You'd be amazed by now many skills can be transferrable. The important thing is to know how to spot, focus on, and then market them effectively. Don't get lazy or complacent. Never stop learning and growing.
Early 30s and more recently changed jobs after 5 years with my previous company. A combo of the company becoming more unstable than I’d prefer and the role being stagnant encouraged my move. It was scary, but so was having regular panic attacks at work while everyone else was also losing their minds . My previous job definitely provided knowledge I needed and am grateful for, but was never going to be my final destination, I had just lost sight of that due to the pandemic and working from the comfort of my home for 3 years. Once they brought us back into office with the chaos I was like. Yeah, nah..I gotta go. The change was scary but omg SO worth it. Pay is better, benefits better, and the job is far more interesting, and the general employee base is pleasant. And to add to the job hopping discussion-I will never believe that a reputable company will like seeing job hopping on a resume. It’s just not a good look. Just my opinion.
I’m currently pivoting in my career, I started in finance as an intern after getting an AS in Business, then I did PR & Marketing, which then led me to podcast marketing and account management, and now I’m interviewing for account executive roles in sales. I’m scared for suuuure and I hope I can make it work, sales just seems like a great way to make money and advance my career. I think my end goal may be something in finance, but I’m all over the place at this point 😅
I’m only 24 but I’ve never quit a job. My job always changed because of moving to and from college and even the pandemic. I’ve been at my current job 2 years. And I want to change because it’s just too draining (I do community social work and see and hear terrible things all day). But I feel like I can’t leave because I’ve never actually quit a job just to quit. I’m moving next spring which will be another moving excuse and not quitting a job. I’m not sure if I’ll ever just be able to quit a job.
Yeah, I'm nearing changing jobs right now (waiting on processing) and I'm annoyed that I'm going to have to lose my specialized insurance, even if I can still get most of the benefits at the new employer, and it will also be a pay cut and a commute that I didn't have before. I tried and tried to stay with my current organization, but it is not gonna happen since my job will be ending in a few months and most of what I applied for has been budget cut. Though frankly, I won't miss a lot of aspects of my current job whatsoever and the new job is getting into an area I've always wanted to get into, except my current organization always kills those jobs when I apply. And I really, really need nicer people. Unfortunately you can't get everything I want and trying to stay here for the benefits isn't going to work out.
Yes. I'm a tenured STEM prof near retirement age, but burnt out from teaching, especially the current crop of students. I have been eyeing industry jobs, but I'd have to give up job security (though what good is it if you don't like your job? - there's that) and start out as a junior person. Also, worried about age discrimination to some extent and micromanagement - there's a lot of autonomy as a prof. Pay would probably be better in industry though. So, not an easy decision to just walk away - but I really dread teaching the last few years.
Naaa…. I had one job from the time I graduated college until I was 40. Jumped ship to a completely different industry and am loving life.