Caroline Mutoko Leaves 10+ Yrs Career. How Long Should You Stay in One Job?

By Elizabeth Benu

How long can a person stay in a job? Yesterday we learnt that after more than 10 years of hosting the popular Kiss 100 FM The Big Breakfast show, Caroline Mutoko called it a day.

“According to sources, the presenter who has also played a major role in developing talent at the station will be assuming a more senior role,” reports the Standard.

In reference to this I sought to know how long is too long when it comes to staying in a job.

“For you to settle in job and understand it like the back of your hand, it takes three years.  However, there’s nothing wrong with someone staying in a job for 10 years but  it would be good to move to a more challenging position whether it is within the company or with another company,” says Lynette Sikulu a Human Resource Officer at Veterinairs sans Frontiers Germany

She explains that, “This keeps someone on their toes in terms of personal development and career progression. One also upgrades their responsibilities.”

What would be the reasons for someone to stay in a job for too long?

“One, age determines a lot on whether you are changing an employer or not. Once someone has clocked 40 years they will not move until they are sure there is stability in the next position or job. The second reason would be job stability. An employee looks at the  benefits and the salary that comes with the move,” Ms Sikulu elaborates.

She however adds that younger people in their 20’s tend to explore more.

“For them it is more about the salary; the more, the better. This is because they have more needs such as advancing in their studies,” Ms Sikulu adds.

Are there benefits of staying in a job for long? I query

“The longer an employee stays, the more the new employer sees stability in a candidate. Employers do not want someone who will go away after an year of investing in them.”

She adds that staying longer in a job also means that you can also grow in your career. “Potential employers also look at whether you improved along the way i.e. if your salary increased even if you were in the same position for long,” she explains.

And what advice does she have for young job seekers?

“Stay in the job longer . The first three years count as time to settle in and the next two years get you more confident in the position.

She adds that if you find yourself stagnating in your career look for another job. “Young people rush to do their masters after their undergraduate studies but it is better to get a job first since whatever you learn in your masters is experiential,” she concludes.

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