However, it must be noted that staying for a long time in a company does not necessarily mean you are stagnating.
Ms Agnes Yee from executive recruitment firm Kerry Consulting said: “If you’ve been in the same role for four to five years with no change in salary, scope or growth opportunities and the job no longer challenges or excites you, then you’ve likely been there too long.”
Ms Yee, who is head of the company’s legal and compliance practice team, added: “Contrast this with someone who has been holding the same job title for more than 10 years but has had new responsibilities, promotions or key projects.
“In that case, longevity isn’t an issue and staying could still be a strong career move.”
Ms Sherry Lin, director of insurance at another executive recruitment firm Ethos BeathChapman, said that there are other signs possibly indicating that it is time for some sort of career change.
For example, your skills or experience might no longer be aligned with market demands, which often happens when you have been in the same organisation or role for too long without expanding your skill sets.
This could make it difficult to get job interviews or make a career switch in the long run.
Lacking salary increases or promotions may be another factor.
“If you consistently receive positive performance feedback but see no corresponding salary increases or promotions, it could signal that your growth within the organisation has reached its peak.
“This misalignment can lead to feelings of being undervalued or frustrated and gradually diminishing motivation over time,” Ms Lin added.
Such feelings are why she said that it is important to have “open and proactive conversations” about your performance and remuneration at every stage of your career.
“Addressing this early can help you avoid stagnation and ensure your career continues to move forward.”
