A Question that Lingers.

As I sat in the interview room, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The panelists were scrutinizing my resume, and I could sense their curiosity. I had always been candid about my career journey, a journey that led me from one organization to another, each stop offering unique opportunities for growth and experience. In my CV, it was clear: five years at one place, followed by two at another, and then a series of one-year roles. It was a pattern, and one of the panelists noticed it.

“Why are you always on the move?” She asked. Her tone was measured, but the question felt like a weighty verdict. It was as though the years I had spent at different organizations were meant to signify restlessness or dissatisfaction, rather than a quest for personal and professional development.

She continued, in fact, you seem to change jobs frequently. Does this mean you’re never satisfied with what you have?” Her question seemed rhetorical, a statement in disguise. It appeared that she had already formed her opinion, and this interview question was more of a litmus test than a genuine inquiry. It troubled me deeply, not just in that moment, but for a long time afterward.

The Judgement Within

I couldn’t help but reflect on that question in the days that followed. Was it a problem to switch jobs frequently, especially if there were valid reasons behind each move? I had indeed journeyed from one opportunity to the next, each change motivated by different factors – be it the need for fresh challenges, a desire for personal growth, or company restructuring.

What struck me was the underlying assumption that frequent job changes equated to professional instability or a lack of commitment. In reality, the nature of work was changing. The old paradigm of joining a company for life had evolved into a landscape where adaptability, ambition, and continuous learning were celebrated virtues.

The Wisdom of My Choices

It became clear to me that the values of one’s career journey couldn’t be condensed into a single question or snap judgement. My choices were not driven by mere restlessness, but by the pursuit of personal growth and experience. With each transition, I had learned new skills, forged meaningful connections, and broadened my horizons.

The interview room had turned into an interrogation chamber, with the panelist’s narrative steeped in the experience of spending two decades in the same organization. She was in her early 50s and no intentions of leaving. It was evident that for her, longevity was the ultimate measure of professional commitment.

In the working world, it was clear that there was room for both lifelong dedication to a single organization and the choice to seek new horizons. I met a friend who said that two years in an organization were enough.

The Ultimate Question

So, how long should someone stay in an organization? The answer is as varied as the individuals who pose the question. It depends on one’s aspirations, values, and the unique path they choose. Loyalty and commitment have their place, as do adaptability and ambition.

In the end, the judgement I faced that day served as a reminder that one’s career choices should be rooted in personal objectives. Each job can be an opportunity for growth and development. The question isn’t whether you’re on the move, but whether your journey aligns with your heart and soul, and whether your choices reflect your personal pursuit of happiness and fulfilment.

The journey continues, and in the end, it is the wisdom you gather along the way that truly matters. Whether you choose to stay in an organization forever or decide that two years are enough, the important thing is to stay to your goals, and values as you navigate your career path.

 Dorcus Nakaweesi

Associate – Marketing & Communications

Talis Consults Ltd.