New Wave Outpost Forum

Maybe I'm old school, but I don't like to change employment too often...as least not compared to the kids today that have 7 jobs on their resume by the time they're 25. I like to be around long enough to make a difference.

Tomorrow is my 7 year anniversary with my current employer. It's been a blast, and I've particularly enjoyed the travel to Asia. But ever since the company was acquired by a certain unnamed mega pension plan a couple of years age, it hasn't been nearly as fun. I hate it when 25 year old investment banking types think they know how to run your business better than you do.

Is it time to go? The economy here seems to be picking up somewhat. How long is long enough these days before a career change is in order?

I made it 8 years with my last employer through a major acquisition then a takeover. I had spent 2 years with them long ago before that, so I was grateful to have been welcomed back. I was always in good stead with them, but a little voice kept telling me that the old egalitarian culture was fading fast. It's a month now at a new small company. Wow is it fucking great. Uncertainties and crazy schedule, sure, but everyone's freaking alive! I didn't fully realize how shit the old culture had become. When I spoke with friends who had already left, most were like "Yeah, we couldn't really tell you - you had to feel it for yourself."

That's all I have to say about that.

[quote]Originally posted by zill
How long is long enough these days before a career change is in order?
[/quote]

There are 3 things that have always let me know when it's time to move on:

A) I start having dreams that I'm at work.

B) I've already banged all the hot women and find myself eyeing the barely acceptable ones.

C) They start threatening me because of the things I say and believe.

Not necessarily in that order. [:D]

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Sabrina, don't just stare at it, eat it.

[quote][i]Originally posted by i_like_lectric_motors[/i]
<br>C) They start threatening me because of the things I say and believe.
[/quote]
Fuckin' Pet Shop Boys fans, I tell ya.

[quote][i]Originally posted by i_like_lectric_motors[/i]

B) I've already banged all the hot women and find myself eyeing the barely acceptable ones.

[/quote]

Oh shit! I should have left 5 years ago!

[quote][i]Originally posted by i_like_lectric_motors[/i]
<br>
C) They start threatening me because of the things I say and believe.
[/quote]O shit, you're f***ed. [:p]

I've just passed the 8-year mark with my company (that's a record for sure), and while the corporate culture has its share of the "old school" and is rife with interdepartmental/communication breakdowns, I'm actually thankful for fresh blood in my department (web/marketing) that is bringing a new perspective on how to get things done. I welcome the challenges and I'm actually excited for a change rather than wallowing in old fart "in my day..." curmudgeonry or being resigned that the rusty corporate tanker can never be turned around to chart a new course. I'm prepared to leave in a couple years, but at least the past year has brought a kind of hope that had practically evaporated in years prior.

Very cool Mike. I've gone through periods like this at big companies. I hope it lasts. My experience has been that it doesn't, but while it does, it's fucking great and something to be appreciated fully.

24 years and counting for me. Ugh!