It’s the kind of question that pops up more than you might think, whether you’ve just hit your one year mark, or you’ve been in the same seat for what feels like forever. How long is too long in a job? And how soon is too soon to leave?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are definitely a few things to consider if you’re thinking about your next career move. At Alchemy, we support professionals across multiple industries, and we’ve helped hundreds of candidates figure out when it’s time to stick it out, or when it’s time to move on.
What Employers Think About Job Tenure
Let’s start with the basics. While the job market has evolved, and employers are much more open to seeing a few short stints on a CV, stability still matters.
A typical benchmark is two to three years in one role. That shows you’ve had time to settle in, take ownership of your responsibilities, and make an impact. It also gives you time to grow within the role (which employers love to see).
Employers are looking for a story of progression, not a patchwork of short contracts with no clear direction. If you've made strategic moves, taken on new challenges, or left roles for valid reasons like redundancy, relocation, or culture fit, that context matters. The key is being able to explain it clearly and confidently.
Signs You Might Be Ready for a New Role
Even the best jobs can start to feel stale. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to move on, ask yourself:
- Am I still learning or developing new skills?
- Do I feel challenged in a good way, or just drained?
- Is there room to grow here, or have I hit a ceiling?
- Do I still feel aligned with the company’s values and goals?
If the answer to most of those is “no,” it might be worth exploring what else is out there. You don’t need to rush out the door, but staying in a role that’s no longer serving you doesn’t help you or your career.
That said, jumping too quickly (especially multiple times in a row) can create a pattern that’s hard to explain. The sweet spot? Staying long enough to make a contribution, learn something valuable, and leave on good terms.
What If You’ve Moved Around a Lot?
You’re not alone. The days of staying in one company for 20 years are pretty much gone, especially in fast-paced industries. Career paths today are more flexible, more diverse, and often a bit messier, and that’s okay.
If you’ve had a few short roles, focus on the value you brought and the skills you picked up along the way. Employers are more concerned with the reasons behind your job changes than with how often you've changed jobs.
Whatever the reason, being upfront and honest and showing how each role helped you grow, is the best approach.
So, How Long Should You Stay?
Here’s a rough guide, but remember, this isn’t a rulebook, just a helpful framework:
- Less than 1 year – Can be fine, especially for contract roles. (just be ready to explain).
- 1–2 years – Shows you’ve worked there for long enough to contribute, but still looking to grow.
- 2–3 years – Generally ideal for showing stability, commitment, and impact.
- 3–5+ years – Great for showing loyalty, particularly if you’ve progressed internally or taken on new challenges.
The main thing to ask yourself is this: is this role helping me move forward? That could mean learning new skills, taking on leadership responsibilities, building your network, or even improving your work/life balance.
If the answer is yes, you’re in a good place. If not, it might be time to take that next step.
Thinking About Moving On?
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to make a move, it’s worth chatting to someone who understands the market. That’s where we come in.
At Alchemy, we support candidates across a wide range of sectors, from logistics and HR to finance, legal, sales, technology and beyond. Whether you’re looking to make your next move, return to the workforce, or pivot into something new, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Get in touch with one of our consultants and let’s talk about your goals. Whether you’re ready to move or just want to explore your options, we’re here to help you take your next step with confidence.
