Are you staying too long? What’s the balance?

There’s nothing wrong with staying loyal to a company. But staying comfortable for too long can come at a cost.

In the architecture, design and construction industry, we often see professionals move every 2-3 years. One of the biggest reasons? Salary growth.

The reality is that external moves often result in larger pay increases than annual reviews. If you’ve been with the same company for 8-10 years, there’s a good chance the market has moved faster than your salary.

But it’s not always that simple.

Moving every few years can mean:
– Higher salaries and faster career progression.
– Exposure to different project types, teams and ways of working.
– Building a broader network across the industry.

On the flip side:
– You may never see a project through from start to finish.
– You might miss out on deeper technical knowledge and long-term client relationships.
– Employers can question whether you’ll stay long enough to make an impact.

There isn’t a right or wrong answer.

Some people prioritise stability, seeing projects through and becoming experts within one business. Others are focused on accelerating their career and increasing their earning potential.

The important thing is to make sure you’re making a conscious decision, not staying because it’s comfortable.

Ask yourself: Are you still growing where you are, or are you simply staying because it’s familiar?