When looking through resumes for an open position we are hiring, one of the first things I look at is length of time at each job. It almost doesn’t even matter what the job was. I want to see if this person is willing to commit long enough to be effective. I see a lot of resumes where it is obvious that when the job gets “real”, they move on to the next one. I have been at dinners with other leaders where most of the conversation is based on what they want their next gig to be.
There are many legitimate reasons for leaving a job, but I also believe there are great reasons to stick it out. Here are 4:
1. It shows loyalty
When I am hiring someone, I want to know if they are going to be loyal to the team. The first indication of loyalty is how long they were at their former positions. If you are just looking for the next, great thing, I am not interested.
2. It takes time to see results
I believe that it takes at least 2-3 years to see real results at a new position. It takes a year to feel comfortable, and at least another year to see fruit from the changes. Most professional coaches are given 3 year contracts when they join a new team. They have 2 years to build their system and 1 year to get results from it.
3. Every job has issues
There is no perfect job. Without some resistance, we will never produce at our highest level. Most songwriters write their best songs when life is against them. The hero’s of the Bible were most effective for God after a period spent in the dessert. No matter how great a position is, there will be times when you hate it. The exponential results happen after you press through it.
4. Stability produces excellence
Amazing results do not happen overnight. If there isn’t time for the refining and rebuilding process, it will never be the best. So many people leave or give up when they are on the brink of producing something great. That’s where the hard work is.
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