How Long Should You Stay at Your Job?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You are free to choose how you want to proceed with your career path at any given circumstance. Same way, when it comes how long you decide to stay at a job.

Usually, we stay because our contracts require us to. On the other hand, there are times when we make an effort to assess how our roles within the organization are advancing our careers and not impeding them.

For additional information on how long do we need to stay at our jobs, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “at one’s whim” mean? “I think companies do expect an unrealistic level of loyalty, but, unfortunately where at their whim a lot of times, right?“ Use this expression in your own sentence.
2. What is the meaning of “management pipeline“? “Companies with strong learning culture see higher rates of retention, more internal mobility, and a healthier management pipeline.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. What does “goldilocks dynamic” mean? “But there’s also a goldilocks dynamic to this. Sometimes, companies don’t mind turnover.” Construct a sentence with this term.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are reasons listed in the video as to the reasons workers quit their jobs? Based on your personal experience, which ones can you relate to?
2. What is your opinion on this, “Job switchers increase their salary more quickly than those who stay put.“?
3. In your opinion, how long should people stay at their jobs?
4. What do you think about job hopping? Is this a smart move? Why or why not?
5. On the other hand, share your thoughts on staying at the same job or profession for the rest of your work life.
6. Discuss your thoughts on this advice, “Don’t focus on money. Focus on skills. And if you are comfortable in the skills that you are acquiring, then you are ready to move on to the next level.“.