How Long is Long Enough?

When to stay, when to go, and when to step up

If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling at 2am wondering whether you’ve overstayed your welcome—or jumped ship too soon—you’re not alone. For many professionals, especially Executive Assistants and strategic business partners, the question of how long is long enough can become both a career anxiety and a performance review in disguise.

Stay too long, and you risk being seen as stagnant. Leave too soon, and you're branded a job-hopper. Miss your window for promotion, and someone else may climb the ladder instead. Move too early, and you may end up in a lateral role with less opportunity, not more.

So what’s the right amount of time? How do you know when to push for more—and when to make a clean exit?

The short answer: It depends. The better answer: It depends on your goals, your growth, and your environment. And the best answer? You need to evaluate your role not by a calendar, but by a framework.

Let’s explore.

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The Traditional Wisdom—and Why It’s Shifting

There was a time when staying 3–5 years in a role was the norm, especially in large corporate environments. It showed loyalty, commitment, and staying power. It was expected. Employers liked to see stable CVs, and those who left roles in under a year were often viewed with suspicion.

But the workplace has changed. Rapid digital transformation, startup culture, and an increase in project-based and portfolio careers have upended the old timeline. According to recent LinkedIn data, the average tenure for Millennials is just under three years, and for Gen Z, it’s even shorter.

The stigma of job-hopping has softened—but it hasn’t vanished. Hiring managers still look for evidence of impact, progression, and decision-making—whether that’s across roles or within a single post.

So while staying a long time isn’t necessarily a virtue, moving too quickly can still raise eyebrows—unless your narrative is clear, confident, and intentional.

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The Learning Curve Test: Are You Still Growing?

This is the first and most important question to ask:

Am I still learning?