TODAY’S POLL

LAST POLL RESULTS

34.3% of you voted 10-19 years in yesterday’s poll: What’s the longest you worked for one employer?

“Under 5 years — unless you count working for myself. :)”

“My first real job after college was one I stayed at for 4 years. I eventually left for an opportunity in the wedding and event planning industry, but the job took a toll on me both mentally and physically. That experience made me realize that my first job truly had the full package — a great boss, a small but mighty team, and real work-life balance. I’m incredibly blessed they welcomed me back with open arms. Sometimes you just need a little growing up and the chance to explore what you think is your dream job to gain a new perspective. Now, heading into my 8th year there overall, I feel happy, at peace, and more appreciative than ever.”

“I worked for three years after getting out of high school and continued with the same company for two more years after I got married. I then became a stay-at-home mom until my youngest graduated from high school. After that, I had a couple of jobs that lasted a year or two each, then worked for USPS for nearly nine years. I retired to care for my husband when he had cancer.”

“10, 9, and 6.5 years are my longest stretches at different employers. I can be counted on, as long as the EMPLOYER can.”

“11 years was my longest run!”

“11 years at my previous firm. I could provide lots of interesting details about why I left — if you want more!”

“My first ‘real’ job lasted 11 years, my second job lasted 18 years, and I’m in my 20th year right now...”

“I worked for the same company from December 2000 to February 2012. Technically, the company changed ownership twice — in 2002 and 2003 — but the job and management team stayed the same, so I worked at the same office and desk for 12+ years. Other than that, my longest stretch was eight years, from 1988 to 1996. Since 2012, I’ve changed jobs four times. Fun times. LOL.”

“I did 12 years in corporate management, then a successful 15 years as a business owner. I closed the business when Covid arrived and later started doing jobs I was overqualified for but had always been curious about — and I must say… no regrets!”

“Right at 14 years — my last stop before retirement. Forced to resign. The corporate world is brutal. Being in my mid-50s at the time, I couldn’t find another position that would suffice my situation, so I called it quits. I know I’m blessed with my financial situation and don’t take it for granted. But still, after two years, I’m upset over the way I was forced to do it. I always envied the folks in generations before me who were able to work one job and company for their entire career!”

“Technically, I worked with the same people in the same department for 15 years, but the company was sold halfway through.”

“I worked a 9-to-5 for 17 years. It was great — I loved it. I only left because the business was sold.”

“I quit working for corporate knobs after Y2K and started my own company. I’m still working at 70+ — and enjoying it more every year. The corporate paychecks were nice, but the freedom I’ve had to truly enjoy life has been priceless.”

“I worked many years in the TV and film industry, though the actual employers — production companies — changed multiple times a year. In my later working years, I worked in public education while still doing film jobs on weekends and summers. It was a good balance and gave me retirement choices I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

“I’ll have been in my current position for 20 years as of February 2027 — so almost the 4th group...”

“Would absolutely still be working for my beyond-wonderful employer had they not gone through a leveraged buyout and then, of course, closed. But 26 years there, and 24 years — and still going — at my current job. When you find something you like, you stick with it.”

“My last employment lasted almost 28 years before I decided to retire. Prior to that, my previous jobs lasted 12 years and 11 years.”

“Just a few months short of 30 years.”

“It was a good job until they wanted more work from me for less money. Departure was a good move!”

“I thought I would retire from there, but they went out of business.”

“Every job has a pull date.”

“Self-employed small-business owner, but according to the Ds, I didn’t earn it.”

“Self-employed, freelance.”

“My own business, my own boss.”

“Myself! I’m a psychologist and have been working for myself for 40 years. Not always the best boss, but we can have cordial discussions when problems crop up. ;)”

“I’m the best boss I’ve ever had. Time off when I want, calling in sick even if I’m not, pay could be better — but that’s life.”

“I guess I’m a rare breed. I started in my 20s at a small family-owned business. Over the next 40 years, it grew massively. I humbly must add that my sacrifice and effort played a huge part in that. My advice to young folks is that if you can’t own your own business, make yourself so valuable that the company desperately needs you. It’s the key to job security. Just keep in mind that we’re all replaceable, so never get too cocky. I’ve seen that happen to many former employees — to their regret.”

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