askST Jobs: I’ve been with the same company for a ‘long’ time. Can I still switch jobs?

In this series, business journalist Timothy Goh offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times’ Headstart newsletter.

Q: Does staying too long in one company hurt your job prospects?

Staying with the same company for 10 years or more is typically seen as a long tenure.

Long tenure alone is not the problem, perceived stagnation is. Employers may be concerned if you have spent so long in one place that you have become comfortable, risk-averse or inflexible, said Dr Nik Chong, an independent HR and business consultant.

“Don’t apologise for your years of service, but show what you’ve learnt and how you’ve stayed sharp,” he said.

“Have you driven change projects, led a team or adapted to new technologies or market shifts? Make that visible.”

Dr Chong added that employees should be clear with prospective employers about why they are moving now, whether for growth, a new challenge, a different industry or a better fit, and stand by that reason.

“Leaving after a long tenure signals you’ve mastered your role, but new employers will expect you to adapt fast – be humble about what you don’t know,” he said.

Ms Diyls Chua, a certified professional at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, said that employees can switch jobs regardless of how long they have stayed with a company, and there is no clear threshold for what constitutes “too long”.

“In the past, it was common for employees to stay with an organisation for 20 years or more... Today, the landscape has shifted, and many companies are already focused on retaining employees beyond the three-year mark,” she said.

“Tenure alone is no longer a reliable indicator of adaptability or ambition.”

Employees who have spent a long time in one organisation may develop strong attachments to colleagues, culture and benefits, which can make the idea of leaving more complex, but not necessarily a disadvantage.

“In fact, long tenure can signal loyalty, deep institutional knowledge and sustained contribution,” Ms Chua added.

Rather than focusing on how long they have stayed, employees should consider whether they are still adding value in their roles.

Length of service also does not equate to quality of contribution – some individuals make a significant impact within a short period, while others continue to grow and contribute meaningfully over many years.

As for how prospective employers view long tenures, this depends largely on how candidates present their experience.

“If you can demonstrate continued growth, adaptability and impact, staying long in one company is rarely seen as a drawback,” Ms Chua said.