Guest Post: Why Staying Too Long Can Cost You
The Case for Career Growth and Networking
Please check out this guest post from who writes Soul Compass
My father has worked at the same company for 50 years. Twice in that time, the company shut down operations, leaving him searching for both work and purpose.
Fortunately, the company reopened and took him back. Others weren’t as lucky—left scrambling to make next month’s mortgage, with no network or backup plan to fall back on.
All their eggs were in one basket—and when that basket sealed shut, the picnic was over. They didn’t know anyone else in the park. If they had, maybe they’d have found the leverage they needed to get back on their feet.
This situation highlights the importance of networking and switching jobs strategically to grow your career and improve your finances.
The Case for Switching Jobs
Skill Development and Growth
Every new job exposes you to fresh tools, challenges, and ways of thinking, helping you stay sharp, engaged, and marketable.
Increased Earning Potential
Companies are more willing to offer higher salaries to new hires, than increase pay for loyal employees. Shifting jobs can unlock better pay, bonuses, and perks.
Expanded Network and Opportunities
Working across multiple environments allows you to build a wider network, giving you access to mentors, job leads, and new career paths.
As a hiring manager, I saw this firsthand: I could easily meet the salary demands of new hires, but raises for existing employees were capped. It’s a frustrating truth—staying put can mean stagnating financially.
If you’re already employed, why not look around? You have nothing to lose. Sure, quitting without a Plan B is terrifying—I know because I just did it. But sometimes, it’s necessary.
When to Stay and When to Leap
No two situations are the same. If you’re in a healthy environment, by all means, stay—but always keep your options open.
“Comfort is the enemy of progress.” –P.T Barnum
The longer you stay in one place, the harder it becomes to see your potential—or where you could go next.
It’s like quicksand: the longer you linger, the tougher it is to leave.
And sometimes, it’s not just quicksand—it’s boiling water.
There’s a metaphor about a frog in a pot of lukewarm water. As the water slowly heats, the frog keeps adapting, convincing itself it’s fine—until it’s too late. This is called the "boiling frog syndrome."
It’s easy to get stuck in toxic situations, hoping things will improve, only to realize too late that they’ve drained you.
I’ve been that frog before—staying in jobs and relationships longer than I should, hoping things would get better. They didn’t. They just got hotter.
A Leap of Faith
Recently, I found myself in another pot. After a 3-year sabbatical, I landed what seemed like the perfect job—great salary, solid benefits, and wonderful coworkers. But there was one problem: my boss.
His leadership style was driven by ego and control, not collaboration. I faced a choice: make myself small to survive or leave. Staying would have meant sacrificing autonomy, enforcing decisions I didn’t agree with, and enduring passive-aggressive comments. Every cell in my body told me that staying would slowly kill my sense of self. I had more to lose—my personal ethics—than I had to gain from the paycheck.
So, I jumped.
Leaving wasn’t easy. I hate uncertainty as much as anyone. But in hindsight, it was the right decision. And although the job didn’t last, it still had value—I made connections that expanded my professional network.
The Power of Networking and Small Steps
“Most people will choose unhappiness over uncertainty”--Tim Ferris
Making big leaps feels overwhelming but it all starts with small movements. Break the process down for yourself into manageable steps:
Attend meetups
Start networking
Craft your resume
Join online communities
Apply for roles that excite you
Here’s the kicker: the job I left? I got it through networking.
Two former colleagues had also left our previous company because they understood the value of exploring new opportunities. Networking opened doors for me—and it can for you, too.
Switching jobs isn’t just about escaping a bad situation—it’s about expanding your skills, growing your network, and improving your financial future.
Even if the first leap feels scary, it can lead to a career (and paycheck) beyond what you imagined.
If you’re feeling stuck (or even if you’re not), don’t wait until it’s too late.
Trust your intuition. Make space.
Jump.
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