How long to stay in a job with no promotion potential

[Anonymous]

I work for a small division in an agency where my skill set only fits in my division. I’ve been there for a year and a half and don’t expect any higher level openings to come up over the next few years. In fact, around the time I started one director level job was filled with someone external, upsetting a few people on our team who thought they’d get the job. In the time I’ve been there there’s been one retirement. Even the top person in our section has been in his job fir five years.

Knowing the promotion potential is more or less nonexistent, how long should I stay? I’ve had several jobs on my resume that did not last more than three years. I left mist of them for better pay. Would it be so bad to leave this place in less than two years? The raises are pitiful so it’s not like there’s even bonus potential. I took this job to update my resume after a few years home with kids.

[Anonymous]

What is the GS level of the job?

[Anonymous]

I stayed too long. As soon as I left, my career took an enormous leap. But I am very conscious that I stagnated first 6 years and might not accomplish some goals before I retire.

[Anonymous]

Anything over a year is fine.

[Anonymous]

How called for is your unique skill set in other places? What level are you stuck in? If your skill set doesn’t have wide utility and you’re stuck at a 14, it’s not a terrible place to be in, especially if there’s a second income at home.

[Anonymous]

I’d stay until I had a few resume-worthy accomplishments and use those in interviews.

[Anonymous]

It’s been my experience that feds mostly hire externally. I would stay two years or so. Longer if you like it or get a great manager who you think will work with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work for a small division in an agency where my skill set only fits in my division. I’ve been there for a year and a half and don’t expect any higher level openings to come up over the next few years. In fact, around the time I started one director level job was filled with someone external, upsetting a few people on our team who thought they’d get the job. In the time I’ve been there there’s been one retirement. Even the top person in our section has been in his job fir five years.

Knowing the promotion potential is more or less nonexistent, how long should I stay? I’ve had several jobs on my resume that did not last more than three years. I left mist of them for better pay. Would it be so bad to leave this place in less than two years? The raises are pitiful so it’s not like there’s even bonus potential. I took this job to update my resume after a few years home with kids.

Do you mean a government agency, or some other type of agency like an ad agency?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the GS level of the job?

NP. I’m a tipped out GS14 non supervisory.

GS15 are a ton more work for just a little more pay

But I feel stagnation big time, however the steady hours works for young kids so I am torn.

What about you OP? Any kids or other constraints?

[Anonymous]

I am in a job with no promotion potential. I make 50,000. However, I work 12 hour days so do not work more than 3 days in a row, I work every other weekend and have 2-3 days off during the week every week. For family life this is invaluable. DD was only in daycare 10 days a month and now only goes to a sitter 8 days a month after school.
I suck up the job itself for the benefits it gives to our family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d stay until I had a few resume-worthy accomplishments and use those in interviews.

Yep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am in a job with no promotion potential. I make 50,000. However, I work 12 hour days so do not work more than 3 days in a row, I work every other weekend and have 2-3 days off during the week every week. For family life this is invaluable. DD was only in daycare 10 days a month and now only goes to a sitter 8 days a month after school.
I suck up the job itself for the benefits it gives to our family.

If you are dual income that job makes zero sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in a job with no promotion potential. I make 50,000. However, I work 12 hour days so do not work more than 3 days in a row, I work every other weekend and have 2-3 days off during the week every week. For family life this is invaluable. DD was only in daycare 10 days a month and now only goes to a sitter 8 days a month after school.
I suck up the job itself for the benefits it gives to our family.

If you are dual income that job makes zero sense.

Why?

Sounds like she’s a low-paid nurse.

The irregular daily routine would drive me bonkers, but it sounds like she likes it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in a job with no promotion potential. I make 50,000. However, I work 12 hour days so do not work more than 3 days in a row, I work every other weekend and have 2-3 days off during the week every week. For family life this is invaluable. DD was only in daycare 10 days a month and now only goes to a sitter 8 days a month after school.
I suck up the job itself for the benefits it gives to our family.

If you are dual income that job makes zero sense.

Maybe he/she wants to work or likes having their own money and not rely on their spouse for the family's income.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know if I’m likely to ever promote to the next level. I make about $75k working part time (32 hrs / week) and my employer is very flexible. In fact, when my manager talks about projects to take on to move toward promotion I’ve had sort of honest discussions that I’m not ready given the ages of my young children but honestly I’m not sure I ever want to go to the next level. I like the work and the balance I have now.