Employees Who Stay In Companies Longer Than Two Years Get Paid 50% Less

The article argues that employees who stay at the same company for more than two years can end up earning much less over a career. It says annual raises are often around 3% or less than inflation, while leaving for a new job often brings a 10% to 20% salary increase and sometimes more. It also says companies are more willing to pay higher base salaries and titles when hiring from outside.

It adds that job changes are not risk-free. Some employers dislike frequent transitions, and money is only one part of career decisions. The article’s conclusion is that workers should negotiate more aggressively, consider moving when it helps their pay, and think of themselves as responsible for maximizing their own earnings.

Reading notes

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• Staying with one company past two years is presented as a drag on lifetime earnings.
• Annual raises are described as small enough to fall below inflation.
• Leaving for another company is described as the main route to larger salary increases.
• Hiring managers in the piece say outside candidates often command higher pay and better titles.
• The article also notes that frequent job changes can hurt resumes with some employers.
• It closes by saying pay matters, but quality of life and health matter too.