So, I overheard two people talking yesterday.
Laid off Lucy: Ya, I just found out that, after 29 years, I’ve been laid off
Concerned Cathy: I’m so sorry. At least you’ve had the same job for 29 years, so you’ll be attractive to a new employer.
Laid off Lucy: Ya, at least I have that going for me.
—
I didn’t want to argue with Lucy and Cindy, because of course, 1) they may be right, and 2) they may not have taken nicely to a pushy interruption.
But…
I wanted to say… Lucy, that may actually not work in your favor. Today’s economy is not based on stability and longevity as much as it is on innovation, ideas and change. It’s not that stability and longevity are bad qualities or unnecessary in the business world–they’re really important. But, they are no longer the hallmarks of a quality worker. They often portray a condition that’s stale or stuck. If you have a lot of longevity in your current world, don’t get cozy. You are probably a great employee. That’s not the point. The point: keep yourself flexible, adaptable and curious–because longevity is not what it was once cracked up to be.
As I was thinking about this, I ran across an interesting article somewhat related. Check it out.