I know the model answer should be it depends.
Personally I think young PM should explore more, at around 35-40, should be settle for a stable company.
In this way, the experience build up in the best learning age. Saving Changes...
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
If you are fortunate enough to work for service companies like I did, you can experience quite a breadth and depth of projects. Saving Changes...
Jochen ThomasProject Manager| SASSanford, Nc, United States
A transitional workforce seems to be the current trend right now. Our older folks are more comfortable in a long term stable company while our younger folks plan for and expect to change jobs and get pay raises every 24 months.
Its a struggle to manage the expectations of the younger workforce, as some of them don't gain a significant amount of experience in 24 months, and aren't ready for upward growth. Saving Changes...
Kimberly McCoyProject Manager| TekSystems - ContractorZanesville, Oh, United States
Up until now, I will say I explored, but for many reasons. Some where the positions I held were not suited for me (i.e. Sales - I am not a salesperson at all) to others where I was not a good fit for the company. Fortunately I have found 1. a position I enjoy, 2. a company I love, and 3. a location within proximity to my home, with little communiting time.
Also, exploring doesn't necessarily give you experience, especially in PM. I have gained more experience with my company I am currently at, then all my combined locations, but again this is just for me personally. Saving Changes...
LORI WILSONRETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint HealthClarkston, Wa, United States
Hello Alex: I think this is such an individual decision based on so many personal things. My career has been very different and doors have opened up for me along the way that I would never have really expected. I do agree it can be easier earlier in life to make changes, but it depends on if you have small children you are moving to new schools, etc. Whatever you decide, I wish you luck on your career path! Saving Changes...
I spent 20 years at my first IT company. It paid dividends that you cannot earn any other way. I gained the wisdom to see how a quick decision to expedite a project can cause significant problems later on. I've seen products go through entire lifecycles, from inception to sunset. These days, I bring that wisdom to the companies I contract for.
I worked for a very wise engineer, now CEO, who insisted in hiring people who had gone through several product iterations. He believed job hoppers didn't gain experience. He explained his reasoning in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRD_VZJdjjA Saving Changes...
JonAnn WhiteProject Implementation Manager| Trax TechnologiesAustin, Tx, United States
I have been fortunate to work long term for 2 good companies. 10+ years at each. You don't see that much anymore with so many shorter term project driven initiatives. I do think it depends on your situation. Saving Changes...
