I have been in my first job for almost 8 years now. During this time I learn many things, took more responsibility, trained new people, and my manager trust me a lot. I always believed building long history in one company is something employers respect.
But every time I read career advice, it almost sounds like I already make a mistake by staying. People keep saying if you don't move every few years, your salary fall behind and recruiters start asking why you never left. It makes me question if loyalty is even valuable anymore.
The strange thing is I still enjoy my work. I am not desperate to quit. I just worry that one day, if the company has layoffs or I need a new job, employers will see my resume and think I have no experience outside one environment. I never thought this would become something I have to explain.
For people who hire or review resumes, what is your first thought when you see someone spending almost their whole career in one company? Does it make you think they are dependable, or does it raise concern that they may struggle to adapt somewhere else? I really want to know how this is viewed in real hiring.