Loyalty to a Company: Is it Overrated?

I've often been told that my time with my current company is considered a rarity among those my age. Most of these young professionals like myself- coined as the group of "millenials"- have often moved to various companies and jobs over a variety of industries. Most often we find those millennials often do not stay with a company past a few short years. I often ask why that is, and I've received a few different answers.

I could not advance within my position. Now, this I am all too familiar with. You land a great job and after some time, you consider the option of staying long-term. But, as many have found, you hit the 'invisible' ceiling and realize there is no possible chance for advancement so you move on. Most millenials choose to not search within their current company for other job opportunities. And, unfortunately, these companies aren't looking to their younger employees as their future customers and therefore as a millennial leaves, so does that opportunity to get a more fast-forward approach in their market.

I was bored with my job- it made me feel old. The key for most companies is to find individuals that can fulfill their needs. But, what about the needs of the employee? Most people can admit they often find lackluster in their day-to-day positions. From the mass of e- mails, multiple meetings, piles of paperwork, and the like, most feel the mundane of the job. But what about your personal gratification- does one feel fulfilled after they complete their day? Often times not. This is where technology advancements, new ways of thinking and innovation come in to make the position more efficient. Most millennials these days are looking for a connection not only with their position, but also with their colleagues.

I didn't feel valued or appreciated - I was just a number. The larger the company, the less the individual, I always say (and you can quote me on that). Most companies care about numbers, bottom lines, and how they profit at the end of the day. Companies do not care about the individual or their happiness, so millennials have chosen to not work for these Fortune 500 companies. You will find most attempting their own startup business, or even Blogging and YouTubing their own brand in attempts to find another way of creating steady income. Most aren't looking for the old 9 to 5 work hours- they want the work-life balance their parents often sacraficed.

While it is in my opinion that loyalty can have its rewards, often those efforts go unnoticed by large corporations. While some may be quite content with their current endeavors, one cannot overlook the change that is coming forth as a result of the millennials hitting the workforce in full stride. Unless these larger companies come to terms that times are a-changing, when the largest group of baby-boomers finally retire, they will not see the workforce numbers they once had. The "normal" job may never be the same.