Long Term Support

LTS stands for Long-Term Support, where software companies commit to providing updates for an extended period, typically several years. It is about reliability and longevity.

But I want to mention another kind of long-term support. Recently, I read an article about Kip Turner, a 68-year-old engineer who has spent 50 years at AT&T. Yes, half of a century in the same IT company. You can read it here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/01/68-year-old-engineer-spent-50-years-with-one-companyhis-one-regret.html

Working in the same company for five years is now considered a long tenure. The attention span wears out, the grass (perks) is always greener on the other side, and the work is just a place to get the job done. This is why Kip's strike is so exceptional. He kept it simple, constantly learning and switching roles within the same organization. Instead of resisting the system, he embraced it and created a complementary strategy. I can relate; I've been with a company for over 22 years (and counting!). Here are a few insights into long-term employment:

The good:

1. A company that can thrive for over a decade must have done something right. It could be due to the product or its organization, the management's instinct, or simply betting on the right innovation. You can observe the evolution and learn from it. It is like watching a 10-season TV show from the very beginning; you understand better what does it take to create a great place to work.
2. You will have a good chance to become an expert and enhance your domain knowledge. Companies adapt and adjust to market requirements, but remain faithful to the core business, which you will master.
3. You will observe and understand cultural changes in the organization. As you will you have more time to watch, it will be easier to understand the cause and effect of social interactions.
4. As an expert in your company, your colleagues may challenge you with questions about its mission statement and vision, products, strategies, key customers, all best and worst ideas of the past. Avoid the temptation of appearing as an all-knowing messiah, instead, stay humble and provide reliable information. This is a chance for you to enhance your communication skills, since you have a lot to talk about.
5. In a constantly thriving company, you can take a leadership role, mentor new engineers, and expand your network by collaborating with experienced professionals from mergers and acquisitions.

The bad

1. Working long years at the same desk and using the same office kitchen will make you dull. No wonder Andy dug his tunnel and ran away from Shawshank. It took him 27 years just because he couldn't send a resignation letter to HR.
2. Eventually, your learning will plateau, and you'll start to rely solely on the intuition. This could lead to your skills and knowledge becoming obsolete suddenly, akin to a personal "Nokia effect," representing accidental obsolescence – the opposite of long-term support.
3. Be aware of the sunk cost fallacy. You will become so emotionally attached to the company that it will be challenging to maintain an objective perspective.

The Ugly

1. As the informal Chief Archaeology Officer, your responsibility will be to answer questions others may have forgotten or overlooked. When you are the last living dinosaur, you will be asked questions about other dinosaurs. You will be tasked with giving specifications for services that nobody was aware of. You will be responsible for on-boarding consultants. And reviewing the code. And taking care of stuff that nobody else wants to do.
2. Touching the flame. Taking risks is part of the process when trying something new. Even though you will recognize when an idea is not the best, you won't always be able to convince new team members to avoid making mistakes that you've seen before. Consequently, some projects will stall, and the teams will waste time, on your watch.

In conclusion, staying longer at one company can make you an indispensable asset to your organization. This tenure allows you to build lasting relationships and expertise. However, it's essential to balance this with the cons, such as potential stagnation and missed growth opportunities. Ultimately, your choice must align with your long-term career support.

BTW, read "Lynchpin" by Seth Godin. It's great.