Morris Murdock Escorted Tours

Today I’ve reached a milestone of 30 years with the same company.  To me this looks like me wearing a witch’s hat as I started work at Murdock Travel on Halloween day, 1994! Knowing this anniversary has been coming, I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on what that means anymore in this era of the “working professional”.  

It seems that this is a rare achievement in an age where the average worker now changes jobs every 4 to 5 years.  In researching, dedicating three decades to one organization seems to speak to a level of commitment, resilience, and adaptability that seems the “younger generations” haven’t been taught or developed.  Also, organizations know of this newer trend, and you can see that from their side, they aren’t working as hard to keep employees around by either acknowledging their loyalty and contributions to company growth, if warranted.  As you can see, it has changed on both sides.  

So, while 30 years seems to deserve celebration, it also means that reflecting on this journey can reveal valuable lessons about longevity in the workplace and provide inspiration for others in today's fast-evolving professional landscape. Here’s what 30 years with one company looks like to me and why I think it’s still relevant today.

Building Deep Relationships and Knowledge - Staying with the same company over a long period allows for the development of deep, lasting relationships with colleagues, clients, in my case travel vendors, and company leadership. These connections go beyond professional interactions, often evolving into personal friendships and mentorships. Over time, these relationships to me have meant a supportive network that not only encourages collaboration but most importantly to me it has fostered a sense of belonging—which is a key factor in job satisfaction and longevity.

Working in the same environment and even the same team members, it also enables an individual to develop unparalleled expertise. I don’t think anyone understands the ins and outs of a company better than someone who’s been there for decades. I hope that this depth of knowledge does bring value to my organization, as long-term employees can identify trends, prevent potential pitfalls, and provide insight that only comes with years of experience with the been there done that, and how will it be better this time reflection.

Embracing Change in the Workplace - Spending three decades with one employer doesn’t mean remaining stagnant. In fact, it often requires flexibility and adaptability. Companies evolve over time.  In my case I’ve worked for the same company that has undergone 2 major mergers that have changed our name and demographic.  It’s meant adopting new technologies, workflows, and corporate strategies. When I started email was just beginning to be a “thing”!  From switching to digital processes to embracing remote work, long-term employees are often at the forefront of these significant shifts and can help the company successfully implement the best practices.

Adaptability to change is the core skill that makes it possible to stay with one company through various stages of its development. Wait, who moved my cheese?  Learning to embrace new ideas, tools, and approaches has been essential to thriving in one place, especially as businesses today are required to be more dynamic than ever.

Loyalty and Trust: The Foundation of Long-Term Success - Loyalty may seem old-fashioned, but it remains a cornerstone for both employees and employers. Staying with the same company for 30 years demonstrates a strong sense of trust and loyalty, qualities that are invaluable in building a dependable workforce. This must also be from the employer.  Organizations that retain employees for such extended periods tend to invest in them through training, career growth, and meaningful projects. This mutual loyalty contributes to the organization's stability and ensures that the employee's contributions are recognized and valued. While no relationships are perfect, I am grateful that I’ve been the recipient of this more times than not.  The growth has been on both sides.

Mentorship and Legacy - After three decades, one has extensive background and firsthand experience, and a long-term employee can offer guidance and wisdom that helps others navigate their own paths within the organization and industry. By fostering and mentoring the next generation of workers, we can leave a legacy within the company, passing down knowledge that strengthens the team’s continuity and resilience.  I am grateful that our leadership team has embraced this idea of developing “our replacements” as it shows we value all the knowledge time has given the long-term employee. 

Reflections on Career Satisfaction - Reaching this 30 years milestone has allowed me to reflect on what truly matters in a career: meaningful work, growth opportunities, and a company culture that aligns with their values. It’s a testament to the fact that career satisfaction isn’t only about climbing a corporate ladder—it’s about finding a place where one can grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and stay true to their values over the years.

Celebrating the Journey - As I celebrate this milestone, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, friendships, and growth this journey has brought. It’s a testament to the fact that career satisfaction isn’t only about climbing a corporate ladder—it’s about finding a place where one can grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and stay true to the values over the years that have meant something to me.  While today’s job market may look very different, the values of loyalty, adaptability, and relationship-building remain timeless. 

So, here’s to the next chapter, wherever it may lead, and to the new opportunities to contribute and grow.