At a recent happy hour, I was speaking with a VP who leads a technology team at one of our Fortune 500 clients. Our conversation turned to early-career employees and the stereotypes they often face in the workplace – the perception that they suffer from “shiny object syndrome,” believing they deserve immediate responsibility and high-level work, jumping quickly to new opportunities, and lacking patience to pay their dues. He shared his frustration with retention issues at his company, noting that young people seem so eager for opportunity that they lack loyalty or the tolerance to work through challenges. However, he also shared that early in his career, he took a risk by leaving a stable job at a large bank for a start-up opportunity, which ultimately skyrocketed and reshaped his career for the better.

We both agreed that while moving roles for a great opportunity can be wise, it’s essential to evaluate such moves thoughtfully and not assume that change always equals progress. It’s easy to know when to take a leap, but knowing when to stay put is a tougher call.

In the early stages of a career, the advice to “maximize your twenties” is everywhere. Social media, influencers, peers, and society push different ideas on what you should be doing: “Never stay in a job that doesn’t excite you!” “Ask for more money!” “Don’t settle for a bad boss!” “Work for a cause you care about!” “Be your own boss!” “Companies won’t be loyal to you, so be loyal to yourself!”

While some of these pieces of advice have merit, after years of interviewing early-career professionals, I’ve gained valuable perspective on their struggles, what they’re lacking, and what they’re hoping to find. Some job seekers are genuinely unhappy – overworked, underpaid, underappreciated – but many others simply fear missing out on a better opportunity. Their experiences have shaped my own approach to career decisions, particularly in knowing when to move on and when to stay. The key takeaway is that in the early years of your career, it’s crucial to weigh factors like opportunity vs. loyalty, and instant gratification vs. long-term growth.

In these early stages, knowing when to push for something new or when to make the most of your current situation can be tough. It’s contrary to popular advice, but here are a few key points to consider when deciding whether to stay in your current role.

Consideration 1: What are your priorities?

First, clarify your priorities when it comes to your job. Write them down and rank them. Keep it simple—don’t list more than four or five, so you can truly focus on what matters. Mine include: belief in the work I do, flexibility for life outside of work, financial compensation, and enjoying the people I work with. These priorities can change based on the phase of life you’re in, so it’s worth revisiting annually. When considering a new opportunity, compare it against your priorities. Maybe the shiny offer is more lucrative but compromises your work-life balance. Evaluating how well the role aligns with your priorities can help guide your decision.

Consideration 2: What untapped potential exists in your current role?

For ambitious professionals, feeling stuck can be frustrating, especially if your growth opportunities seem limited. If you find yourself in a situation where it feels like advancement is impossible, ask yourself if this is really the case. Revisit your priorities: Are you still learning and growing? If so, it might be better to fully engage with your current role so you’re better equipped for the next opportunity. Even if a higher position doesn’t exist in your organization right now, it doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. Many of the best roles I’ve had didn’t exist before I stepped into them, so staying engaged and building your skills could prepare you for an unexpected opportunity.

Consideration 3: Are you feeling underutilized?

Remember, you’re in control of your career. If you feel underutilized or bored with your current work, you don’t necessarily need to leave to create change. You can take the initiative to make your role more fulfilling. Often, people are reluctant to take on “entry-level” tasks because they feel they’re beneath them, but these tasks can be valuable learning opportunities. By mastering these tasks, you can prove your reliability and readiness for more significant work.

For example, I know someone whose early-career associate, Kevin, is frustrated that he doesn’t get more “strategic” work. However, Kevin puts in minimal effort on the simpler tasks, and his boss doesn’t trust him with more complex work until he proves his reliability. It’s a cycle of mutual frustration. But if Kevin took the initiative to excel in the “easy” tasks, he’d likely be considered for bigger opportunities when they arise.

Can you take on more responsibility in your current role? Volunteering for tasks outside your typical duties can help shape your role into what you want it to be.

Ultimately, a blog post can’t tell you whether it’s time to leave or stay. Your situation is unique. In today’s world of endless social media posts and comparisons, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind or missing out. Before making any decisions, reflect on your day-to-day priorities, evaluate your current path, and ask yourself if you’re doing everything you can to maximize your current role. While many people will work at several companies throughout their careers, being intentional about your decisions and your journey is one of the best ways to be loyal to yourself.