4 years. 2.5 years in an entry level position and then took a promotion 1.5 years ago. I like what I do, the place I work for and the people I work with but my wife and I are looking for a change.
I applied for a job last week that would have been a small step back. It is an entry level position but would have taken back to where I grew up. Called today and found out my application was rejected because my degree is in finance, not public finance and 4 years of experience doing the exact same job as I applied for doesn’t make up for the “wrong” degree.
OP, I feel your pain.
I’ve heard it said that in modern job settings, assuming you have a desire to move up, if you don’t move up or get a raise in around 3 years or so, best to move on. After that timeline, the company has little incentive to promote you or pay you more money. They already have you.
In this job market, if they aren’t incentivizing you to stay, you can likely take a step up elsewhere.