1000 Day Cycle

I was recently asked by an executive recruiter why I have changed jobs so many times in my career.  The answer for me was simple, the 1000 day cycle of course.  Then I remembered that this is my own language. That others may not be familiar with this concept.

Life is like writing a book and in this case every chapter is 1000 days.  In a 40 year career you get 13 to 20 chapters. Sometimes those chapters are tragic, sometimes comedic, and hopefully a few times just plain glorious.  Sometimes a chapter takes you to a new location, a new company, or a new job function.  One of the best parts of this concept is that even when things look bleak you can always tell yourself there are less than 1000 days to go.

1000 days is approximately two years and nine months.  This gives you 60 to 90 days to ramp up, then you have a full two years to really be productive, followed by a short wind down period.  Unless you're sending a man to the moon or some other incredibly complicated process 1000 days seems the appropriate time to stay in one position.  If you cannot reach your goals in that time, then you may never be able to reach the end.

As for loyalty, can someone really ask for anything more?   Have you ever read a book where the chapter just goes on and on. Things need to come to a conclusion.  It does not mean you need a promotion it just means you need a change.

My final thought on the 1000 day cycle is that it is a great motivator. You can honestly tell staff that the job is up for grabs in 1000 days or less.  So get counting and get moving.  A 1000 days goes fast.  Write chapters that are intriguing.  Make yourself rare and unique.  Keep people interested in your story.

As for other answers to the recruiter. I have almost always accomplished the task in the 1000 days. If you do a good job people are willing to hire you back.  So why would an employer want somebody who is going to need more than 1000 days to get the job done.

Finally a little plug for full-time MBA programs.  The risk return may not be optimal but I promise it will be one of the best chapters you ever write.