Job hopping

80 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 12,2021 at 8:21PM UTC

   If she wants to be out by March or April of next year she needs to start looking now. I don't know where this advice comes from that people need to stay at least a year but if it's toxic she needs to leave. she can just say that it's not the right fit.

2. Sarah HaberlandDecember 12,2021 at 8:23PM UTC

   The older I get, the more I realize there are less "rules" than we have been led to believe. In this instance, there is no rule that you should stay at a job for a year. There is a perception that "job hopping" is frowned upon, however I would say that staying is more toxic. I would suggest she leave if the toxicity is company wide (like if joining another team won't help for example). The friend might also consider going to HR, or some companies have an anonymous hotline you can report things to, which might be a way to mention the culture obstacles. Let's say your friend works for a hypothetical company, ACME, and they have high turnover (a good example of unhappy employees), your friend's next employer might wonder why she stayed for a whole year (if she does stay), especially if that next employer has knowledge of how toxic ACME is. Leaving after a short time can be explained in a professional manner that the company culture did not align with your friend's professional expectations of work/life balance, respectful communications policies, equal job assignment distribution, etc. The reason can be honest, but also professional/diplomatic. I would not bypass her resume if I were a hiring manager, I would respect her ability to uphold her own morals and seek a better company culture.

3. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 1:27PM UTC

   Agreed . I have seen people at my old company leave after a month and do fine . This person should start trying to get another job ASAP. My former job was so toxic I would get nausea Everytime I had to have a meeting with my jerk of a manager .

4. Barb HansenDecember 12,2021 at 9:11PM UTC

   Start looking for a new job immediately. It might take months to find the right position.

   As a hiring manager, I would never skip over a resume that had a short-placement job on it.

   As a person, I have left a very toxic job as quickly as I could. I worked at this place for about 4 months and at about week 3, it was obvious this company was horrible, so I started looking for work at that point. I do not list this company on my resume.

5. AnonymousDecember 12,2021 at 9:15PM UTC

   She should put her resume out there and keep it out even after landing a new job. That will give her the best opportunity to have a plan B if she finds herself in a similar situation or layoffs.

   If your friend is asked about job-hopping, she can turn the focus on the company she is interviewing with. She could say, for example, "Yes I have been there 10 months, and Company A has afforded me the opportunity to learn a variety of new.... software/skills and sharpen my....skills (choose skills and software specific to the job you are interviewing for). I am grateful for all that I have learned at Company A, however, from what I have learned about Company B during my research, I believe this is a great cultural fit and the position aligns with my career goals, such as (pick one).

   One last thing, I would not pass on a job hopper. As a matter a fact, I was one for many years and was recently hired on as a permanent employee. Tell your friend to keep her head up, focus on her end game and good things are coming.

6. AnonymousDecember 12,2021 at 11:38PM UTC

   I don't think leaving the company is anymore than working a long term temp assignment and deciding to look for something else. It's simply not a,long term fit for you.

7. Angela Juang, CPC, ELI-MPDecember 12,2021 at 11:52PM UTC

   I don't think she should feel obligated to stick it out if it's affecting her negatively. When explaining the situation, she doesn't have to bash the company or her manager - stepping back and taking a more objective view, it's probably safe to say something like she's discovered the position/company isn't a good mutual fit for her, or that she's found her values or needs don't align with the company's, etc. - whatever feels honest and accurate but also factual and objective. On the hiring side, I personally wouldn't bypass her just for that - we're human, and it happens! (It's happened to me, too!)

8. Anita GetzDecember 13,2021 at 1:34AM UTC

   Not knowing where you are located but in PA you are hired at will meaning that you or employer can terminate your job, without reason. As far as what she tells prospective employers, all she had to say it was not a good fit.

9. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 1:13PM UTC

   I would usually advise people to stick it out for around 1.5 to 2 years as it builds resume especially early in career. Then I saw a colleague get a heart attack at work due to a stress-inducing boss and another couple developed neurological issues. I have personally developed neck and jaw pain that has taken years of my life to come out of. So leave when you need to and protect your health like anything!!

10. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 1:33PM UTC

    She should find a new job before quitting the current one. The degree to which this short stint will be held against her probably depends on how long she stayed at previous jobs. She should be mindful of the fact that if she leaves this job so soon, it will become important for her to stay longer at the next, so make sure it’s really a good fit before leaving.

    You said the culture is toxic, but is that the entire company or her specific team or department. She might be able to find an opportunity to transfer internally.

11. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 1:35PM UTC

    I agree with many here that the so-called “rule” that it’s wrong to leave a job after less than 1 or even 2 years is ridiculous. It’s better to break free from a toxic situation than to endure it to placate the people who are weird and judgmental about that. I have left jobs after just 6 months and have stayed longer at others, and my career is just fine. I also know someone who has stayed at most of their jobs for a year or less and keeps getting hired (and these were NOT contract or temporary jobs). They’ve been at their latest job for a few years so hopefully they’ve found the right fit. But changing jobs frequently has not been detrimental to their career.

12. Diane J HuffDecember 13,2021 at 1:37PM UTC

    Honestly, if this were 2 years ago, I would tell her to stick it out. But here's the deal, this is the ONLY time in my life that a quick turnaround or a gap in your resume doesn't matter as much. So many of us are following a gap due to COVID or striking out during The Great Resignation and most of my HR friends and recruiters don't see it as a negative as much as it was. Tell your friend to polish her resume and start looking. I say this every day on LinkedIn and I will say it again - if your job defines you this much, if your happiness rises and falls with your career - find the right one! The work culture, hours, work-life balance - all of these things matter. Don't wait - look! And if they ask you why - tell them it wasn't the job or the culture they advertised. That's it. Your life, your health, your mental health - protect it at all costs. I have never held a job for more than 2 years in 20 years and I'm successful than I have ever been. Tell her to go for it!

13. Stephanie ForteDecember 13,2021 at 2:09PM UTC

    Replying because I absolutely agree! I found myself in a similar situation. I started a position in March this year. Without too many details, the culture and timing demands needed improvement. I've since moved on into one of the best roles I've held. She absolutely should do what's best for her!

14. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 1:38PM UTC

    Nowadays, I don't think it is that big of a deal to move around. Honestly it is the only way you will keep current in salary. Stay with one company too long in the same job/field and you are probably behind considerably compared to the market or even to the new hires in your own company. You can easily explain the desire to move on with I was hired for X and the company has decided to go in Y direction. I would like to continue to grow and develop my XYZ skills and the new direction is not conducive to this desire. You can also say the new position just isn't working out to what you thought or were hired to do and you would like to be able to find a job more aligned with your goals and career.( if you say that - know exactly what you would like as they will ask)

15. Leah LaBreeDecember 13,2021 at 1:41PM UTC

    I've been in your colleague's situation before. I will admit there are some companies who will look at this as job hopping and not hire her for that specific reason -- this is not the company she would want to work for to begin with! I'm currently temping for a much better company than the one I left, and my superiors completely understand what I mean when I tell them "I left due to being exposed to a toxic environment. As much as I value my work and my ethics, my health is just as valuable."

    When you find the right company to work for, they don't focus as much on the "job-hopping" as many are lead to believe. The right company will value your friend's work ethics and drive behind the job more than how long they've stayed at one job or another.

    Your colleague needs to start looking for a new job fast. As in 'yesterday' fast. I cannot express how my health has gotten so much better since I've left my own toxic environment.

    If she's asked why she left so early, have her explain simply the position was not a good fit for her ethics and values as she was originally lead to believe.

16. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 6:39PM UTC

    I temped much of my career and this is spot on. The skills and experience you've gained are more important than the dates and places. I use a functional resume as a chronological one would like job hopping. My now employer found that having experience in many different industries was ideal.

17. MJDecember 13,2021 at 1:42PM UTC

    Start looking immediately. If asked about why you are looking, a good reason to give is that it seems the company will be relocating or reorganizing. Or you can say while it's a fine job/company, the (position) at (company you are interviewing) is a great opportunity.

18. Amy GeffenDecember 13,2021 at 1:42PM UTC

    Before Covid it was necessary to stay at least a year or two. Now it is common for people to switch. You can't say the environment was not conducive to tele-commuting. You can say that you were hired to do one thing and then asked to do something totally different. Or, the company went in a different direction. I would not quit just yet. Start looking for another job and try to stick it out. When you take a job it is always good to keep looking so that you don't find yourself in a toic situation with no way out.

19. Damie WilsonDecember 13,2021 at 1:55PM UTC

    Depending on what this person is doing, no one should go to work with elevated cortisone levels. I worked a job that was hostile for 18 months just because I ha Don where else to go. If she can stick it out for a full year and interviews for a new position, puts ina notice that’s not job hopping that’s trying for a year to see if it’s a good fit for a career move. I am a travel nurse and I job hop as a traveler all the time because admins change too much and I like having a month off of work at a time.

20. Damie WilsonDecember 13,2021 at 1:56PM UTC

    My spelling can’t be changed sorry. I have a sinus infection and typing double blind here. Lol. Good luck to this person.

21. Bonnie DilberDecember 13,2021 at 1:59PM UTC

    As a recruiter, I try to put this stuff in context of the whole resume. Lots of stints of less than 6 months without increases in title might raise flags. One or two aren't a big deal. I wouldn't stay at a place I hated over resume fears, especially right now when employees are so short-staffed.

    Also depends on the industry. In tech, it almost seems to be the norm that people constantly switch jobs. Back when I worked in education, it was more concerning because quitting on kids mid year is so detrimental and was a big risk for us to take.

22. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 2:07PM UTC

    She needs to start looking now. It can take 6 months to a year if her salary and benefit package is substantial.

    Would I tell anyone working in a toxic environment to stay? Never. It isn't worth it.

23. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 2:08PM UTC

    I am not a recruiter but I have been in a hiring position and I don’t care if there is a short stint.

    In Covid times people were laid off or worked to the brink. People had to take jobs that may not be a match in order to pay their bills. Employers may have hired people and not been able to support them properly.

    Bottom line, this is an unprecedented time and empathy is needed.

    Look for a job. Focus on what is right for you. Take your power back. :)

24. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 3:06PM UTC

    I posted this comment and want to follow up with one point. If the person in this situation reads this message and has empathy for others, I would encourage them to have the same empathy for themselves. You are valuable. Put your health first. Maybe that means asserting boundaries at work. Prioritizing your health. Taking a day off for mental wellness. Setting a daily intention. Therapists can really help us with these kids of tools.

25. Kirsten SchmittDecember 13,2021 at 2:13PM UTC

    Start looking for a new position immediately, network with connections from near and far, and make sure the resume is tip top and ready to submit. This situation will not improve. The longer you stay in a toxic work environment, the less positive energy you will have to interview and be able to move forward.

26. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 2:14PM UTC

    I was laid off due to COVID for a year and took a job back in April because I have bills to pay and I honestly wanted to give it a try. Now after 8 months, I am leaving to go somewhere else, but I also realized there is no manager support in my position after training.

27. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 2:36PM UTC

    Feeling exactly the same way and not sure what to do. Cannot get my job done with a boss who never responds to messages and doesn't order supplies needed for where I work. I also have no heat...and 60 is pretty chilly to work in, when it's in the 20's outside. Have talked to the CEO and HR with no change.

28. AnonymousDecember 14,2021 at 1:56PM UTC

    I can relate to the temperature. I worked in an old building that had not seen real maintenance or repairs in 20+ years, and temperature could be anywhere from the 40s to 80s. I found out that there are no binding temperature limits set by OSHA, because comfort depends so much on personal preference.

    We also had leaking roofs, critters, failing hardware and wiring, mandatory overtime yet HVAC units would shut down at 4pm and over the weekend....

    Aside from all the personal preferences, how does any company expect workers to be productive, if the most basic work needs are not met??

29. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 2:38PM UTC

    I know several people who have been switching jobs and companies (and I don't mean promotions) at least once a year and don't seem to have any issues finding new jobs.

    How long has she held her other positions? I don't believe there is a general concern about job hopping as much nowadays. So many companies have moved, reorganized, downsized, outsourced - and will continue to do so - that there are so many reasons outside of someone's personal career path that would lead to layoffs or quitting.

    So many companies think short term nowadays, they are probably not as concerned about keeping employees long term as long as she can show she can hop right into a new role without needing extensive training..

    Now, if this would apply to us older workers....

30. Kim RaperDecember 13,2021 at 2:40PM UTC

    These days everyone will have short gaps for sure due to the disaster of an epidemic called Covid. Take care of yourself and update your resume and start looking elsewhere. You come first - self care is so important and being miserable at a job is not the place to be anymore. Best of luck to her or you.

31. Jason LeeDecember 13,2021 at 2:41PM UTC

    As long as it's not showing a pattern of behavior (e.g. company A 1 year, company B 8 months, company C 1.25 years) I think it should be fine.

32. Focused721350December 13,2021 at 3:06PM UTC

    Good Morning Laura,

    Tell your friend "NO JOB IS WORTH HER HEALTH"!!!!! ;)

    Give them a 2 wk notice and let them know it's not the right fit after all and leave on a good note.....

33. Amy OplingerDecember 13,2021 at 3:07PM UTC

    I personally would not stick anything out. The idea that job hopping looks bad is outdated in my opinion. YOU are the CEO of your life...act accordingly :)

34. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 3:23PM UTC

    If it's costing her her peace of mind and overall well-being: leave that job. I've left a job after 4 months, and another one after 6 months. I left because it was costing me my mental well-being and also my and my boss' professional goals were not in line with each other; nothing was keeping me there. Moreover, there are ways to explain and circumvent issues like that during a job interview. You can say you left for health reasons and/or highlight the skills and other stuff that would make you an amazing addition to their organization. That's what I did with my current job and I absolutely love where I am now.

35. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 7:50PM UTC

    I am sorry to hear about your experiences, as I have had something similar happen to me. Do you mind sharing if you ever kept jobs off your resume, or how do you know when it's best to explain the job as you stated above and when it's best to leave it off?

36. AnonymousDecember 14,2021 at 7:43PM UTC

    I include jobs if they're fairly recent (like within the last 3 years) and/or if they're highly relevant to the role that I am applying for. Otherwise, just leave them off, especially if you have other work experiences that you could include. I currently work in legal services and those 2 short-stint jobs were recent experiences and also in the legal space, so I included them when I was job-searching.

37. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 3:26PM UTC

    If she starts job hunting now, she probably will have a year on her resume in this current role. My first job in NYC was a Devil Wears Prada situation and I was out after only 8 months. My next job lasted 2 years and I probably would have stayed on longer had there not been covid layoffs and money issues that prompted me to leave. My current job seems very supportive and I anticipate having a decent tenure here. It's nice seeing employees have a long tenure in a role but I think people overhype the importance of it. Technically it could just mean that the person showed up at a place everyday for years and did "whatever." Maybe they felt they had no other options in town and were stuck. Maybe they're just a path of least resistance kind of person. Maybe they really are a gem that has established a great track record. It's a case-by-case thing.

38. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 3:33PM UTC

    I agree with some of the other commenters. If the job is costing peace of mind, health issues, and mental health anxiety attacks; then the job is not worth it. I was in that situation for 2 and half years and I am still recovering from PTSD from the toxic dept. I left because my boss knew I had potential but never gave me any opportunities despite asking for opportunities multiple times. I just didn't want to deal with that anymore.

    If asked why you left the previous job, you can mention health issues and focus on the skills that are your strong assets.

39. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 4:27PM UTC

    I wouldn't mention health issues. I would say, rather, that you realized that the position just wasn't a good fit for you. That's the truth it is much much harder to say it wasn't a fit for you if you wait it out a years.

40. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 3:34PM UTC

    Today--I noticed that there are very few "Non-Toxic" workplaces with mean-spirited or demented people in power....so it's become more common to have less tenure in positions. I had every intention of staying where I was back in Oct. 2020 when my greedy miserable employer decided to save "pennies" by laying me and a group of other "productive" people off! There is little to no loyalty in our workforce today. We need to protect our mental health and leave if it is being taken away from us, or our peace of mind has dwindled. NOBODY has that right to disrespect us and take that from our lives.

41. Denise MillerDecember 13,2021 at 3:55PM UTC

    I suggest telling your friend to start looking now. It's best to leave a job when you have a new job. And it takes 4-5 months to end up with the job you want (at least in my industry). Also, stay strong - it's not worth it to expend energy in negative situations!

42. madelana escuderoDecember 13,2021 at 4:17PM UTC

    As a recruiter, there is no reason to wait at least a year. She's already been there for ten months, and there's nothing wrong with sharing that it is not a good fit, or the role / department is turning out to be not as advertised. Happens all the time, but I'd just tell her to be honest when interviewing.

43. Stephanie ChernoffDecember 13,2021 at 4:29PM UTC

    This is not hiring time. The odds are that she won't even get looked at until after the first of the year. If she is miserable in her current position, she should take this time now to get her ducks lined up for her search - update her resume, make sure she has references lined up, think clearly about exactly what it is she wants in her new role (aside from a non-toxic environment).

    With the focus on contract employment these days, it may be assumed that this was a contract role. The short tenure isn't the automatic blackball it used to be. As someone else has said, "the position wasn't a good fit" is a perfectly valid response. She might want to think about how she would expand on that to reassure interviewers that her intent is to stay longer term with the company. Maybe talking about growth path with the company and opportunities for advancement when the time is right.

44. Kristina DavisDecember 13,2021 at 5:41PM UTC

    It's hiring time for me! ? I have four open positions that I'm hoping people will apply to.

45. Julie EDecember 13,2021 at 6:02PM UTC

    What are the positions and where are you located?

46. Diane J HuffDecember 13,2021 at 7:07PM UTC

    Many companies are hiring right now, in order to keep the headcount in their budget! December is generally hopping!

47. Chere EstrinDecember 13,2021 at 4:41PM UTC

    In this pandemic world and extremely candidate tight market, employers are willing to forgive short-term employment. They simply are. I hate to see people crying in the shower every morning. You have to get up and love it! Your friend should start perusing new jobs now for a start after the new year. Employers are giving hiring bonuses, extended benefits, retention bonuses and more and they are willing to wait, This season, recruiting did not take a huge dip as in past years and there are plenty of great jobs out there, In terms of what she should say, just say, "It's not a fit." You never, ever even think about bad mouthing an employer. Best of luck!

48. EMILY KIKUE FRANKDecember 13,2021 at 4:53PM UTC

    Millennials have actually done a really nice job or normalizing shorter, more intentional work stints, often taking a position in order to gain a specific skill.

    https://www.gallup.com/workplace/231587/millennials-job-hopping-generation.aspx

    That, combined with the pandemic, makes "job-hopping" a much less concerning issue that it has been in the past.

    That said, this is a hard time to look for a new job. I'd advise your colleague to either stick it out until the new year or to find reasonably lucrative gig work before leaving the current job. Though, of course, she can start looking, network, update her resume, etc.

49. Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)December 13,2021 at 5:45PM UTC

    Agree! Job hopping can also help you increase salary quicker. High risk, high reward!

    Also it's a candidate market right now. I'm in HR and every recruiter in my network is finding it sooooo busy! Never been like this before.

50. Tiana MumfordDecember 13,2021 at 5:11PM UTC

    Hi

    If she explains how it was not a good fit it just be fine . I have done it before and people do it all the time actually!

    Blessings

51. Krista PasfieldDecember 13,2021 at 5:48PM UTC

    As long as it is not part of a larger pattern, I would not dismiss her application, but I would ask about what happened. She should have an insightful response ready to go, including lessons learned and what she's doing differently with this job search to avoid finding herself in a similar position again. All of this can be done without bashing her boss/company.

52. Lisa Bracco SpinelliDecember 13,2021 at 5:59PM UTC

    I left two jobs this year because of toxic people/cultures. I work in a field that is desperate for experienced people, though, so I didn't have trouble finding a new job. Also, I didn't mention the toxic environments in interviews. They always have ads on Indeed, so people who know know what's up.

53. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 6:18PM UTC

    I think you can be honest with your recruiter that it wasn't a good fit. Then turn it around on why the new company would be a better fit for you! Always turn it into a positive!

54. L.December 13,2021 at 6:41PM UTC

    As others have said, its the patterns that are concerning rather than a single instance. Everyone is allowed to take a job they think will be great and figure out after that it doesn't fit!

55. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 6:44PM UTC

    Your friend should have a functional resume which focuses on her talent first, and the places she gained those skills below. Anyone more concerned with where she was on what date doesn't deserve her.

56. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterDecember 13,2021 at 7:44PM UTC

    I couldn't disagree with this resume approach more. 1) It will not make it through the ATS, and 2) employers are immediately suspicious when they see a functional resume - what is this candidate trying to hide? As one of fewer than 25 Master Resume Writers in the world, I implore you not to use a functional format.

57. AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 7:49PM UTC

    I agree with responses indicating that is a pattern versus a particular instance of bad fit. Almost everyone I know took a role believing it would be a great opportunity, but something was not aligned (toxicity, misrepresentation of role, role bait-n-switch, poor management, quick turnaround/changes in organization, personal/moral reasons, etc.).

    I left a role after two months due to toxicity and poor management - besides the role not at all being what was outlined in interviews/lob offer. Everyday all day I was saying "I hate this job". I was unemployed up until that offer came, so it was a real blow to learn how awful the situation really was.

    Don't wait, I just received offers on two contracting roles, an offer for a direct hire role and I was moved to 2nd round interview with another direct role - all within 2 weeks after previous 7 months of unemployment.

    Be sure of what you want - be sure of the value you bring and the values that are important to you.

58. KDecember 13,2021 at 10:07PM UTC

    I would say... March 2022 is not long away, and it will give her the sake of appearances. Get those job apps in now for practice at applying and interviewing. If she gets it, great. If she doesn't, it's practice for March when it gets serious for real.

59. Sarah LarsonDecember 13,2021 at 11:18PM UTC

    I’m a big fan of following your truth. If she feels like it’s time to go and there’s nothing left for her to learn then fly. It’s a great time to be job seeker, why not flirt with other employers?

    On the other hand, if she is concerned with appearances that much. It may be a great time for her to focus inward. Yenno? Get the job done but work on her connections to her colleagues and her connection with herself. Take this time to find out what she wants and what will fulfill her in her next role. That way, when the year comes to a close, she can move on confidently.

60. Maureen B. WeisnerDecember 14,2021 at 12:32AM UTC

    Suggest she get her ducks in a row now even take on a short term project that would give her more experience to use going forward. Update resume/LI and make March 2022 her target date for departure.

61. Xu JocelynDecember 14,2021 at 12:25PM UTC

    I guess it's okay for her to leave if she have found the company doesn't make her happy. If the company has toxic culture and then leave as early as possible, it's a wise choice. This is not your colleague's fault, she doesn't have to worry about that look on her resume. A company like this doesn't really worth of her time and efforts.

62. Carol Brumer GliksmanDecember 14,2021 at 1:24PM UTC

    If a toxic environment is taking its toll on her and she has the means to leave I would do so. The long term effects of the toxicity isn't worth it. Although the job market remains competitive there are many opportunities. She should fill her time with short term volunteer gigs until the next solid professional match arrives. This generation seeks healthy work place environments. Something we all should expect and should have required decades ago.

63. EBDecember 14,2021 at 1:34PM UTC

    I hire a lot of people and a short stint somewhere wouldn’t deter me, especially in this market, as long as it’s not part of a pattern of job hopping. It also wouldn’t matter to me if she made it to the year mark. What matters more to me is a gap on the resume because it makes me wonder if they left on their own or not. So I’d encourage her to start looking immediately and stay until she finds something else, if possible. Most importantly, she needs to really try to find a good fit in her next role so she can have a longer run there and not need to make another transition.

    All that being said, if it’s so toxic that it’s damaging her mental health then I’d say it’s not worth staying…even to avoid a gap. But she should be prepared to address it in a professional way in interviews without totally bashing her current employer. Hope she finds something amazing!

64. Jennifer WuolletDecember 14,2021 at 1:45PM UTC

    I have 2 spots on my resume that have less than a year, one was for 6 months during a downturn in the industry and the other was for 9 months where the environment was toxic and the company was out of control out but this is out of 15 years of experience total. As long as her other jobs weren't also short stints then she should be fine. I don't usually get asked about them. When I do get asked I say I wasn't challenged if I don't need the experience to talk up the new job, if I do need the experience I try to convey that while I did enjoy the work, it was not the right place for me to work.

65. Leader412368December 14,2021 at 4:02PM UTC

    I agree. As long as not all jobs are short lived. If they are, I don't waste my time interviewing, hiring & training.

66. Amber MabreyDecember 14,2021 at 2:15PM UTC

    As a hiring manager I would not hold that against her. I look for the climb to be more successful. Increased responsibility, pay, title, developing new skill sets. Sometimes this happens quickly and we want to move forward.

    I recommend she takes her time and finds the right fit instead of rushing to escape her current situation. Toxic work environments can teach a lot in areas of patience, communication and accountability as long as you navigate it wisely.

67. Sheri TriceDecember 14,2021 at 2:25PM UTC

    Being part of a toxic work environment can have personal ramifications that far outlast a person’s time at the company so I’d recommend leaving as soon as possible so that she has time to recalibrate before embarking on a new role. There are so many ways to spin leaving that as long as she remains above board with her answer and tries not to completely bad mouth the other company, there should be no reason for the jump to impede her moving forward.

68. AnonymousDecember 14,2021 at 2:49PM UTC

    I used to be in this really toxic company, but stayed on until I almost touched 2 years mark because I couldn't bear to leave my colleagues to fight the battle by themselves. It did help me learn many things meanwhile, but did not deter me from hopping to another company when I get the opportunity. I could not afford to leave without a job, so staying on helped me financially too. At least it pays the bill and I also could splurge on some really nice coffee. It did leave me with a condition similar to the Stockholm Syndrome, because that place really drove you into insecurities, whether you will be good enough for another company. Took me a while to heal, because there were still shadows when I joined my new company. But in my mind, I was already thinking of saving up money to start my own small business if I could not get a new job by June of the next year. But I got the new job before the next year started, which was great too. Don't be afraid of job hopping. Toxic cultures are true and if a HR person or hiring manager is not aware of this reality, it is best to avoid the company too.

69. AnonymousDecember 14,2021 at 2:53PM UTC

    I hate to bring this up but now I have heard of " Job Clinging". Apparently, this is staying at a job for over 5 years without moving upwards. So if you leave a job too soon, it is an issue and if you stay too long, it is an issue. I vaguely remember that if you can stay at a job for at least 1-2 years that it shows stability, and it looks good on your resume. But if it is really destroying you, then try gracefully to leave the job with no major drama. If the environment is toxic no matter what you do, they may think it is an issue. Just take a deep breath and do what you need to do. If you apply for any job and they really want to hire you, it may not matter that you left after a couple of months. Good Luck

70. AnonymousDecember 14,2021 at 4:56PM UTC

    I would advise her to start applying for jobs now. It could take a while to find something she really wants, and if she leaves for another job then the concern that it will negatively impact her resume is pretty moot as long as it doesn't become a pattern.

71. Meagan MosherDecember 14,2021 at 6:16PM UTC

    I would definitely start looking for another position. I was in a toxic job. I hated it. I hated every single day of it. I ended up working there for 3 years and was sooooo happy when I got let go due to the pandemic. I lost all my self confidence. I lost my health. I lost part of my relationship. I lost a lot of good work friends from a previously great position. So, if you are in this situation, I say go for it and take the next step. Get out while you can. I have found so much of myself in the past year and I feel 10 times better about my work.

72. Don RailsbackDecember 14,2021 at 7:41PM UTC

    Toxic work environments are not good for you or the company you are working for. Leaving one company in short amount of time is not disqualifying on its own. The question is what does the rest of your history look like. If you change jobs every 6 months for whatever reason, many hiring managers will immediately reject your resume. That may not seem fair but I wanted to answer your question. I have to admit I am one of them because companies need longevity of employees and those who appear to be always looking for the next best opportunity are not who I look for when hiring. If you have a decent length of work history ie a year or more at the job prior to this one a one off shouldn't affect your opportunities. Be prepared to honestly answer the question about why you left this job so soon. You can do it without bashing anyone. If you have a strong resume, good skills and an honest desire to get and keep a position that isn't toxic and that values your contribution you should be fine. If the last job you had before this one was less than a year, I'd contemplate the situation a little differently.

73. AnonymousDecember 15,2021 at 1:37AM UTC

    For your colleague, I would tell her to break the cycle and make an effort to remove herself from a toxic culture. If she's able to remain low key and focus on work demands, then stay. Yet, if there's a constant negative vibe, it's time to find another position. The explanation to the next employer, speak positively of the organization, positive things learned, and the opportunity to expand in their career development.

74. AnonymousDecember 15,2021 at 3:39AM UTC

    The most important thing in Life is your happiness within. She must be learning something about herself. There is nothing that would allow me to stay in a toxic environment. Start looking before you leave and stay súper mega positive. Try to learn from this experience but don't leave in bad terms. Just look for htyc.com and start listening to their podcasts and get into a high vibe so you can attract something where you can use your strengths, not necesarily your skills. Find your passion and move on!!! Also ask for more money in the new job and this could be a way to hop from one job to another without the negative talk.

    This is what I would tell the friend. Enjoy!!! i do believe in being honest, its all in the way you describe it and the attitude that others will understand with kindness your position. Value yourself and never allow you to be in a negative environment. Its time to shine!!!!

75. Cyndi RosenblattDecember 15,2021 at 2:15PM UTC

    If it's the department (in contrast to the company) that's toxic, she might consider utilizing internal contacts for a shift to a new department. My best hire was only in her previous job a few months when a mutual colleague asked me about a posted position. Through the grapevine, I was already aware of issues in that department, and our mutual colleague knew enough to be confident this would be a good fit for both of us. She ended up being the most qualified candidate anyway, but I didn't even blink over the (single instance of) short tenure. She didn't have to bash her current boss or department during interviews because we all knew the back story.

76. Kelsey GittingsDecember 15,2021 at 2:25PM UTC

    I'm in tech, so picking up contracts for short times isn't uncommon for us, but my theory on this dated practice is: if they skip me for "job hopping" I'll guarantee I didn't want to work for them anyway. It's extremely dated in my personal opinion to look at someone's resume, and pass just because they are looking at options.

    I know people don't leave jobs -> They leave bad management. How on earth could I fault them for that?

77. Caroline DuffyDecember 15,2021 at 9:51PM UTC

    In this market, I'm not bypassing anyone with relevant experience when I'm reviewing resumes. She should start looking elsewhere immediately, as hiring will be at an all-time high in January and if asked about why she's looking to move after less than a year, a simple "unfortunately the role/company are less aligned with my professional goals than I had hoped, and I'm really looking for a position and organization that I can grow in and make a meaningful contribution to" should be enough of an answer if said with conviction.

78. Regina BrownDecember 16,2021 at 6:25PM UTC

    In today's environment, switching jobs should not be looked upon as "job hopping". A business could have shut down, there may have been a case of people testing positive for the virus. In today's environment, with people working from home as a preferable option, employees are needed...PERIOD!!!!

79. Heather BinghamDecember 17,2021 at 2:04PM UTC

    I think it is always best to leave than to stick it out for the sake of it. Unfortunately, when people "stick it out", more often than not their performance diminishes, if indeed it ever got going in the first place, and they end up weaker than when they started. Staying for another 6-9 months may actually cost her that and more in job progression once she does re-enter the job market, especially if her confidence or self belief is knocked. She can just say "Unfortunately it wasn't for me" and leave it at that. She just needs to ensure she doesn't repeat the mistake again, at least not for another role or two.

80. Eloisa JacintoDecember 18,2021 at 3:59AM UTC

    Her mental and overall well-being is more important than a line or two in her resume. And at this age, having several jobs in a short time is no longer frown upon. She can always emphasize her past experiences and focus on the learnings and insights that made her a better person and credible talent over the years. Take courage.