When is it too early to leave?

Question

I'm currently 8 months into a role that I like, but don't love. I took it when I graduated from college because at the time it was the best option. However, I don't see myself being at this company for long. I've been reached out to about a few positions that sound more like what I want to do. Plus, I'm confident I could get a significant salary raise from the interested companies if it worked out. My question is, when is it too early to leave a position? I always was under the impression 2 years and no less, but see a lot of people change positions as early as a year.

Liz Bui · Answer

I say don't waste your time if it doesn't feel right. I have been at my current company for 1.5 years and I knew after month two that it was no the place for me. I gave it a deadline of 6 months before I started applying for other jobs and I am still search. Its been almost a year of searching to no avail. So to that I say, start your search when you know the place isn't for you, because it could take longer than you think to find something else.

Ariana Nunez · Answer

8 months is enough.

Bri Naylor · Answer

I have changed jobs twice after 1 year a piece right out of college. At first I was so concerned that I would look like a 'job hopper' on my resume, but each new position provided a leg up and advancement into a newer and better paying role and it was worth it! It is definitely agonizing at times to know if you are making the right decision, but its so important to have the right fit in a job where you spend 60% of your life! I have been in another new role for 5 months after recently relocating and have determined it's not a great fit for me either. I will put in a few more months, give plenty of notice and find something that is more suitable for me and there is nothing wrong with that! Good luck to  you!

Lauren Wong · Answer

I left a role after 9 months.  I had made the transition into that job for better WLB and compensation, but found out shortly after (I felt this at 1 month even) that my career would stagnate if I stayed there.  Despite hiring a team for digital transformation of the organization, the organization was not actually ready for this type of change. There was also some very eye-opening culture clash that I had not picked up on during the interview cycle.

I had some personal reasons to choose to stay in the role as long as I did (i.e. take advantage of the WLB for certain life changes) but began looking and made my transition at 9 months.  When leaving, I shared that it was primarily for the benefits of the new opportunity.

Goalsetter894724 · Answer

I would entertain the other companies if you are interested in them and see where they lead. It will probably be a few months until you find a new position, so it doesn't hurt to start your search.

Anonymous · Answer

As long as you leave for a company/role that you're confident you'd stay in for a while, I think 8 months - 1 year wouldn't be a red flag for future job searching. If you make it a pattern though, that might give recruiters a pause.

Maxanita · Answer

I don’t agree that anyone should stay at a job they don’t love, especially when there are opportunities waiting that are more in line with what the person wants, and more money. You don’t know what will happen a year and four months from now. The economy could shrivel up making opportunities dry up with it. Don’t ever put off happiness. I changed jobs after being at a company for 9 months, then the next role I was only there 6 months, until I found a job where I stayed for 1.5 years and then decided to move away after that. As long as you have desirable skills and a good story, especially one that says, “There are no opportunities for me to grow at this role, and I’d like to put in some years at a company.” That’s really it. No excuses for forcing yourself to do something you don’t love. Your career is yours. Not any employer’s. Good luck!

Dr. Renee Pennington, NP · Answer

Since you’re already at 8 months try to last a year. Less than a year always looks suspect but if you are going to make a quick move always be able to justify it. Employers don’t want to see a bunch of lateral moves on a resume.

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