What's the deal with staying in a new position for a certain amount of time...? (employees, applying)

[southkakkatlantan]

I have a fairly new position and when I got the position, I was already thinking ahead in terms of what I wanted to do next. I think I know what I want that to be, but I've only been in my current position for about 4 months. I saw a job a few weeks ago that would have been a perfect fit for me, but I didn't apply because I was thinking it's "too soon". And that I needed to stay in my current position for at least a year so it didn't look like I was 'job hopping'.

On the other hand, I don't always follow conventional ways of doing things, and I was thinking to myself, if the right opportunity presented itself to me right now, I would take it. Life is too short, right?
One of my friends thinks I'd be burning bridges to leave a position so soon....another says that things tend to work themselves out and what's meant to be for you will be.

Anywho, as of right now I do plan to just stay for at least a year, but I'm always looking (not applying)....just to see what's out there.

So. In your opinion should a person obligate themself to a minimum time period with an employer before choosing to look at other positions and/or employers?

[Tekkie]

Well, if you just took this job to pay the bills, then I don't believe there should be any sense of obligation on your part to stay in that role. Low-end jobs are revolving doors and those types of employers account for this high-rate of turnover. I would also not leave on a bad note, meaning don't leave any projects or assignments unfinished prior to leaving.

Personally, I don't think you should feel obligated to stay at any place of employment for a specific time frame. If you don't like the job, or if a better job becomes available, don't hesitate to jump on the opportunity. Life is too short. That said, if you start showing a tendency to jump around from position to position, be prepared to explain why. Some hiring managers will care about this, while others will not care so much.

[southkakkatlantan]

Originally Posted by Tekkie

Well, if you just took this job to pay the bills, then I don't believe there should be any sense of obligation on your part to stay in that role. Low-end jobs are revolving doors and those types of employers account for this high-rate of turnover.

Personally, I don't think you should feel obligated to stay at any place of employment for a specific time frame. If you don't like the job, or if a better job becomes available, don't hesitate to jump on the opportunity. Life is too short. That said, if you start showing a tendency to jump around from position to position, be prepared to explain why. Some hiring managers will care about this, while others will not care so much.

I took this job because it's in the field I work in, but paid better than the last position. So I've got the same title, but more money, more responsibility, and will probably be able to align myself with more people who have the potential to help me get the next position. Since the people I'll be working around will be great resources, I think it does make sense to stay because it takes time to develop relationships/trustworthiness...

However, I think part of me is just antsy to move up and move on...I've had the same title for almost 5 years now and there isn't any upward mobility past this point in this particular role. So I'd almost rather move around a bit if that's what it takes to move up, rather than stay stagnant.

[Tekkie]

Originally Posted by southkakkatlantan

I took this job because it's in the field I work in, but paid better than the last position. So I've got the same title, but more money, more responsibility, and will probably be able to align myself with more people who have the potential to help me get the next position. Since the people I'll be working around will be great resources, I think it does make sense to stay because it takes time to develop relationships/trustworthiness...

However, I think part of me is just antsy to move up and move on...I've had the same title for almost 5 years now and there isn't any upward mobility past this point in this particular role. So I'd almost rather move around a bit if that's what it takes to move up, rather than stay stagnant.

Titles are hogwash, and mostly proprietary, so don't focus on that. Just explain on your resume that you have increased your responsibility over the past five years. Don't hesitate to jump on a newer, better opportunity.

[MrRational]

Time in place demonstrates enough competence to have not been fired
and enough personal stability to not be flitting about like a hummingbird.

This requires no less than one full calendar and fiscal year in any (actual career related) job.
That will often mean stretching into the 18month range to get *minimum*.

Everyone can have a couple of these MINIMUM time situations on a resume.
But when your resume is nothing but these... it WILL hurt you.

Three to five years (or more) in place with ONE company, progressing through several
positions of ever greater responsibility and authority is what you want to show.

[southkakkatlantan]

Originally Posted by MrRational

Three to five years (or more) in place with ONE company, progressing through several positions of ever greater responsibility and authority is what you want to show.

I spent 7 years working for the same company, with three different titles, so that showed greater responsibility.

I'm with a new company now, but my current title is the same as the one I had with the last company I was with for 7 years....which is fine because I'm doing more, so I can show more responsibility here.

However, I'm trying to stay "future focused"...there isn't really any room to move out of the title I have now without moving on to a different type of company (specifically FROM a university/healthcare setting TO a pharma, CRO, etc.). I'm just realizing I don't want to be in this title I've had for another 3+ years...I'm 33 and in the prime earning years of my life and feeling the need to 'speed things up' a little income-wise...

[Adhom]

I don't see a problem with this especially if you are able to get that next job. The people I've known who ascended quickly are all very effective job hoppers.

[313Weather]

Originally Posted by Adhom

I don't see a problem with this especially if you are able to get that next job. The people I've known who ascended quickly are all very effective job hoppers.

Right.

There's nothing wrong with job hopping if it's done right.

[sware2cod]

You have been at your company 7 years. That is what matters on the resume.

Apply away.

Are you looking to change companies or change jobs within the same company?

If staying in same company, sometimes they have an internal requirement that you stay at least 12 months(or X months) in your current position.

[statisticsnerd]

Beats the hell out of me. If I'm working at a job I hate, regardless of the time I've been there, I start looking for work elsewhere until I find something and if I like the offer I receive, I'm gone! Your boss wouldn't hesitate to fire you or any of the other employees, so don't hesitate to look for other jobs if you are unhappy. That said, I generally stay at places where I am respected for long periods of time. But if the boss/coworkers/job itself suck, as soon as I find something better, bye bye.