By Alina Dizik,
Not all jobs are a perfect fit, but even if you know
you're ready to jump ship after just a few months on the job, it's
usually in your best interest to stick it out for a while. Most
employers shy away from job hoppers, so it's important to avoid that
reputation.
Not sure when to leave a job? Here's what career experts want you to know about a well-timed exit strategy:
Hit the one-year mark at a new company
If
you just started a job, try to stick it out for at least a year, says
John Crant, founder of Self Recruiter. "At the one-year mark, it's much
easier to position that one-year stint as you having gone after a
specific skill set or exposure to expand your expertise, making you a
more well-rounded candidate for the true next step in your career goals
-- the [new] job they are offering," Crant explains.
After a promotion, wait four months to leave
The
rules of when is appropriate to leave can change after a promotion.
Most employers are more lenient toward employees who decide to leave
less than a year after a promotion because, presumably, they've already
spent some time at the company. Wait "at least four or five months --
and then moving to an outside opportunity that is a lateral to that new
role, or even up the ladder from there, will not likely do any long-term
damage," Crant says.
Look for a solution before jumping ship
No
matter if you just got promoted or just landed a new job, try to fix
the situation before leaving right away, suggests career expert Heather
Huhman, founder of Come Recommended. Especially if you've just been
promoted, ask yourself whether quitting is the best option, or if it's
better to speak with your supervisor about your workload to make the
transition easier for you, she says.
Stay for a few years to allay job-hopping fears
If
you left a previous job in a hasty manner, it's important to stay at
your next job for a while, Crant points out. "Once you get the 'right
one', try and stay for two-to-three years to reset any concerns over job
hopping," he says.
Perceptions are changing
If you
can't make yourself stay, don't panic. "People used to worry about being
perceived as job jumpers if they didn't stay in a position at least two
years. Gen X and Y [employees] are changing this perception," says
Taunee Besson, president of Career Dimensions. "Just as young techies
[who are] unconcerned about how they dress at work brought about
business casual attire, younger generations are changing attitudes about
job hopping."
One caveat: If you've already quickly switched jobs, two quick job stints can make you look like an unreliable candidate.
Leave quickly to avoid a layoff
If
a layoff is on the horizon, it might be better for you to find a new
job before that happens, no matter how long you've been at the company.
Statistically,
those who've been let go from a previous position can have a tougher
time finding a job than working professionals. Additionally, "the [laid
off] job seeker can sabotage himself by feeling he's inferior or by
assuming potential employers will think so," Besson says.
Above all, avoid a meltdown
If
you can't stick it out for a year (or less if you just got promoted),
don't try. It's more important to stay sane at your job than to leave in
a timely manner. Sometimes, leaving early can't be avoided. Bottom
line: "If you really hate your job, it's time to leave," Besson says.