How soon is too soon to leave a job?

Question

I was at a job that I loved, but the money wasn't good enough and I couldn't afford my bills, so I took this job because the money was a lot better. I've been with this firm for 8 months now. The job is a dead end job for me (it's a filing position within a law firm). It has absolutely nothing to do with my college degree.

My husband and I are in the process of looking for a house to buy and we want to start a family soon. I hate this job and dislike my boss greatly. Is it too soon to resign and look for a new job? Or, should I stick it out until I've been here for at least a year?

I don't want to look like a "job-jumper" because that could hurt my chances of getting a new job.

Any suggestions?

My resume job history includes the following:

1st job- 9 years
2nd job- 1 year
3rd job-3 months
4th job- 1 year
this job- 8 months

And my degree is in Communications with a minor English with a focus on Public Speaking.

And I took the filing job because my previous job was as a journalist, which was an extremely strenuous job, in which I worked 50-60 hours every week for a very very small amount of money.

Unfortunately the city I work in does not afford many journalistic opportunities- especially ones that pay well.

Answer 1

Look for a position before you quit, and see what is out there. It is better to look for a position while employed than while out of work.

Answer 2

It is always hard to leave a job, some of the reasons I have had over the years....low pay,, no health benefits, people with nasty morals etc. You need to rely on these two factors: Is the money good (reasonably) and How is the Health benefits. If these two are good sometimes you have to stay and sacrifice the happy part. Why? because if you get into a job where you are happy but the pay is low with inadequate health care over time 2-5 years the cost of living and not being to pay bills and high health costs will and often happens, makes an individual MISERABLE.

You might be in a job filing but at least your not working production (non stop work and tedious) and wearing your body out. I suggest trying to stay in your job at least two years or more if your feelings haven't changed by then and your mind and body cries out to move than move.

I use the one year rule, but you better have a good reason why you left, as this reason will warrant the move.

If you are planning on starting a family, your going to want an easy job because running a household and raising kids is going to take a lot of time and energy. ALso there will be times that you will have to miss work becasue of medical appointments, I think your filing could wait till you get back. Your next job may not allow this.

Jobs are hard to come by anymore especially ones that pay and have excellent health care.

Good luck

RD

Answer 3

Look for another job while working at this one. I found it easier to get a new job while having the old job. When you tell the potential employer that you are "jobless" they are not as interested in you. Everyone wants what someone else has...lol As soon as you find a better job, it's ok to leave with a 2 week notice. A lot of times the employer will give you time off early so you can be on your way. Good luck

Answer 4

Usually, companies like an employee to stay for a minimum of two years (depending upon the type of job), but if this is a one time thing, leaving after 8 months and explaining that you want to better yourself and get a job which is more in line with careers objectives would not be a problem on your resume. Just make sure that you have another job lined up before you hand in your resignation.

The reason that they want to see a minimum is because it is expense to do a search for a new hire, train them,etc, and they want return on that invested time and effort. If you had a history on your resume of doing this, it would be likely that you would do it again and would impact your chnaces with a new company, but a one time thing won't affect your chances.

You need to look after yourself first in a situation like this.

Answer 5

You should quit now and look for a job you will enjoy AND that pays better! It sounds like you are a responsible young lady and that will show strongly throughout any upcoming job interviews. Don't worry about job-jumping. If it comes up in your interview, be honest and explain that the job just didn't pan out to be the job you thought it was and that you are seeking a more challenging and interesting position. No worries and Good Luck with your hunt for your new and better position!!!

Answer 6

1. Why are you a "filer" with a college degree? Let me guess, English Lit? In that case, you should probably never expect to do anything with your degree.

2. Ive said it before and Ill say it again NEVER feel like you owe any company loyalty. They are using you for what they need, and when they dont need you anymore, they wont hesitate to throw you away. I suggest treating companies exactly the same way.

In fact, I read an article the other day that said the average job tenure of people under 30 is 18 months. That makes me think that more and more companies will accept a "job hopper", because thats just the way it is these days. The average job seeker, after a couple decades of mass layoffs, is finally sharpening up to the game.

Answer 7

YOU have been there long enough, DON'T QUIT just start looking and send out your resume. Do not leave this job until you have another in hand. Try your hardest to get in the field that you are happy with and the pay is good. In the event that you have children, they may interrupt your career.

Seek a change that is flexible, so that you can juggle work and home. The sooner you find this ideal job the sooner you can quit and start your family.

Answer 8

To me, the difference between 8 months and a year isn't important. When I look at resumes I look for 2 years at a minimum per job and even that's on the short side. How long were you at the 1st job that you loved? It'll be ok if that was multiple years and you can just say this job didn't work out because it wasn't as challenging as anticipated.

Answer 9

You can always look. If you find a place that doesn't mind you've worked there only 8 months then it really won't matter. I suggest loading your resume on CareerBuilder.com so it can be searchable by potential employers. A company that interviews you may like to hear you say you want an opportunity that follows your degree/experience and that you are searching for a career.

Answer 10

If you want it to look good on your resume stick it out for 4 more months. If you are really unhappy and you can't pay your bills on time, then you need to look for another job ASAP and leave as soon as you find something better. Good Luck!!

Answer 11

Jobs are like girlfriends.

You never leave a job unless you have another one lined up. I would just discreetly look for a job. When you find one, put in a two week notice. Your boss will certainly understand. He wouldn't pass up a better opportunity I'm sure!