Career Advice for a Job Jumper....?

Question

I recently got my M.B.A. from a fourth string school and thought it would open up all sorts of doors for me... NOT! I have always not lasted at companies for longer than three years due to getting wrapped up in politics, getting "feelings" hurt, pissing people off, etc... What is wrong with me? Is it my personality? I just want to work for one company and stay with them until retirement. I don't like being the "new" guy every three years. Would someone tell me what they think i am doing wrong... please be brutally honest. thank you!

Answer 1

Well, your better than me. Most of my jobs have only lasted three months. It use to be three years! Something is bothering you and it's probably not the job. You may have something like low self-esteem, that requires you to pick at everyone else's faults and when someone disagrees with you or criticizes you, your feelings are hurt or you get pissed off. I took a stress management class at my community college and am now attending counseling, so I may tolerate other people's veiws better. You need to find a way to avoid getting too emotionally involved with your work and tolerate other's short commings because you have your own.

In regards to your resume, make sure you have a cover letter to explain your jumps. Don't tell them you have problems staying at a job, rather explain it a way with school and let them know you are ready for your career to start.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

You know, I ask myself the same question "what is wrong with me". Now, to make you feel better - I have been fired unfairly at least 3 times in previous 2 years and I could not even sue companies, because I was employed through the third party or it was a short contract. Just for the notes - I am a very professional and smart person and am still recovering from the shock. There is nothing wrong with you and changing jobs is a natural progression in life if you want to grow and develop. If you are not good at politics and you are happy to stick to the corporate world - enhance your diplomatic skills. Read a book (Winning office politics) or talk to people who are good at politics. I know that working for someone else is making me sick these days, that's why I am on the cross-roads and I know I need to change my career. So, don't panic and accept life with its' changes!