Ok to look for something newI started a new job 4 months ago, and it has been a real grind day-in-and-day-out. The hours and expectations are tough, and the work environment (driven mostly by the division head and organizational/staffing shortfalls) is very difficult. We are somewhat small, but have still seen significant turnover over the last year or so (which should have been a red flag). I have watched about 1/5 of the company turnover since I arrived. I am at a mid/sr management level. I have just under 10 years experience, and average about 2 years per company (some more, some less...none less than 1.5, no more than 2.5). Is it too soon to begin a job search? How will it look to prospective employers at this stage, especially given my history of somewhat short stays? I see a lot of resumes, and it doesn't look like my background should scare anyone away - corporate buyouts, career growth and success with every move, etc, but everyone views these things differently, I suppose. Just curious to get an outsiders perspective. Thanks in advance.
The answer is going to depend on your resume. If you want to post the Reader's Digest version (dates, titles, reason for leaving) for us, I can give you a better answer.
Tess Trying to be generic as possible here...let me know if you need more. BBA, and 5 classes away from my MBA 1.5 years at a Fortune 10 company (Reason for Leaving - Corporate Buyout) - 1 promotion 2.5 years at an Agency working with Fortune 500 clients (Reason for Leaving - voluntary, but lots of downsizing was taking place) - 1 promotiom, and success examples 1.5 years at a CPG Manufacturer (Reason for Leaving - Recruited to move on by a former supervisor)- success examples 2.5 years in Higher Learning (Voluntarily left - advancement opportunities were small due to company structure) - 1 promotion and success examples 4 months at an Agency working on Fortune 500 companies (present) Although your resume is a little choppy, it might not be that bad assuming you don't have long periods of unemployment between these moves. I'd absoultely stay where you are until you do find something else though. It could be a long dry spell and you don't want to box yourself into a corner. As to reason for looking to move now, I'd say something like "not a good fit" and expand on how you're not making the best use of your skills and abilities. I'd choose wisely in the next job however. At a mid/sr. manager level you should be seeing longer stints- more towards 3-5 years. So, whatever you go to next, you need to really make it stick for a while. You can of course move up within the same company during that time, but you want to show a bit more stablitiy and longevity. Since you're currently employed and although you don't like it, they're not beating you in the basement, you should have the time to take your time and find a good fit for the next job. Good luck! Tess I have no periods of unemployment, actually, which should help, and I do not intend to resign from this position without something else lined up. I agree with all that you said, thank you for the honest response. I have shown advancement at every level, have national awards and recognitions, and have statistical proof that I add value wherever I go. The challenge is the length of each stay. In the end, I am looking for a home - no one likes to do a job search every few years. The next stay I would hope would be more like 10-20 vs. 3-5, but I am realistic. Like I said, the day-to-day is very challenging, a huge grind met with challenges that no one should have to deal with, but I am fine for now. Thanks! | |
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