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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How bad is it to leave professional job after a few months?

22 replies

chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 15:48

I've just started a few weeks ago in my current role, which was a lateral move. I've been at this level (think NHS pay banding) for about 10 years and am quite senior. A job has just come up in my area that is a promotion to the next level. It would involve more leadership, a pay rise (nothing extreme but I'm currently at the top of my salary scale so another 10k worth of increments), a better commute and this type of role doesn't come up that often. The better commute would also mean I would get home earlier for my teen DC after school.

If I apply and am successful, it would mean leaving a few months into my current job, I wouldn't even make it to a year. I wouldn't consider this for another lateral move and if just unhappy would always stick it out for at least a year. I know that the manager in my new job would be very upset to lose me as she has lost a few staff in recent years and I came in with a lot of experience.

I would be interested in any perspectives on whether AIBU and to what extent, to leave for a promotion this soon?

OP posts:
Original poster
chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 15:50

I realise I haven't actually got the promotion but think I would be in with a good chance! And I want to really weigh up whether I would take it or not before going through all the effort involved in applying, interviews etc.

OP posts:
NewtonsCradle · 09/05/2023 15:52

I can't see any upside to not applying.

NumberTheory · 09/05/2023 15:53

I don’t know about the NHS but generally, doing that once or twice in a long career is no problem. A resume full of short stints is.

Ladybug14 · 09/05/2023 15:54

It's always sad to upset people but you can't live your working life to please your Manager 🙄🤣

Original poster
chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 15:55

Thanks. On balance I am likely to apply but I want to really think it through first. I have mostly long stints- 7 years, 6 years, with two shorter stints of 1 year and 3 years. So it's true that it wouldn't stand out within that, unless for some reason this one ended up being short lived too.

OP posts:
AlltheFs · 09/05/2023 15:56

I did it a few years ago in HE sector, not HE. I took an internal promotion and then almost as soon as I started it a role came up elsewhere. I went for it and got it, handing in my notice after 4 months., leaving after 7.
No-one died and it hasn’t done me any harm. Definitely go for it.

Original poster
chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 15:57

I've had a few managers who I had zero sense of obligation towards believe me! But the one in the current role is incredibly kind and committed so not someone I would want to let down.

OP posts:
Original poster
chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 15:58

Thanks @AlltheFs that's reassuring to hear!

OP posts:
OutOfMyPocket · 09/05/2023 15:59

Could you negotiate to make your current role more similar to new role? More wfh, more direction towards greater leadership? Then at least you have tried.

Fairowing · 09/05/2023 15:59

Like you say this type of role doesn’t come up often, it would be a promotion with benefits all round, you’re manager will be disappointed but I’m sure they will understand and see it as their loss and your new manager’s gain.
I have seen similar in my profession and never witnessed any hard feelings or disapproval.
I understand wanting to be loyal to your manager but if they applied for a promotion or role with other benefits I’m sure you would understand and wish them well.

Original poster
chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 16:01

That's a good suggestion @OutOfMyPocket but in the current role, my manager is basically doing all of what the promotion job would be. It's one of the things that's made me think about trying to make a move upwards.

OP posts:
IfYouDontAsk · 09/05/2023 16:04

Definitely apply for the job. It says a lot about your character that you feel guilty about the prospect of leaving after a few months but just don’t let that tip over into possibly denying yourself a fantastic opportunity because you’re feeling far more loyalty to an employer than they’d ever show you. Good luck!

IfYouDontAsk · 09/05/2023 16:06

I don’t think you do have anything to feel guilty for by the way- but I mean you clearly have integrity and don’t want to inconvenience your employer.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 09/05/2023 16:07

chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 15:55

Thanks. On balance I am likely to apply but I want to really think it through first. I have mostly long stints- 7 years, 6 years, with two shorter stints of 1 year and 3 years. So it's true that it wouldn't stand out within that, unless for some reason this one ended up being short lived too.

You’re fine with this history and it’s an easily explainable short stint

Original poster
chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 16:09

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I was expecting everyone to say how bad it is! It's a good point that leaving for a promotion is very explainable, whereas I guess it would raise more questions if it was just for a similar role.

OP posts:
Vintagegoth · 09/05/2023 19:29

No harm in going for it, especially if you are in the top of your payband. You do not owe your current boss anything and if he was offered a job with the same perks as the one you are considering he would be off like a shot. Plus the fact that he struggles to retain staff would be a red flag.

OutOfMyPocket · 10/05/2023 13:33

chargeofdimes · 09/05/2023 16:01

That's a good suggestion @OutOfMyPocket but in the current role, my manager is basically doing all of what the promotion job would be. It's one of the things that's made me think about trying to make a move upwards.

Maybe she will apply too!

Swingstotheleftslidetotheright · 10/05/2023 13:35

Fixed term contracts are the norm these days especially at senior levels so you can easily explain away the career hopping, especially as this is for a promotion.

custardbear · 10/05/2023 13:38

Go for it!
Have a proper answer if they ask why you're leaving so soon - I think the progression is ok, just confirm you've been at the same level for a long time and this opportunity doesn't come up often

itsrainin · 10/05/2023 13:39

Why are you overthinking this? You don’t even have the job yet. Wait until that moment and you’ll know what feels right for you.

AlisonDonut · 10/05/2023 13:45

custardbear · 10/05/2023 13:38

Go for it!
Have a proper answer if they ask why you're leaving so soon - I think the progression is ok, just confirm you've been at the same level for a long time and this opportunity doesn't come up often

The proper answer would be 'this interesting job came up'.

makemineadoublee · 10/05/2023 13:47

Just apply for it

loyalty means nothing and you have to take opportunities when they come up

you can always say when they asked why you applied how you wouldn’t usually look to move on so quickly but this is your dream role blah blah

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