To leave a job after less than 6 months

[Poldarke]

I was in an NHS role for 4 years when I was offered a WFH charity job. It was great, but after 18 months I was made redundant. Had no statutory pay, so had to find something quickly and landed a really well paid role.

It’s a small business, 5 days a week in the office with zero flex for hybrid, no paid sick leave and bonuses are based on how much unpaid overtime you do (which I can’t as I have a 3yo). The culture is a bit crappy, I was found via a recruiter which I’m reminded of every day, as it cost him x amount of money to hire me and ‘I need to work my backside off to make it worth it’.

I just feel so undervalued. I’ve only been there since September and I’m working so hard, and being micromanaged every step of the way. I was hoping this would be a long term job due to only being at my previous for 18 months but I don’t know how much longer I can do it.. I’ve never worked anywhere like this before and although there’s nothing inherently awful, the dread is seeping in.

Is life too short? Will this look crap on my CV?

I should’ve prefaced with I won’t leave without another job to go to, I just don’t know how employers would look at my CV with two short stints.

I think if you explain the situation that it won’t be viewed dimly. Having to get a job quickly due to redundancy is understandable, then looking around and getting one you really want. Explain it like that, as opposed to criticising your existing employer. Current employer sounds awful, sounds similar to a situation I had in a small business, sounds similar unprofessional and I also left as soon as I could. Please don’t worry 😊

I'm doing exactly the same thing! Leave in a fortnight, 6 months in. Life is far too short to spend working somewhere you're not happy or appreciated. You won't regret it.

Start looking - I wouldn’t be concerned at all when recruiting if you were still there at this current job and exploring new opportunities - it’s always ok to move for a better job whatever better means to you!

Leave. Plus, 18 months is a pretty average stint nowadays. I hated my previous job - toxic, micromanaged, felt like I was losing the plot at times. COVID hit and I was stuck there for almost two years. It knocked my confidence massively, to the point where it impacted my interview skills and it took me forever to find somewhere. So just leave as soon as possible. There's no need to be miserable.

I recently left a job in my probation period! No regrets whatsoever, it was entirely the right choice. Trust your gut!

Thank you everyone! This has given me the push to go for it.

It will be fine. Don't criticise current employer but make it clear you are looking for a long term role. That manager sounds horrendous. Get out there and start looking. Best of luck.

This!

When looking explain that you found a role following redundancy but carried on hunting for the right match for you. It’s actually a good story to tell as it shows you’re really motivated by that particular role/workplace rather than just being happy with anything.

Even if you stayed a few more months it will still look short term on you CV anyway.
So you might as well look for something else and just put on your CV that it was a temporary job.

You know you’re not planning on staying there too long and so it would be better to just find a new job.

Good luck 💐