How long should I stay at my first job for before moving on?

[startofcareer]

I recently started a new job which has a 6 months probation period. My colleagues who started at the same time say that we need to stay for at least the 6 months probation period before applying for other jobs, is this true?

It's my first job since graduating from university and I had a 10 month CV gap from graduating to getting this job as COVID made getting a job very difficult so I'm conscious that my CV does not look great...

This job is related to my degree area but it's long hours including night shifts and isn't in the specific career path I want to follow, but I'm grateful to even have a job and it's much needed experience. It's a 12 months fixed-term contract.

Can I please ask what are your thoughts/opinions on what I should do?

Thank you

If it's only 12 months fixed term, I would plan to stay for the year.

I would do the 12 month contract, it will be much more natural to be job hunting towards the end of a fixed contract than only 6 months in. Plus you'll have a full year's work experience, a few months isn't much.

I'd stay for the 12 months, too. Number one, it shows reliability to a future employer. Number two, applying for a job so soon after getting one creates the impression that you'd move on quickly if something more desirable came up.

I would definitely complete the full 12 month term. Leaving your first job after university after six months is not going to enhance your CV.

I disagree, you are not in your dream job so start applying for others now. It is always easier to find a job when you have a job. If you secure interviews they are all good practice meantime you are gaining work experience. Make as many contacts as you can, sadly it is always a case of who you know rather than what you know.

I was in exactly your position when I first left school (many years ago). I got what I thought would be a good job to life me out of my working class environment to a better lifestyle but I hated it. Not because of the job environment or colleagues but because it was sitting in an office adding up figures all day. I am competent at maths but i get no pleasure from it. I had hoped to work in the public service part of the job.

I began to think about other professional roles which would put me in contact with the public. After 3 months of my 6 month probation I was called into the managers office for a review. I was very frank with her about my feelings about seeking another job. She was very supporting and said "You are a young person at the beginning of your working life and sometimes a job just doesnt work out." She went on to say that my line manager had spoken well of me and she was happy to supply a reference if I chose to apply elsewhere.

When I applied for the new job I was able to give a credible reason - that I wanted to work with people and my current position was not in that role. I said nothing negative about the job itself or the people - just that it was not a good fit for my skill set and aspirations.

This is how you sell your wish to apply for the new job. I can see arguments from both sides. Sticking out the 12 months will give you a credible reference for your CV but that seems a long time to be doing something you clearly dislike. You also have to consider appearances. I would be inclined to give it say 6 months and then begin looking. Searching for a new job is not leaving your current one and will give you an opportunity to test the market and your interview and CV skills.

@hernameis

I disagree, you are not in your dream job so start applying for others now. It is always easier to find a job when you have a job. If you secure interviews they are all good practice meantime you are gaining work experience. Make as many contacts as you can, sadly it is always a case of who you know rather than what you know.

Who on earth is in their “dream job” 6 months after leaving university!

Thank you all, it seems there are mixed opinions.

For context my current job is very practical (working in a lab). I am wanting to go into something more to do with the application of science (patent attorney, regulatory affairs, etc) rather than doing the benchwork myself if you see what I mean. Most of my colleagues are wanting to go into research or healthcare science so the experience is much more relevant for them.

I was lucky to get this job as if it wasn't for this job I would be probably working in retail for the time being which is obviously less relevant to my career goals than this current role.

I have seen a few positions that look interesting but I'm not sure whether to apply for them or wait until around 6 months time and then start looking?

I would be fairly unimpressed if you walked out on a contract job halfway through, especially if it wasn't a disaster. You'll be out in 12 months anyway, which really isn't long in the context of a career. Having a degree-related job at all is a real benefit under the circumstances. It would be different if you were working in retail or a call centre and a science-related job came up; nobody would expect you to stick with a job like that on principle.

You can afford one very short-lived job on your CV. Any more and you run the risk of looking like a flake to prospective employers. Choose carefully.

I would start looking for jobs and applying in three months' time . That will give you something to focus on and keep going while not affecting your current post. If you leave a bit early because you secure another job, it will be easier to justify. Good luck!

@Aprilx

I would definitely complete the full 12 month term. Leaving your first job after university after six months is not going to enhance your CV.

I agree. I think it would reflect extremely poorly on you to leave after fewer than 12 months.

I think you should complete your contract. I would be concerned that you did not know what you wanted and had no staying power and that you agreed to work a 12 month contract and you were backing out early - your reasons to leave the contract early would not reassure me (they'd be good enough for why you did not wish to continue) - your 10 month after graduating would compound my fears. I'd call you a risky hire (that doesn't mean you are - just that you have created too many niggles)

Ok that is a pretty unanimous conclusion, I completely understand how it will look to leave early now. I am perfectly happy in my current job for the time-being but have had mixed opinions from family on whether I should be looking for a more relevant position yet or not. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't taking my eye off the ball and coasting along for the better part of a year in a job that isn't on my desired career path.