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Original poster

How long is an 'OK' length of time at a place of work?

29 replies

Autumnleavesandhotchocolate · 13/10/2022 16:51

I started a new job last month. It was an impulsive decision to leave my last place of work (where I had been for over 8 years - I do not make a habit swapping and changing jobs) and the 'on boarding' process at the new place has been frankly none existent.
It was a mistake. I am hugely unhappy. I have never cried as much in my entire adult life as I have during the past few weeks. My hair is falling out, my skin is a state, I can do the actual job, it's the same as I was doing before, just slightly different systems and processes. So it isn't as though I have talked myself into a job out of my league. I just genuinely don't think I'm a fit for this particular place.
The way I feel at the minute, I don't think I can stay there long term. However I know a short term blot on a CV will not look good so I was wondering, how short a stay is considered to be an OK amount of time to have spent in a work place?
To be clear, I work hard, do not have time off and am friendly and polite, I would like to think my references would reflect this and would not have anything negative to say - other than potentially the short stay....

OP posts:
Burnt0utMum · 13/10/2022 16:54

If you're unhappy, start applying for others jobs and leave as soon as you can. Lots of short term jobs can look suspicious on a CV but just one won't be a problem. If you can secure interviews, it will already mean the employer is willing to look past it so it's worth trying.

AgentProvocateur · 13/10/2022 16:54

It’s better to leave asap and then gloss over it in the future on your CV. Is it too late to ask for your previous job back? If not, apply to others and just be honest. Say that you realised quickly that it wasn’t a good fit for you. Good luck. There’s nothing worse than a job that makes you ill.

AquaticSewingMachine · 13/10/2022 16:56

A history of very short stays is a problem; a single one isn't. The vast majority of people understand that sometimes a job doesn't work out, and with 8 years in a previous role you're clearly not a flibbertigibbet. You can afford one blip.

Leave as soon as you can.

TheSausageKingofChicago · 13/10/2022 16:58

I think we can all have one job that’s not a good fit. If the rest of your CV shows decent stints (and eight years in your last job is a good sign) then don’t worry.
I lasted six weeks in my last job. Then I got poached for the one I’m in and I couldn’t have been happier. God I was miserable…
You don’t have to put up with it.

MarshaBradyo · 13/10/2022 17:00

Are you in a probationary period?

This works both ways - to see if the fit is right

If they felt they’d made a mistake they would use it to replace you, so do the same and leave

tranquiltortoise · 13/10/2022 17:03

You were at your previous job for 8 years so that will also be looked at.

I don't think you need to worry.

It's really only if you've bounced around like 5 different places in as many years that it becomes a problem.

LimpBiskit · 13/10/2022 17:09

Just be honest and say it wasn't a good fit if asked about it.

VatofTea · 13/10/2022 17:12

Just don't put it on your cv and if asked say you needed to take some time off for family reasons, elderly parent care. Look around, don't be too stressed about that place.

Rosehugger · 13/10/2022 17:13

I stayed somewhere 5 months and somewhere else for a month and just left them off my CV eventually.

Rosehugger · 13/10/2022 17:14

I stayed somewhere 5 months and somewhere else for a month and just left them off my CV eventually.

BeanStew22 · 13/10/2022 17:25

Agree with PPs, a one off isn’t an issue, and the 8 years in your last job makes it look like the issue is them, not you

Get applying & look elsewhere: at interview say it’s not a good fit

Beautiful3 · 13/10/2022 17:30

2years. I'd find another job ASAP and leave this one off my cv.

Lurkerlot · 13/10/2022 17:31

I was in a job for 9 years, when I left. In the space of 12 months I had 3 other jobs, each of them I was not happy in, and generally within 2 months I was looking for other jobs. Luckily for me I work in Finance, so can always find something. Eventually found my current role and I am more than happy. If a job makes you unhappy, don’t stay there, no job is worth it.

Selfsabotagesocks · 13/10/2022 17:34

Find a new job ASAP. Some industries thrive on people going from job to job
Architecture is a good example. E.g 18 months is impressive

Just put (short term contract) next to the job title on your CV?

Nobody will question it in a few months. 😂 especially considering there's a recession looming

shipshapeshop · 13/10/2022 17:37

I did exactly what you did. Then I jumped into a terrible role and it's now firmly plastered on my CV as 4 months but it's wedged between a 5 year time and a 7 year role I've had since. I do get asked about it but I say I left on good terms the role just wasn't for me and then quickly move onto how successful I've been at current role (in job hunting now).

Good luck OP life's too short, find another job!

ABrotherWhoLooksLikeHellMugYou · 13/10/2022 17:52

I'm on my fourth organisation in 18 months. Nobody cares as long as you can give a good reason. My shortest was 3 months. I am hoping to make it toba year in my current role though.

AquaticSewingMachine · 13/10/2022 17:57

ABrotherWhoLooksLikeHellMugYou · 13/10/2022 17:52

I'm on my fourth organisation in 18 months. Nobody cares as long as you can give a good reason. My shortest was 3 months. I am hoping to make it toba year in my current role though.

...I mean, employers absolutely do care in the vast majority of cases if you have a habit of doing flits in a year or less. It takes most of a year to be fully effective at a new job and for your benefit to exceed your cost. There are exceptions in some fields but not many.

BalmyBalmes · 13/10/2022 17:58

Usually 1 year is an ok length of time. However as others have said it's absolutely fine to have one job on your cv where you only stayed a few months. Loads of people have this.
Just start applying for new jobs and if you're asked about it at interview just say the job wasn't really what you thought/you were trying out something new but it's not really your preferred area but big up all the positives you've gained in your time there.

ImissyouBR1 · 13/10/2022 18:04

@AquaticSewingMachine maybe your employer cares but honestly a lot don't.

Shit happens, life is random and circumstances change. Good employers know this and good employers know that mental health has been destroyed in recent years meaning people are less likely to put up with a toxic atmosphere than before. And quite rightly.

The world of digital marketing loves a candidate who has worked for a competitor. Even if its a few months.

Same with architecture 😁 knowing how the enemy works and who has what clients is quite useful to some companies!

JardinsduBasil · 13/10/2022 18:10

I've got one six month job in a stream of much longer tenures (knew it was a mistake by end of week 1) and no one has even mentioned it. If you do a very short period and you don't need to mention it for e g enhanced security reasons there's no need to even put it on your CV.

I recruit a lot and I wouldn't care at all.

Sewwhatmrmagpie · 13/10/2022 18:48

I was in my previous roles (most recent first) 4 months, 14 months, 8 months, 12 years. I have made a concerted effort to sit still for a while now (over a yr so far and planning to stay for the foreseeable) because it's fine to have one short term but if it's a pattern it starts looking a bit off.

SavingsThreads · 13/10/2022 19:08

ImissyouBR1 · 13/10/2022 18:04

@AquaticSewingMachine maybe your employer cares but honestly a lot don't.

Shit happens, life is random and circumstances change. Good employers know this and good employers know that mental health has been destroyed in recent years meaning people are less likely to put up with a toxic atmosphere than before. And quite rightly.

The world of digital marketing loves a candidate who has worked for a competitor. Even if its a few months.

Same with architecture 😁 knowing how the enemy works and who has what clients is quite useful to some companies!

Disagree. That example was 4 jobs in 18months, I wouldn't even consider interviewing someone with that record

BeanStew22 · 13/10/2022 19:59

Looks like the consensus is towards a 1 off (or minority of jobs) being short term is ok if there are longer periods to compensate …

I guess it must depend on the field: in my role I would say it takes most people 18 months-2 years to be fully effective (although probably contributing from 3-6 months in), & too many short term jobs can be an issue

All the posters who are leaving jobs off their CVs - how? Are you not concerned about showing gaps?

Passmeaplacard · 13/10/2022 20:44

I have been involved in hiring decisions for many years and I wouldn’t judge someone for this. Especially given you were at the last company for a long time. Just be prepared to explain why the culture isn’t right for you when you speak to recruiters.

ABrotherWhoLooksLikeHellMugYou · 13/10/2022 20:55

SavingsThreads · 13/10/2022 19:08

Disagree. That example was 4 jobs in 18months, I wouldn't even consider interviewing someone with that record

Show quote history

Luckily I came highly recommended by one of the bosses I had during one of those jobs and now work for a highly well known firm. I am exceptional at hitting the ground running and have a great network of very complimentary ex bosses and colleagues. I refuse to stay places where the culture is poor, which the middle two roles were. The first one didn't offer enough career progression or money, the second 2 were either dull or toxic, like goldilocks I'm hoping this one is just right.

Ftc are v common in my profession.

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