Applying for new jobs after a few months in current post

[user1471522161]

Hi,

So, bit of a back story. I completed a fast track graduate scheme in a public sector role, qualified in 2022 then was due to complete my post qualifying year at the same employer. An opportunity came up for me to go and work abroad for a year and make a lot of money (I've saved enough money for a house deposit plus quite a lot in general savings) so I didn't complete my post qualifying year and went abroad.

The employer said I could go back once I returned to the UK if I wanted to, to complete my post qualifying year and work there full time, which I have done. I have been back in this role for 3 months, however this role is 3 hours away from my family in the town I went to university in.

There's a lot going on with my family (illness, change in circumstances) and I really want to move closer to my family due to this, I also feel really alone and isolated living so far away.

My question is, would it be really bad if I started applying for new jobs closer to home after only being in this role for a few months? I have a 2 month notice period so will still be in the role for at least another few months.

I just feel awful as I know my employer will likely feel annoyed and disappointed with me. I wish I hadn't came back however it was a guaranteed job and I've made a mistake.

Thank you

It's fine, honestly. In my job before last I realised after a week I'd made a mistake and started job hunting. I left within 4 months and that was only because they insisted on the longest possible notice period (civil service transferring departments). They were mightily pissed off with me!

But at the end of the day it's your life, you have to do what's right for you. If your current employer can't be gracious about that then so be it - it's just a moment in time isn't it.

Good luck with your job hunt!

How will you complete your post qualifying year?

I'll either transfer it to a different employer (you can do this) or be going into a different type of role where I won't have to do it

Could you have an honest chat with them and tell them how tough you are finding things.

Is working at home an option in this role?

At the end of the day you and how you feel is what is most important.

Unfortunately working from home isn't really an option in my role. I just feel absolutely trapped and I'm really regretting my decision to come back

You're not trapped though. You're nine months away from completing your PQ year. You could treat this as a means to an end and get your ducks lined up to move on once that box is ticked.

I suppose it's because all the while I stay here i'm delaying things such as buying a house, having children, which is things I wish I'd have thought about before coming back. Coupled with the fact that one of my family members is ill and I don't know how long I have left with them (I didn't know they were ill whilst I was away or I wouldn't have came back)

I'd honestly stay and finish it, then move. It's such a short period to gain a really good qualification.

I'm already qualified, I qualified a year ago. This is just my newly qualified year in employment