How Do You Know How Long to Stay at Your First Job Out of College

How Do You Know How Long to Stay at Your First Job Out of College How Long Should I Stay at My First Job After College?Learn when to stay and when to quit your first job out of college.As you journey through your career, you will likely face some tough, major decisions For example, when should you take a leap of faith and move to a new position, and when is it best to play it safe and stay put?These two questions tend to pop up a few years after landing your first real job, i.e. elend a summer internship or school job. Most entry-level employees abflug at the bottom and work their way up the ranks. You have to learn new skills, gain valuable on-the-job training, and grow your experience first. As time goes on, however, it can often become difficult to determine if you have learned what you need in order to advance, or if you should stay a little while longer. Heres some key advice to consider when youre determining whether its time to start looking for a new role or continue on where you are.Your first job after college often isnt your dream jobIts a starting point on the board game of life. First jobs are great for learning valuable skills you learn from the industrys best minds (hopefully) and take those experiences with you on the road to your dream career. Think of your first job as an extension of college, where professors taught you the skills and techniques necessary to enter your desired field. First jobs teach you how to apply those techniques in the real world.Theres no golden rule stating how long you should stay at your first job just dont wait until youre grey and wrinkled to find something better.Pay your duesAs a young and hungry first-time employee, its not uncommon to want to rush and get ahead of the game. Thats not quite how it works, though you have to pay your dues. Everyone starts out small and has to work menial positions. Dont aim for your bosss chair until youve earned the right to sit in it.Likewise, hiring managers cringe when new h ires leave a company quickly. To some, it shows that you never intended to learn the ropes and instead used them as a stepping-stone to a better job. Dont make this fatal mistake. Not only will it burn bridges you may need later in life, but its also rude and distasteful. Recruiters recommend staying at your first job after college for at least a year before making any big changes. Rather than rush to enter the race, take the time to learn from others in your field, talk to your supervisor and learn from their wisdom, and volunteer for tasks no one wants. You wont regret unterstellung actions down the road.Be realisticNew graduates tend to make one common mistake Theyre unrealistic about the first five years of their career. Students often leave college thinking theyll take on the world, move up the ranks within a few years, and open their own corporation. It is seldom that easy becoming an industry leader takes time. Not only do you have to build a solid reputation, but competitio n is also fierce.RelatedWhat to Expect From Your First Job Out of College?Look for big opportunities at your first jobIf you find that your first job after college offers some great benefits, it may be worth staying long term. Does the company offer sabbatical or meternity after working several years? Are stock options available? Some benefits are worth the wait.Some companies have a high turnover rate, so look for trends in supervisor roles. If you work hard and learn the ropes, you may be able to earn a promotion faster than you would at other companies. Just be warned High turnover rates can also be a red flag. Ask questions and learn why so many team members leave.Keep compatibility in mindSometimes the job just isnt a good fit. Team leaders may expect employees to take on unreasonable workloads, the job description may not have accurately reflected the position, the overall environment may not be conducive to a positive workflow for you the possibilities for incompatibility ar e endless. Give it at least three months. If you still feel it isnt a good fit, start looking for a new position.What if you leave before your first year is finished?While staying at your first job for at least one year is usually the minimum suggested, remember that this is not a concrete rule. There are times when you can and should move on to better opportunities. If you tried everything in your power to make it work and just couldnt, or maybe you got a better offer, whats next? If you decide to leave your position before one year is up, it is advised to stay at your next job for at least two to three years. Leaving the second job early establishes a negative pattern. It sends the message you arent committed to the job or, worse, cause problems within the team. You dont want hiring managers to get the wrong impression.Just remember, if its been less than a year, write a thank-you note to the hiring manager, your supervisor, and the head of your department. Tell them you appreci ate everything you learned from them and how they made it possible for you to advance in the industry. This goes a long way in preventing hurt feelings or resentment for leaving early.Once you decide to leave your first job before the year is out, leave gracefully dont tell the boss or other team members how you really feel. Keep up appearances and treat everyone with respect and decency. Its easy to burn bridges, and the chances to rebuild them are few and far between.Click on the following link for more workplace advice.Leaving your first job? Submit your resume for a free resume critique to make sure its up to parRecommended ReadingHow to Write an Entry-Level Resume for Your First Post-College JobTackling the Transition from Campus to Office6 Ways to Rock Your First Entry-Level Job After GraduationRelated Articles