Changing jobs frequently at the start of your career is a controversial topic. Some argue it shows a lack of commitment, others say it’s necessary to find the right role. Here we’ll explore whether it’s OK to change jobs after 6 months, the pros and cons, and what you should consider first.
Is it ever acceptable to change jobs after 6 months?
There are certainly some circumstances where it is understandable to change jobs after only 6 months:
- The job turns out to be completely different than advertised. For example, the role, responsibilities, workplace culture, or salary and benefits are not as described.
- There are ethical issues or unacceptable workplace practices at the company that force you to leave.
- You get an excellent new job offer that you can’t turn down – for example much better pay, responsibilities, etc.
- Your personal circumstances change such as your partner getting a new distant job. This can force a resignation to move locations.
- You get the opportunity to follow your true passion or calling elsewhere that you can’t ignore.
In cases like these where there are justifiable and sensible reasons behind the decision, changing jobs after 6 months can be understandable and acceptable.
When is changing jobs quickly seen negatively?
Most of the time when people change jobs very quickly, it is seen as a red flag by future hiring managers and bosses. Some examples of when changing jobs after 6 months can raise questions include:
- You change simply because you got bored and want a new challenge.
- You received a poor performance review or were disciplined and decided to leave before you got fired.
- You have a history of frequently changing jobs every 6-12 months.
- You realized the job just wasn’t for you after starting and decided to look for other opportunities.
- You have no clear reasons for leaving other than wanting to pursue other options.
In these types of scenarios where it seems like you are changing for questionable or unfocused reasons, it can look bad on your resume.
The pros of staying in a new job longer
Here are some of the benefits of trying to stick it out longer than 6 months when starting a new position:
- Shows commitment and loyalty – Leaving after 6 months may be perceived by future hiring managers as you being unreliable.
- Time to learn and achieve results – Most jobs take a minimum 6-12 months to fully get up to speed and achieve meaningful results with your contributions.
- Build your skills and experience – Quickly changing jobs can limit your ability to fully develop new skills, responsibilities, and experience that come with extended time in one role.
- Grow your internal network – Developing good relationships with colleagues takes time and changing jobs frequently disrupts this.
- Get through the initial discomfort phase – Most new jobs will feel unfamiliar and uncertain at first, but this typically improves once you settle in.
Staying longer means giving yourself enough time to overcome the initial hurdles, get comfortable, and make a meaningful contribution. This can then significantly boost future job prospects.
The cons of staying in a role longer than 6 months
Here are some potential disadvantages of remaining longer than 6 months if the job is a poor fit:
- You may get stuck in an unsustainable or dead-end job.
- It can harm your mental health and motivation by forcing you to stay in a bad environment.
- You miss out on finding something better suited to your skills, interests, salary needs, etc.
- You won’t be able to pursue better job opportunities that may come along.
- Your frustration may come across to managers and in your work quality if you remain somewhere you hate.
In toxic or unsuitable work cultures in particular, staying beyond 6 months against your better judgement may do more harm than good.
Questions to ask yourself first
Before handing in your resignation after only 6 months, ask yourself these important questions first:
- Are my reasons for leaving reasonable and sensible? Will others understand them?
- Is this job truly not redeemable, or have I not given it a fair chance?
- Will leaving now still allow me to meet key responsibilities like paying bills?
- How will this affect my resume and future job searches?
- Will I be letting my employer and co-workers down by leaving them in the lurch?
If you can demonstrate with confidence that changing jobs is the best choice both personally and professionally, it will come across better to others. Weighing up these factors critically can help in making the decision.
How to reduce negative perceptions if changing jobs
If you do choose to change jobs quickly, here are some tips to avoid being perceived negatively by future employers:
- Clearly explain your reasons for leaving to hiring managers if questioned. Make your rationale clear.
- Don’t make changing jobs frequently a habit. Even if justified once or twice, regular job-hopping looks unstable.
- Obtain references from previous employers affirming your positive contributions.
- Emphasize that you are now looking for a long-term home you can commit to and develop with.
- Explain how you have learned from the experience about what work situations suit you best.
- Focus on the positive skills you gained and used in the role, even if it was short-lived.
With the right context and framing, you can minimize suspicions and assure employers you are worth investing in.
How long should you stay in a new job?
Here is a guide to appropriate time periods to stay in a new role:
| Timeframe | Perception |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | Highly questionable and concerning unless justifiable |
| 6-12 months | Moderately concerning unless there are good reasons |
| 1-2 years | Ideal minimum time to show commitment and have achievements |
| 3-5 years | Solid indication of loyalty and contribution |
| 5+ years | Demonstrates strong dedication to employer and role |
Staying 1-2 years is usually the recommended minimum to avoid looking like a “job-hopper” unless you have reasonable explanations.
Unique considerations for different industries
The perceptions around leaving a job after 6 months also depends on the industry and role type. Here are some examples:
- Startups – More flexibility to leave after 6 months as they are chaotic with high turnover.
- Tech roles – Very common to switch jobs frequently as workers are in demand.
- Academia – Seen very negatively to leave a research postdoc after 6 months as they are rare and prestigious.
- Law and medicine – Usually need to complete structured programs lasting years before considering moves.
Consider whether conventions and norms in your particular industry will be more or less forgiving of short stays.
Good ways to transition positively
If you do decide it’s best to change jobs quickly, here are some tips for making the transition smoothly:
- Give as much formal notice as possible – ideally 2-4 weeks.
- Offer to help hire and train your replacement.
- Transition your ongoing work and projects to colleagues.
- Maintain positive relationships with managers and co-workers.
- Express gratitude for the opportunity and your appreciation of colleagues.
- Keep the reasons discreet and professional.
Ensuring you leave on good terms will always make your choice to move on easier and less contentious.
Conclusion
Changing jobs after 6 months or less is usually inadvisable and seen negatively unless there are reasonable circumstances forcing your decision. While there are some benefits of moving quickly, you gain more career advantages by showing commitment longer before changing roles. If you do make the choice to leave within 6 months, take steps to frame it professionally and make the transition smooth for all involved.