When you’re new to the world of careers, it’s easy to wonder how long you should stay at your first job. While you’ll likely get roles that pay more in the future, the first role always seems like the biggest job so questions like this are expected.
Everyone is different, though. It might sound like a cop-out, but you have to ask yourself some questions to figure out what is too long and what is too short.
Luckily, we’ve boiled it down to three important points. Answer these truthfully and you’ll know where you stand with your first job. Remember, just being satisfied with one of them might not be enough. Consider all three to get a good understanding of what is the right amount of time for you.
The 3 questions to ask in your first job
Are you learning?
It is incredibly rare that someone’s first job will be their last job. This is why you should be focused on learning early on in your career. You want a job that fosters your interests and has answers for the questions you’re asking.Â
When people spend thousands a year on a university or college education, it might come as a shock to them that they can be paid to learn in a role, too. Yes, you will still have to deliver work, but the best roles early on have a good balance of production and education. If your role has this, then consider yourself lucky.
Are you earning?
Even if you have a situation where you don’t need the money as much as others (for example, you live with parents and aren’t required to pay rent), you still want money as validation of a job well done.
However, it’s important to not get carried away with financial expectations. For many, their first role is their lowest paying. Are you making enough to survive comfortably? Then maybe you should stay at your current role for longer. We’ll soon go on to explain, though, that just satisfying one of these questions isn’t enough.
Are you yearning?
Ultimately, the heart wants what the heart wants. If you’re being honest with yourself and you find that you’re miserable in your first role, then it may be hard to overcome that. Even those with the strongest wills and brightest attitudes could still struggle in a work environment that doesn’t suit them.
If this sounds familiar, then maybe you’ve been in your role too long. With that in mind, we’ve spoken to some anonymous hiring consultants and experts to hear their take on how long you should stay at your first job. We ended with three consistent points.
Look inside before looking outside
Ask yourself what it is that makes you want to leave your current role. Is it just that you’ve been there for a while and you’re looking for a change? Because that isn’t good enough. You should find the why so you know what to do next.
For some people, what they’re looking for can be found in their current business. Whether it’s in their role they already have and there’s simply a few tweaks to the job needed, or there’s an opening in their businesses that’s a better fit for them – so, ask!
If you’re new to the business world, you might not understand but managers actually want what’s best for their team.
Focus on mental growth, not financial
In your first role, you should be growing in both confidence and knowledge. We’re not saying you shouldn’t make money, but making a lot of money here won’t make you a lot of money in a future role. However, learning a lot here will make you a lot of money in a future role.
It’s worth understanding that a manager may look at a CV with no other work experience as a bit of a risk. You could have been in education for years, but working under a boss is different and it’s the kind of experience that can be missed in a lot of candidates. There are certain responsibilities needed of you in a career that weren’t required in an educational role.
If you want to leave a role because you’re not earning enough to buy a house and a sports car – but you are learning every day and growing in confidence – then it’s probably too early to leave your role.
Leave on good terms
You may have decided that it’s time to leave. If you’re sure this is the right move, then make sure you leave on good terms.
If you have work to complete, make sure you finish everything before you leave. If you’re appreciative of someone that helped you grow, tell them. These are the kinds of things that can leave a really positive impression on your team.Â
Managers and departments should always understand that people move on, but it’s on you to make sure that you move on positively.
It all comes down to one main point:
How long should you stay at your job? Until you find a better one.
You shouldn’t rely on articles and blog posts to tell you something you can only know for yourself. This article is meant to give you some guidance, but the right answer should always come from within.
For some, one year is long enough for them to stay with their first job. For some, six months is too much and six years isn’t enough. It’s entirely individual. Hopefully this article has helped you find your next move.