Take a job until something better comes along?

fret_wimp2

Im curious on how people view this situation.

So you have a job thats going nowhere.

You get offered a job with a different company thats a little better but not as good as you hoped for.

Do you take this job, even for just 2 or 3 months, and continue applying for better jobs?

The "intermediate" compay would not be too happy about you leaving after 2 months, but would this look bad further down the line, or is it just the employment game?

Well considering linkedin these days (in the right industry) is just a poaching game for both your company and the one trying to get you, I wouldn't lose any sleep about it.

Basically what I'm saying is look after number 1.

Mrs OBumble

It's just the game.

The intermediate company may say that they're annoyed, but if they hired you and then changed their strategy 2 months down the line they'd have no qualms about using your probationary status to get rid of you.

You can probably lose the intermediate company off your CV totally in a couple of years

Irish_Elect_Eng

You would probably have to omit the intermediate company entirely from your CV, as you stated they would be upset, you could imagine the reference that you would get.

It also depends on the industry, are short term contracts and mobility common, is it a small pool of companies in your field, would you be leaving your new company in the lurch?

If you are confident in finding a good job in 2-3 months I would stick with what you have. But if that 2-3 months is likely to stretch to > 6 months then I would take the move.

But remember the saying, what goes around comes around, so consider the decision carefully..

starlit

fret_wimp2 wrote: »

Im curious on how people view this situation.

So you have a job thats going nowhere.

You get offered a job with a different company thats a little better but not as good as you hoped for.

Do you take this job, even for just 2 or 3 months, and continue applying for better jobs?

The "intermediate" compay would not be too happy about you leaving after 2 months, but would this look bad further down the line, or is it just the employment game?

Its worth hanging onto the job until something better comes along, nothing like having some work experience on your belt to show off to prospective employers. If you aren't happy in a job why stay in it once you landed a better job. Personally that is what I'd do. It is very much an employers market at the moment due to the recession.

Eoin

What are the pros and cons of the new job compared to the current one? How long are you in your current job?

fret_wimp2

Duration in job: 3 years.

Pros:
-stable for the moment.
-close to home.
-good salary and benifits.


cons:
-no movement(new responsibilities, roles etc).
-not challenging anymore.
-chances job will be outsourced in 18-24 months. Could mean reassignment, which would be great, or reduncancy.
-reward system based on "heroes" fixing issues during a crisis instead of rewarding proactive work that would prevent issues in the first place.

Im ok with sitting where i am for the time being, but I just wanted to see what people here thought of job jumping as suggested im my original post.

Irish_Elect_Eng

Most employers have no problem with CVs that have many different companies listed with short employment durations, provided that the reason for changing jobs is understandable.

In the first 10 years of my career I had 8 different jobs.

• 2 Ended when the start-up companies failed.
• 1 Ended when the company was bought out and downsized.
• 1 ended when the company changed focus and my skills were not required.
• 1 ended when I moved back from the UK
• 1 ended when I got married and moved 2 be closer my family.
• 2 ended when I moved to to gain career advancement

I have been with my current company over 10 years, and surprisingly for me the move to this company was at the time a "filler" job while I looked for a good career move. Sometimes you really cannot see the opportunities until you are inside the organisation.

Of the 8 companies at least most give a very good reference as I always handled my exits carefully and never left anyone in the lurch.

I have never had any grief in interviews for my career choices, whether it was my decision or forced by outside issues.

However, how you handle a "big" CV in an interview does matter, the employer may be concerned that you will jump ship after a short period of time, therefore wasting the money spent on training / induction and recruitment. So you would have to allay their concerns, even if they do not ask directly, no company wants to be a just stepping stone on your career path.

Good luck with your decision.