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Writer's pictureSAMUEL CHIBUNNA

How Long Should You Stay at a Job

There is this unspoken rule that you should at least keep at it for a year or so when you take a job, even if you do not like it. One cannot predict the stability of the job market, and if you want to move on to a better career, you should do your best to show your skills and presence to get a positive review for your next job.

But, as the workspace and employment practices continue to change, is the one-year job rule still applicable?

How Long Do Others Stay in Their Positions?

The one-year rule is followed by most people when they get a new position since it usually takes a year for a person to get used to a new work environment and set of responsibilities. After one year, they will be able to understand the organisation and show an improvement in their performance since they started.

If they consider a new position, staying one year in their current position can help support their case as to why they should be considered for the job. Some employers note how long an employee stayed with the company before they are considered for the position.

If the applicant did not make the full 12 months in their previous post, it is a big red flag for them to see the person as someone who cannot stick into their position.

How Long Should You Stay?

It is recommended that you try to at least stay in your position for two years at the minimum. This will help your employer get enough time and money to see if they can find a better candidate and get them ready for the position. The length of time is also enough for employers to see your worth and have a positive image of you, which you will need when you switch jobs.

However, if you are in an abusive work environment or if you discover that your position is not the one for you, it is not wrong to leave even if you have not completed the ideal period. The longer you stay in such an oppressive work environment, the higher your chance of developing workplace stress and eventually mental and emotional health problems.

If you have doubts about your position or feel the strain, start looking for new jobs as early as possible and research which ones can help you recover. If you frame your application properly to answer why you stayed for a short period in a position, prospective employers may overlook your job history and consider your skills instead.

Conclusion

It can be hard to determine whether or not you should stay long in the job because each situation varies per person. But, if you sit on the same job past your “specified” expiration date and don’t see any difference in your career, you are wasting your potential. Do your research and see what is available for you and see if it is time for you to move or not.

If you do not like your current job and thinking of jumping to greener pastures, check out these articles: Writing a Resignation Letter What is the One Thing Your Company did that Made You Resign? Should You Quit Your Job During The Pandemic?

Can’t get enough of MiddleMe? You can find me sharing my thoughts here as well: Instagram @kallymiddleme Twitter (MiddleMe_net) FaceBook (MiddleMe.net) LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kallytay

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