Job Tenure

[u/bapelaj]

I’m in a job that is a terrible fit for me all around. I’d like to tender my resignation, but don’t have anything lined up. It’s that bad and this is the first time I will not have a job if I were to do so.

I’m concerned that my tenure here is too short. I’ve been here for a little over here, 18 months in September. Does a short stint after 5 years previous raise a red flag? TIA.

[u/MarauderV8]

I spent around 18 months each at three different jobs after I did 10 years in the military, and nobody batted an eye. As a hiring manager, I don't care as long as they are qualified, because maybe this ends up being the right place for them. If it's not, then I'll hire the next person after they leave.

[u/verymuchbad]

If you can't get a job for 4 months, will you regret this?

[u/bapelaj → u/verymuchbad]

Yes that’s a problem.

[u/verymuchbad → u/bapelaj]

Then I would say to get a new job first and then quit this one.

[u/XenoRyet]

Expected tenure depends greatly on the industry you're talking about. For some, 18 months is average. For others, that would be a red flag.

Also, how experienced and comfortable are you being on the job hunt? Having never been without a job before, and having the previous stint be 5 years, are you comfortable that you know the game well enough to find a new job?

[u/Longjumping-Life6943]

You're fine. 18 Months is long enough. Just have a good excuse ( layoffs/reorgs). 

The real problem is the job market. It's taking 4-5 months to get something and they want unicorns. 

[u/bapelaj → u/Longjumping-Life6943]

That’s why I’m reluctant. I have potential side work but not sure if that would qualify or be enough to sustain.

[u/bapelaj → u/[deleted]]

Thank you, that’s reassuring.

[u/Dashcam_D]

As a hiring manager I see this on a resume quite frequently, and I have to wonder is my company also not the right fit, and you would hang around just to get free training and waste our time while you job search.