Is it ever OK to leave a job after only 6 months?

speed12

Member
Apologies for the wording, but as you never know who is reading!

Picture the scene. You leave Company A after 8 years for company B. Company B is great in terms of salary, benefits and the way they look after you etc. Not only that but after 4 months they modify the 2 year contract to a permanent contract. All is good but the work is perhaps not challenging you as much as you would really like.

Then just after signing the new permanent contract at company B, an ex director from Company A gets in touch about a great job in a different part of the industry that is challenging and likely to open new avenues in the longterm. He gives you the contact details of a director from Company C. You call the Company C director out of courtesy and respect for the ex director of Company A. Company C director makes the job sound even more enticing and pretty much says the job is certain based on the ex directors high opinion of you alone.

You don't say No but you don't say Yes. Company C director says he is willing to travel to meet and says have the weekend to think. No salary etc is discussed nor any other details.

Do you:

A. Call director from Company C, say thanks for the consideration but decline on the basis that you are loyal to Company B and that it would not be right to leave after such a short time.

B. Call director from Company C, say let's meet to talk more. But remain non comittal.

I've been mulling it over for days... Really don't want to offend or burn bridges with current employer and who's to say things wont get more challenging as i take on more responsibility? but I'd be lying if I was not interested in this other opportunity.
 
Agree with above that you need to at least have the discussion so that it isn't a what if "thing" in your head at a later time.
 
85genius said:
Meet him to discuss you can't make your mind up without all the information

No harm in doing this, in fact prepare and treat like a proper target job- what your expectations would be in terms of role challenges and remuneration package.

In this day and age, job loyalty isn't what it used to be, there will be the odd company that will make good on that, but as you experienced, bottom line and Cost restructuring trumps everything else. I'm self employed contractor and I think everyone else is essentially in the same boat irrespective of job title.

...and don't quit your existing job until you have an offer and accepted/confirmed. Changing after 6months isn't an issue, having gaps is more of an issue, but neither is an issue if you have good history / genuine track record.

Good luck with how you go.
 
look after no.1

there's no such thing as loyalty from companies so you owe a company nothing, leave under good terms though
 
Taz said:
look after no.1

there's no such thing as loyalty from companies so you owe a company nothing, leave under good terms though


Exactly, we get one life. Do what makes you happy ultimately.
 
Get as much information about Company C as possible andare there options for share holding?

Are you in a job role where you can directly influence the company's success and therefore your own rewards linked to that? I joined a small business 6 years ago after having a number of so called secure jobs in sales. After 6 months I paid £25K to buy a quarter of the company and now those shares are worth £350K.

I wouldn't worry about company B as the minute it doesn't suit them, they will have you out. I learned this the hard way in 2009 when the recession kicked in. I had a job for life (so I thought) but new boss comes in and if your face doesn't fit etc.

Look after yourself, no room for sentiment in this game. Be polite though and do not burn any bridges en route.

H.
 
Wise advice from Taz. Whatever you decide, make sure that you're not going to look back and think: "What if........".

Good luck!
 
If you do leave it will be for the right reasons.

I'm not sure how the guy at works Mrs actually gets jobs cause she basically decides after 2 months that she doesn't like it and finds something else completely different and moves on. Gets all trained up by these people then buggers off. Deep down she doesn't want to work........I know having lots of jobs is seen as good but surely they should be slightly longer term than a couple of months.

Clearly you have been put forward because you would be good at the job in question. I'd definitely find out more and if it's going to be better for you in all aspects then go for it! You may never get the chance again.
 
I agree with Taz :thumbsup:

I am not sure having LOTS of jobs is good - if you have 10 jobs but only stuck at each for 2/3 months then that screams lack of commitment and an investment risk to me. Unless you're a self employed consultant or something.

The company you leave - if you do - will be disappointed, but should understand. You shouldn't knock back any offer to at least meet and consider it further.
 
Cheers everyone, pretty much what I thought, no harm in having a chat to explore the option as long as it's done discretely.

My current employer is a Very good employer, one of three big players in that part of the industry with a value of over £2b yet only 120 members of staff. I left my original employer (a competitor) for a 50% pay rise but also fancied a change, I took the risk of joining on a 2 year fixed term contract but as I said before managed to secure a permanent post now. Managed to keep hold of my final salary pension too which is rare and another perk of staying where I am. I do genuinely believe that they look after their staff very well.

I'll have to arrange a meet with this other company. As others have said, I don't want to wonder what if.
 
metal licker said:
Taz said:
look after no.1

there's no such thing as loyalty from companies so you owe a company nothing, leave under good terms though
Nailed it!

+1. Never ever become complacent and think a company is loyal or cares about you.

Do what is best for you and you only.
 
For what's my opinion is worth ( probably not a lot as I'm an old retired git :rofl: ) I would stick with your present job - despite comments about looking after number 1 and loyalty doesn't count it would be a sad world if we all took this approach - they clearly are a good company to work for and look after their employees and because they think highly of you have offered permanent employment - if you are not being particularly challenged why not talk to your manager and see if this can be addressed - I would have thought they would welcome such enthusiasm . If you move on and it doesn't work out and then have to look for another job it will look like you really do lack commitment - most bosses look for commitment and continuity .

I confess I have limited knowledge of the private sector as my whole working life was protected within the public sector - I was lucky enough to change direction several times career wise over the years that kept me challenged with a good salary and pension. Seems to me the private sector is and has always been a bit cut throat which is probably why I played safe.

Whatever you decide good luck !
 
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