After spending months looking for first post-college job, many recent grads settle for a job they really don’t want. It’s common for new grads to feel trapped in their first job and many stick around longer than they should. Most twenty-somethings stay at their jobs because of credit card debts, student loan bills or just to appease their parents. However, recent studies and some first job advice may give help to these miserable entry-level hires.
Many new career hopefuls stay at their jobs because of fear that there isn’t anywhere else to go. With financial burdens faced by most real world newcomers, losing a consistent paycheck is more threatening then prolonging unhappiness. According to “More New Grads Find Job Mobility Is Limited,” an article from CollegeJournal.com, students who have graduated in the past two years are less likely to leave their current jobs because of the difficulty in finding new jobs. CollegeJournal.com also refers to NACE study results that suggest about only 15% of college grads leave their first job within the first year.
Although making the move from the first real career may seem daunting, there are benefits to seeking a worthy job. According to “Moving on up,” an article from Kiplinger.com, moving on quickly is important because “the longer you stay, the longer you tend you stay because it gets harder to move along.” If a new hire decides to leave they should make sure their decision is definitive.
When employees approach their superior about moving on, their boss may have a counteroffer to keep them around. Kiplinger.com’s article suggests moving on regardless of the counter offer, “It’s best to make a clean break. If you weren’t serious about leaving, you never should have looked for an outside job in the first place.” Job searches can take months, and it’s important the boss isn’t tipped off about their employee’s new career plans. It’s best to do all job searches at home after work and on weekends.
Although it seems difficult to schedule interviews around a regular nine to five job, there are ways to manage. Kiplinger.com says to monitor normal dress attire (if your company is casual it may be obvious you have an interview if you show up in a suit). Schedule interviews before the workday begins or during lunch breaks. Sometimes using a personal or vacation day is needed for interviews that require longer travel.
The hardest part of moving on is making good with the soon to be former employer. Kiplinger.com suggests giving adequate notice, which is differing depending on the job and circumstance. If the absence could cause any inconvenience, it may be practical to offer to stay until someone else is hired. It’s important not to burn bridges, especially if a reference is expected from the employer.
There is no reason for any new grad to feel trapped in a career. With infinite knowledge and four years of preparation make sure it’s all put to use. Not happy? It’s okay to move on, just know when and where to do it.
CollegeJournal.com: “More New Grads Find Job Mobility Is Limited”
Kiplinger.com: “Moving on up”
