<p>Right now I am working my first real job out of college and I've become increasingly unhappy. I am not getting as much work as I thought I would, the work itself is not very stimulating, etc., etc. I've only been here 5 months now and at times I feel like I am going insane. The only cool thing about it is that its a small business and the people are awesome. The environment is great. However, there is no real opportunity to move up the ladder. I'd like to find another job eventually but this one has to be on my resume. How long do you think is sufficient to stay here in order to look good on a resume. I hear employers may think it's sketchy if you aren't at a job very long. Would 1 year suffice? I think I can hold out for another 6 months.</p>
<p>Why does that job have to be on your resume? If you can get an interview for a job you want more, why not try? Worst thing is you either don't get an interview (your resume wasn't impressive enough) or you get an interview and no offer. Best thing that can happen if you wait - you'll be in the exact same position you are right now, only 6 months later.</p>
<p>There are two reasons I want it on my resume, 1. They will probably wonder why I was out of work for 6 months straight after college, and 2. The job description looks good, the company and industry are respectable, and the job description (which exaggerates a lot of what I really did) shows my duties and responsibilities and they are a lot better than those of any other job I've had, which has basically been before graduating, a bunch of crappy summer jobs and a good internship. I just think it will make my resume look better.</p>
<p>I personally don't think it matters if you stay at a job for a long time, even if it's your first. We live in an ever changing world now. Though at one time, staying with the same firm for a number of years may have meant something, I don't think that holds the same weight anymore. People I know have gotten hired fulltime, only to be laid off within a year. If you are unhappy, by all means, go out and apply for a new job. It's a job and nothing more than that. If you give them two weeks notice before you leave then that's all they can ask for.</p>
<p>What exactly are you doing for the company? Is there an opportunity for upward mobility within the company? You might be promoted if you stick around for another 6 months, especially at a growing small company. If you can hold out that long, you probably should unless you get a better job. Start looking for other jobs now, but don't let your company find out that you are doing this. Don't leave your current job until you have another job lined up (you've accepted their offer). Give your two weeks notice and leave on favorable terms.</p>
<p>From your description of the work environment and company, you should try to stay at the current job for a full year, but with a new attitude. If the company is one that looks so good on a resume there must be worthwhile things to learn there. People aren't going to just place things on your lap. You have to have initiative and go out and make things happen. Do an excellent job on the lower-level taks you are given, work efficiently and finish early and then go aroundasking to help with more complicated projects. Exten yourself. Try to learn as much as possible.</p>
<p>As someone now more on the hiring side of business. I would very much encourage you to stay on for at least a year, and also create work. Find ways to do more and in the process learn whatever business you are in.</p>
<p>I appreciate that at a small company there may not be a ladder to climb, but look for ways to grow or improve the company. Regardless of how long you stay</p>