Next round

Focus on the right time for workers to move from their first role

WORKERS should aim to spend at least a year in their first job before moving on to their next role – but different circumstances come with different expectations.

The training involved, the complexity of the role and whether the next step is within the same company or at another employer will influence how long an entrylevel worker is expected to stick out their first gig.

Outplacement Australia founding director Gillian Kelly says unless there is another opportunity that is simply too good to pass up, waiting at least a year is usually a smart move.

“You need to weigh up the benefit of moving on against the damage to your reputation if you leave an employer in the lurch immediately after they have invested in your development,” Kelly says.

“The more complex the role and the more initial training required, the longer employers would expect and hope someone would stay in the role.

“Lower-skilled jobs with little initial training, or industries and roles which are known to have high turnover or high demand, you will find employers are more forgiving of short stints.

“A move internally is typically seen more favourably by employers than a shift elsewhere because their time and investment in your development is still bringing benefit to their business.”

ActionCOACH Australia and New Zealand chief executive Paul Henshall says entry-level workers should typically stay for at least a year or two to fully entrench skills and gain experience.

“Switching jobs to propel your career forward makes absolute sense when you have reached your pinnacle in your current job and you are hungry and capable of handling new challenges,” he says.

It comes down to motivation. Henshall advises workers against changing their job simply because they are restless, want a salary increase or are going through a bit of a rough patch.

“Instead, evaluate what you have learnt, whether you are still learning or not, and if you are inspired to go to work each day,” he says.

“If you feel you have reached a ceiling in your current job and it’s certain that there are no future growth opportunities, then you know it’s time to move on.

“If you are still growing and learning in your position, stick it out a little longer until moving on will be a meaningful step forward in your professional development.”