Is job-hopping bad for a developer's career? [duplicate]

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This question already has an answer here:

• 
  Is it ok to jump from job to job until I find one that I really like?
  
  7 answers
  
  

I've decided to leave my current job and I've made my intentions clear. My boss tells me leaving now will make me unhirable because I will appear to be a job hopper on my CV.

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

career-development recruitment negotiation promotion

share|improve this question

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

asked Jul 24 '13 at 12:55

Matt Harrison

218210

marked as duplicate by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, user8365, acolyte, jcmeloni Jul 24 '13 at 17:56

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I think with where you are just now it won't really matter - a few job hops are ok, lots start to look bad but if you're boss is basically trying to scare you into staying then that doesn't bode well for how he's going to treat you in future.
  – Michael
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:01
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Hi Matt, at this point, I feel like you might be splitting into two questions: (1) is job hopping bad, for a developer's career and (2) how can I use my leverage at my current employer to help create an environment with less, direct hands on management of my work? Looking at Joe's answer, this could work. Both are interesting questions. Hope this helps! :)
  – jmort253♦
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:17
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @jmort253 Thanks for the suggestion, I've done exactly that! workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:23
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Uh, you edited out the "how long you worked at your current job" for bit, which makes this way too broad. It needs some contect - in your case, the 6 months is relevant
  – bharal
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:24
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Once you've reached enough people's definition of a job hopper, it's bad. Otherwise, you're just looked at as someone with a wide-range of short-term experience.
  – user8365
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:33
  

  
  
  
  

 | 
show 3 more comments

up vote
7
down vote

favorite

2

This question already has an answer here:

• 
  Is it ok to jump from job to job until I find one that I really like?
  
  7 answers
  
  

I've decided to leave my current job and I've made my intentions clear. My boss tells me leaving now will make me unhirable because I will appear to be a job hopper on my CV.

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

career-development recruitment negotiation promotion

share|improve this question

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

asked Jul 24 '13 at 12:55

Matt Harrison

218210

marked as duplicate by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, user8365, acolyte, jcmeloni Jul 24 '13 at 17:56

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I think with where you are just now it won't really matter - a few job hops are ok, lots start to look bad but if you're boss is basically trying to scare you into staying then that doesn't bode well for how he's going to treat you in future.
  – Michael
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:01
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Hi Matt, at this point, I feel like you might be splitting into two questions: (1) is job hopping bad, for a developer's career and (2) how can I use my leverage at my current employer to help create an environment with less, direct hands on management of my work? Looking at Joe's answer, this could work. Both are interesting questions. Hope this helps! :)
  – jmort253♦
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:17
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @jmort253 Thanks for the suggestion, I've done exactly that! workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:23
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Uh, you edited out the "how long you worked at your current job" for bit, which makes this way too broad. It needs some contect - in your case, the 6 months is relevant
  – bharal
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:24
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Once you've reached enough people's definition of a job hopper, it's bad. Otherwise, you're just looked at as someone with a wide-range of short-term experience.
  – user8365
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:33
  

  
  
  
  

 | 
show 3 more comments

up vote
7
down vote

favorite

2

up vote
7
down vote

favorite

2

2

This question already has an answer here:

• 
  Is it ok to jump from job to job until I find one that I really like?
  
  7 answers
  
  

I've decided to leave my current job and I've made my intentions clear. My boss tells me leaving now will make me unhirable because I will appear to be a job hopper on my CV.

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

career-development recruitment negotiation promotion

share|improve this question

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

asked Jul 24 '13 at 12:55

Matt Harrison

218210

This question already has an answer here:

• 
  Is it ok to jump from job to job until I find one that I really like?
  
  7 answers
  
  

I've decided to leave my current job and I've made my intentions clear. My boss tells me leaving now will make me unhirable because I will appear to be a job hopper on my CV.

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

This question already has an answer here:

• 
  Is it ok to jump from job to job until I find one that I really like?
  
  7 answers
  
  

career-development recruitment negotiation promotion

share|improve this question

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

asked Jul 24 '13 at 12:55

Matt Harrison

218210

share|improve this question

share|improve this question

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

asked Jul 24 '13 at 12:55

Matt Harrison

218210

asked Jul 24 '13 at 12:55

Matt Harrison

218210

asked Jul 24 '13 at 12:55

Matt Harrison

218210

218210

marked as duplicate by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, user8365, acolyte, jcmeloni Jul 24 '13 at 17:56

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

marked as duplicate by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, user8365, acolyte, jcmeloni Jul 24 '13 at 17:56

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I think with where you are just now it won't really matter - a few job hops are ok, lots start to look bad but if you're boss is basically trying to scare you into staying then that doesn't bode well for how he's going to treat you in future.
  – Michael
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:01
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Hi Matt, at this point, I feel like you might be splitting into two questions: (1) is job hopping bad, for a developer's career and (2) how can I use my leverage at my current employer to help create an environment with less, direct hands on management of my work? Looking at Joe's answer, this could work. Both are interesting questions. Hope this helps! :)
  – jmort253♦
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:17
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @jmort253 Thanks for the suggestion, I've done exactly that! workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:23
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Uh, you edited out the "how long you worked at your current job" for bit, which makes this way too broad. It needs some contect - in your case, the 6 months is relevant
  – bharal
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:24
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Once you've reached enough people's definition of a job hopper, it's bad. Otherwise, you're just looked at as someone with a wide-range of short-term experience.
  – user8365
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:33
  

  
  
  
  

 | 
show 3 more comments

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I think with where you are just now it won't really matter - a few job hops are ok, lots start to look bad but if you're boss is basically trying to scare you into staying then that doesn't bode well for how he's going to treat you in future.
  – Michael
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:01
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Hi Matt, at this point, I feel like you might be splitting into two questions: (1) is job hopping bad, for a developer's career and (2) how can I use my leverage at my current employer to help create an environment with less, direct hands on management of my work? Looking at Joe's answer, this could work. Both are interesting questions. Hope this helps! :)
  – jmort253♦
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:17
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @jmort253 Thanks for the suggestion, I've done exactly that! workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:23
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Uh, you edited out the "how long you worked at your current job" for bit, which makes this way too broad. It needs some contect - in your case, the 6 months is relevant
  – bharal
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:24
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Once you've reached enough people's definition of a job hopper, it's bad. Otherwise, you're just looked at as someone with a wide-range of short-term experience.
  – user8365
  Jul 24 '13 at 14:33
  

  
  
  
  

1

1

I think with where you are just now it won't really matter - a few job hops are ok, lots start to look bad but if you're boss is basically trying to scare you into staying then that doesn't bode well for how he's going to treat you in future.
– Michael
Jul 24 '13 at 13:01

I think with where you are just now it won't really matter - a few job hops are ok, lots start to look bad but if you're boss is basically trying to scare you into staying then that doesn't bode well for how he's going to treat you in future.
– Michael
Jul 24 '13 at 13:01

2

2

Hi Matt, at this point, I feel like you might be splitting into two questions: (1) is job hopping bad, for a developer's career and (2) how can I use my leverage at my current employer to help create an environment with less, direct hands on management of my work? Looking at Joe's answer, this could work. Both are interesting questions. Hope this helps! :)
– jmort253♦
Jul 24 '13 at 13:17

Hi Matt, at this point, I feel like you might be splitting into two questions: (1) is job hopping bad, for a developer's career and (2) how can I use my leverage at my current employer to help create an environment with less, direct hands on management of my work? Looking at Joe's answer, this could work. Both are interesting questions. Hope this helps! :)
– jmort253♦
Jul 24 '13 at 13:17

1

1

@jmort253 Thanks for the suggestion, I've done exactly that! workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
– Matt Harrison
Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

@jmort253 Thanks for the suggestion, I've done exactly that! workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
– Matt Harrison
Jul 24 '13 at 13:23

3

3

Uh, you edited out the "how long you worked at your current job" for bit, which makes this way too broad. It needs some contect - in your case, the 6 months is relevant
– bharal
Jul 24 '13 at 14:24

Uh, you edited out the "how long you worked at your current job" for bit, which makes this way too broad. It needs some contect - in your case, the 6 months is relevant
– bharal
Jul 24 '13 at 14:24

1

1

Once you've reached enough people's definition of a job hopper, it's bad. Otherwise, you're just looked at as someone with a wide-range of short-term experience.
– user8365
Jul 24 '13 at 14:33

Once you've reached enough people's definition of a job hopper, it's bad. Otherwise, you're just looked at as someone with a wide-range of short-term experience.
– user8365
Jul 24 '13 at 14:33

 | 
show 3 more comments

2 Answers
2

active

oldest

votes

up vote
11
down vote

Context is king here.

Here's a bunch of examples to illustrate the point:

• Not a big deal - career contractors often take gigs of 6 months, 12 months, 2 years and rarely more than 3. They don't plan to stay, and the pattern to notice is that the person tends to go straight from gig to gig, without gaps of any size (or with the gaps showing a planned reason)




• Not a big deal - a career of long term commitments with a single short term case because of an untenable situation.




• Big deal - big gaps in the resume with a pattern of leaving because of frustration that could have been resolved with perserverance or better negotiation skills




• Big deal - abrupt gaps due to being fired/laid off. Repeatedly.




• Will raise questions - first job in the industry a very short term - when the first job is the only career history available, and it's very short, one wonders why. College grads are usually very cost effective, and eager to learn... so what failed?

Single cases - see the boss's perspective.

The big question is "will he do the same to me?" - the clearer the case for the answer to be "no" the better.

So - "I left the company because we'd had 2 layoffs, no customers, and I was asked to work on a project that didn't let me grow any in-demand skills" - is a pretty clear "no" - unless my company is similarly messed up, the risk of someone leaving is low. By comparison - "The work was fine, but management didn't support my near term hopes and dreams" - makes any outside observer wonder what happened.

Reality Check

You've been with the company 6 months. You committed (sight unseen) to a contract of 1 year. At the time of this arrangement, you didn't assert the requirement that you be a manager, and I'm going to bet you didn't come to the table with a background in management. I can see why they aren't eager to put you in a management role when you've got 6 months of experience. Management positions are tricky and rare, because the manager is an organizational representative for the company - the work of hiring personnel, and choosing which projects get resources defines how the organization invests in growth, and while technology skills are important, so is being aware of organizational requirements and culture. It sounds like the organization opted for someone who they trust as an organizational expert, vs. someone with the technology skills.

If you explained this to me in a job interview as your reason for leaving, I'd have a hard time buying it. 6 months ago, working as an individual contributor was a fine idea. My take is that your current frustration right now is in two parts - (1) you were denied an opportunity that opened up (management), (2) you will have to work a suboptimal manager who is much less of a mentor/teacher/help than your original boss. You still do the same work you were orginally hired to do, you get recognized for doing good work, so the fundamental basis of the negotiation you arranged 6 months ago has not changed. Given that in most organization, it's not unusual for the reporting structure to change over time, and I've seen plenty of cases where the bosses changed in the first year of someone's employement, I'd say it's a common enough case that most managers would say "I could see that happening here, too - so if this guy will heave if that happens, and he doesn't like the new boss, I'm at risk for loosing him here, too". Not a conclusion that will work in your favor.

Other things I'd try before up and quitting:

• Talk to the new potential manager. Explain what you would like to see as a pattern for you and him working with the client - figure out some ideas for communication that alleviate the concern that he'll be a hindrance, not a help.




• If you have serious concerns about whether you'll be trusted or listened to - bring them to your departing original boss, and/or upper management - if they've hired someone with expertise (you) and you're not trusted, they are getting less value for their dollar and should be made aware.




• Stick it out and try to find a way for at least 3 months - they hypothetical and the actual of what it will be like to work with this person could be very different. Also, time to settle into a new role will improve just about any boss. They really can learn, over time, what works and what doesn't.

Keep in mind that the new boss has something to prove, too. You've been a great asset so far. If the productivity goes down because your expertise isn't considered valid, it'll show in the work, and your boss will have to explain why things aren't going well.

share|improve this answer

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

add a comment | 

up vote
3
down vote

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

Leaving after 6 months because your boss left and you aren't comfortable with the new hierarchy isn't job hopping if this is just a single instance. Doing so repeatedly is job hopping.

When I review a resume and see multiple, short-duration jobs, I do worry that there is a pattern here. Some folks get bored, or restless after a short period of time and want to move on. Others can't get along with people and feel the need to leave often. Some folks just quickly go where they can make a few dollars more. I usually want to hire people that I think will be around for a long time, so that my investment in their career growth will pay back to the company.

But if this is the only time when you left so soon, I wouldn't worry that you are exhibiting a pattern. You just want to be able to explain to an interviewer your good reasons for leaving so soon.

You indicate that you will be leaving 6 months into a 1 year contract. I might worry that you are abandoning a commitment, but that depends on the specifics of your contract.

share|improve this answer

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Joe, I've split the question into 2 now to hopefully make it more clear. workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:24
  
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

2 Answers
2

active

oldest

votes

2 Answers
2

active

oldest

votes

active

oldest

votes

active

oldest

votes

up vote
11
down vote

Context is king here.

Here's a bunch of examples to illustrate the point:

• Not a big deal - career contractors often take gigs of 6 months, 12 months, 2 years and rarely more than 3. They don't plan to stay, and the pattern to notice is that the person tends to go straight from gig to gig, without gaps of any size (or with the gaps showing a planned reason)




• Not a big deal - a career of long term commitments with a single short term case because of an untenable situation.




• Big deal - big gaps in the resume with a pattern of leaving because of frustration that could have been resolved with perserverance or better negotiation skills




• Big deal - abrupt gaps due to being fired/laid off. Repeatedly.




• Will raise questions - first job in the industry a very short term - when the first job is the only career history available, and it's very short, one wonders why. College grads are usually very cost effective, and eager to learn... so what failed?

Single cases - see the boss's perspective.

The big question is "will he do the same to me?" - the clearer the case for the answer to be "no" the better.

So - "I left the company because we'd had 2 layoffs, no customers, and I was asked to work on a project that didn't let me grow any in-demand skills" - is a pretty clear "no" - unless my company is similarly messed up, the risk of someone leaving is low. By comparison - "The work was fine, but management didn't support my near term hopes and dreams" - makes any outside observer wonder what happened.

Reality Check

You've been with the company 6 months. You committed (sight unseen) to a contract of 1 year. At the time of this arrangement, you didn't assert the requirement that you be a manager, and I'm going to bet you didn't come to the table with a background in management. I can see why they aren't eager to put you in a management role when you've got 6 months of experience. Management positions are tricky and rare, because the manager is an organizational representative for the company - the work of hiring personnel, and choosing which projects get resources defines how the organization invests in growth, and while technology skills are important, so is being aware of organizational requirements and culture. It sounds like the organization opted for someone who they trust as an organizational expert, vs. someone with the technology skills.

If you explained this to me in a job interview as your reason for leaving, I'd have a hard time buying it. 6 months ago, working as an individual contributor was a fine idea. My take is that your current frustration right now is in two parts - (1) you were denied an opportunity that opened up (management), (2) you will have to work a suboptimal manager who is much less of a mentor/teacher/help than your original boss. You still do the same work you were orginally hired to do, you get recognized for doing good work, so the fundamental basis of the negotiation you arranged 6 months ago has not changed. Given that in most organization, it's not unusual for the reporting structure to change over time, and I've seen plenty of cases where the bosses changed in the first year of someone's employement, I'd say it's a common enough case that most managers would say "I could see that happening here, too - so if this guy will heave if that happens, and he doesn't like the new boss, I'm at risk for loosing him here, too". Not a conclusion that will work in your favor.

Other things I'd try before up and quitting:

• Talk to the new potential manager. Explain what you would like to see as a pattern for you and him working with the client - figure out some ideas for communication that alleviate the concern that he'll be a hindrance, not a help.




• If you have serious concerns about whether you'll be trusted or listened to - bring them to your departing original boss, and/or upper management - if they've hired someone with expertise (you) and you're not trusted, they are getting less value for their dollar and should be made aware.




• Stick it out and try to find a way for at least 3 months - they hypothetical and the actual of what it will be like to work with this person could be very different. Also, time to settle into a new role will improve just about any boss. They really can learn, over time, what works and what doesn't.

Keep in mind that the new boss has something to prove, too. You've been a great asset so far. If the productivity goes down because your expertise isn't considered valid, it'll show in the work, and your boss will have to explain why things aren't going well.

share|improve this answer

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

add a comment | 

up vote
11
down vote

Context is king here.

Here's a bunch of examples to illustrate the point:

• Not a big deal - career contractors often take gigs of 6 months, 12 months, 2 years and rarely more than 3. They don't plan to stay, and the pattern to notice is that the person tends to go straight from gig to gig, without gaps of any size (or with the gaps showing a planned reason)




• Not a big deal - a career of long term commitments with a single short term case because of an untenable situation.




• Big deal - big gaps in the resume with a pattern of leaving because of frustration that could have been resolved with perserverance or better negotiation skills




• Big deal - abrupt gaps due to being fired/laid off. Repeatedly.




• Will raise questions - first job in the industry a very short term - when the first job is the only career history available, and it's very short, one wonders why. College grads are usually very cost effective, and eager to learn... so what failed?

Single cases - see the boss's perspective.

The big question is "will he do the same to me?" - the clearer the case for the answer to be "no" the better.

So - "I left the company because we'd had 2 layoffs, no customers, and I was asked to work on a project that didn't let me grow any in-demand skills" - is a pretty clear "no" - unless my company is similarly messed up, the risk of someone leaving is low. By comparison - "The work was fine, but management didn't support my near term hopes and dreams" - makes any outside observer wonder what happened.

Reality Check

You've been with the company 6 months. You committed (sight unseen) to a contract of 1 year. At the time of this arrangement, you didn't assert the requirement that you be a manager, and I'm going to bet you didn't come to the table with a background in management. I can see why they aren't eager to put you in a management role when you've got 6 months of experience. Management positions are tricky and rare, because the manager is an organizational representative for the company - the work of hiring personnel, and choosing which projects get resources defines how the organization invests in growth, and while technology skills are important, so is being aware of organizational requirements and culture. It sounds like the organization opted for someone who they trust as an organizational expert, vs. someone with the technology skills.

If you explained this to me in a job interview as your reason for leaving, I'd have a hard time buying it. 6 months ago, working as an individual contributor was a fine idea. My take is that your current frustration right now is in two parts - (1) you were denied an opportunity that opened up (management), (2) you will have to work a suboptimal manager who is much less of a mentor/teacher/help than your original boss. You still do the same work you were orginally hired to do, you get recognized for doing good work, so the fundamental basis of the negotiation you arranged 6 months ago has not changed. Given that in most organization, it's not unusual for the reporting structure to change over time, and I've seen plenty of cases where the bosses changed in the first year of someone's employement, I'd say it's a common enough case that most managers would say "I could see that happening here, too - so if this guy will heave if that happens, and he doesn't like the new boss, I'm at risk for loosing him here, too". Not a conclusion that will work in your favor.

Other things I'd try before up and quitting:

• Talk to the new potential manager. Explain what you would like to see as a pattern for you and him working with the client - figure out some ideas for communication that alleviate the concern that he'll be a hindrance, not a help.




• If you have serious concerns about whether you'll be trusted or listened to - bring them to your departing original boss, and/or upper management - if they've hired someone with expertise (you) and you're not trusted, they are getting less value for their dollar and should be made aware.




• Stick it out and try to find a way for at least 3 months - they hypothetical and the actual of what it will be like to work with this person could be very different. Also, time to settle into a new role will improve just about any boss. They really can learn, over time, what works and what doesn't.

Keep in mind that the new boss has something to prove, too. You've been a great asset so far. If the productivity goes down because your expertise isn't considered valid, it'll show in the work, and your boss will have to explain why things aren't going well.

share|improve this answer

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

add a comment | 

up vote
11
down vote

up vote
11
down vote

Context is king here.

Here's a bunch of examples to illustrate the point:

• Not a big deal - career contractors often take gigs of 6 months, 12 months, 2 years and rarely more than 3. They don't plan to stay, and the pattern to notice is that the person tends to go straight from gig to gig, without gaps of any size (or with the gaps showing a planned reason)




• Not a big deal - a career of long term commitments with a single short term case because of an untenable situation.




• Big deal - big gaps in the resume with a pattern of leaving because of frustration that could have been resolved with perserverance or better negotiation skills




• Big deal - abrupt gaps due to being fired/laid off. Repeatedly.




• Will raise questions - first job in the industry a very short term - when the first job is the only career history available, and it's very short, one wonders why. College grads are usually very cost effective, and eager to learn... so what failed?

Single cases - see the boss's perspective.

The big question is "will he do the same to me?" - the clearer the case for the answer to be "no" the better.

So - "I left the company because we'd had 2 layoffs, no customers, and I was asked to work on a project that didn't let me grow any in-demand skills" - is a pretty clear "no" - unless my company is similarly messed up, the risk of someone leaving is low. By comparison - "The work was fine, but management didn't support my near term hopes and dreams" - makes any outside observer wonder what happened.

Reality Check

You've been with the company 6 months. You committed (sight unseen) to a contract of 1 year. At the time of this arrangement, you didn't assert the requirement that you be a manager, and I'm going to bet you didn't come to the table with a background in management. I can see why they aren't eager to put you in a management role when you've got 6 months of experience. Management positions are tricky and rare, because the manager is an organizational representative for the company - the work of hiring personnel, and choosing which projects get resources defines how the organization invests in growth, and while technology skills are important, so is being aware of organizational requirements and culture. It sounds like the organization opted for someone who they trust as an organizational expert, vs. someone with the technology skills.

If you explained this to me in a job interview as your reason for leaving, I'd have a hard time buying it. 6 months ago, working as an individual contributor was a fine idea. My take is that your current frustration right now is in two parts - (1) you were denied an opportunity that opened up (management), (2) you will have to work a suboptimal manager who is much less of a mentor/teacher/help than your original boss. You still do the same work you were orginally hired to do, you get recognized for doing good work, so the fundamental basis of the negotiation you arranged 6 months ago has not changed. Given that in most organization, it's not unusual for the reporting structure to change over time, and I've seen plenty of cases where the bosses changed in the first year of someone's employement, I'd say it's a common enough case that most managers would say "I could see that happening here, too - so if this guy will heave if that happens, and he doesn't like the new boss, I'm at risk for loosing him here, too". Not a conclusion that will work in your favor.

Other things I'd try before up and quitting:

• Talk to the new potential manager. Explain what you would like to see as a pattern for you and him working with the client - figure out some ideas for communication that alleviate the concern that he'll be a hindrance, not a help.




• If you have serious concerns about whether you'll be trusted or listened to - bring them to your departing original boss, and/or upper management - if they've hired someone with expertise (you) and you're not trusted, they are getting less value for their dollar and should be made aware.




• Stick it out and try to find a way for at least 3 months - they hypothetical and the actual of what it will be like to work with this person could be very different. Also, time to settle into a new role will improve just about any boss. They really can learn, over time, what works and what doesn't.

Keep in mind that the new boss has something to prove, too. You've been a great asset so far. If the productivity goes down because your expertise isn't considered valid, it'll show in the work, and your boss will have to explain why things aren't going well.

share|improve this answer

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

Context is king here.

Here's a bunch of examples to illustrate the point:

• Not a big deal - career contractors often take gigs of 6 months, 12 months, 2 years and rarely more than 3. They don't plan to stay, and the pattern to notice is that the person tends to go straight from gig to gig, without gaps of any size (or with the gaps showing a planned reason)




• Not a big deal - a career of long term commitments with a single short term case because of an untenable situation.




• Big deal - big gaps in the resume with a pattern of leaving because of frustration that could have been resolved with perserverance or better negotiation skills




• Big deal - abrupt gaps due to being fired/laid off. Repeatedly.




• Will raise questions - first job in the industry a very short term - when the first job is the only career history available, and it's very short, one wonders why. College grads are usually very cost effective, and eager to learn... so what failed?

Single cases - see the boss's perspective.

The big question is "will he do the same to me?" - the clearer the case for the answer to be "no" the better.

So - "I left the company because we'd had 2 layoffs, no customers, and I was asked to work on a project that didn't let me grow any in-demand skills" - is a pretty clear "no" - unless my company is similarly messed up, the risk of someone leaving is low. By comparison - "The work was fine, but management didn't support my near term hopes and dreams" - makes any outside observer wonder what happened.

Reality Check

You've been with the company 6 months. You committed (sight unseen) to a contract of 1 year. At the time of this arrangement, you didn't assert the requirement that you be a manager, and I'm going to bet you didn't come to the table with a background in management. I can see why they aren't eager to put you in a management role when you've got 6 months of experience. Management positions are tricky and rare, because the manager is an organizational representative for the company - the work of hiring personnel, and choosing which projects get resources defines how the organization invests in growth, and while technology skills are important, so is being aware of organizational requirements and culture. It sounds like the organization opted for someone who they trust as an organizational expert, vs. someone with the technology skills.

If you explained this to me in a job interview as your reason for leaving, I'd have a hard time buying it. 6 months ago, working as an individual contributor was a fine idea. My take is that your current frustration right now is in two parts - (1) you were denied an opportunity that opened up (management), (2) you will have to work a suboptimal manager who is much less of a mentor/teacher/help than your original boss. You still do the same work you were orginally hired to do, you get recognized for doing good work, so the fundamental basis of the negotiation you arranged 6 months ago has not changed. Given that in most organization, it's not unusual for the reporting structure to change over time, and I've seen plenty of cases where the bosses changed in the first year of someone's employement, I'd say it's a common enough case that most managers would say "I could see that happening here, too - so if this guy will heave if that happens, and he doesn't like the new boss, I'm at risk for loosing him here, too". Not a conclusion that will work in your favor.

Other things I'd try before up and quitting:

• Talk to the new potential manager. Explain what you would like to see as a pattern for you and him working with the client - figure out some ideas for communication that alleviate the concern that he'll be a hindrance, not a help.




• If you have serious concerns about whether you'll be trusted or listened to - bring them to your departing original boss, and/or upper management - if they've hired someone with expertise (you) and you're not trusted, they are getting less value for their dollar and should be made aware.




• Stick it out and try to find a way for at least 3 months - they hypothetical and the actual of what it will be like to work with this person could be very different. Also, time to settle into a new role will improve just about any boss. They really can learn, over time, what works and what doesn't.

Keep in mind that the new boss has something to prove, too. You've been a great asset so far. If the productivity goes down because your expertise isn't considered valid, it'll show in the work, and your boss will have to explain why things aren't going well.

share|improve this answer

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:38

bethlakshmi

70.4k4136277

70.4k4136277

add a comment | 

add a comment | 

up vote
3
down vote

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

Leaving after 6 months because your boss left and you aren't comfortable with the new hierarchy isn't job hopping if this is just a single instance. Doing so repeatedly is job hopping.

When I review a resume and see multiple, short-duration jobs, I do worry that there is a pattern here. Some folks get bored, or restless after a short period of time and want to move on. Others can't get along with people and feel the need to leave often. Some folks just quickly go where they can make a few dollars more. I usually want to hire people that I think will be around for a long time, so that my investment in their career growth will pay back to the company.

But if this is the only time when you left so soon, I wouldn't worry that you are exhibiting a pattern. You just want to be able to explain to an interviewer your good reasons for leaving so soon.

You indicate that you will be leaving 6 months into a 1 year contract. I might worry that you are abandoning a commitment, but that depends on the specifics of your contract.

share|improve this answer

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Joe, I've split the question into 2 now to hopefully make it more clear. workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:24
  
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
3
down vote

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

Leaving after 6 months because your boss left and you aren't comfortable with the new hierarchy isn't job hopping if this is just a single instance. Doing so repeatedly is job hopping.

When I review a resume and see multiple, short-duration jobs, I do worry that there is a pattern here. Some folks get bored, or restless after a short period of time and want to move on. Others can't get along with people and feel the need to leave often. Some folks just quickly go where they can make a few dollars more. I usually want to hire people that I think will be around for a long time, so that my investment in their career growth will pay back to the company.

But if this is the only time when you left so soon, I wouldn't worry that you are exhibiting a pattern. You just want to be able to explain to an interviewer your good reasons for leaving so soon.

You indicate that you will be leaving 6 months into a 1 year contract. I might worry that you are abandoning a commitment, but that depends on the specifics of your contract.

share|improve this answer

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Joe, I've split the question into 2 now to hopefully make it more clear. workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:24
  
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
3
down vote

up vote
3
down vote

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

Leaving after 6 months because your boss left and you aren't comfortable with the new hierarchy isn't job hopping if this is just a single instance. Doing so repeatedly is job hopping.

When I review a resume and see multiple, short-duration jobs, I do worry that there is a pattern here. Some folks get bored, or restless after a short period of time and want to move on. Others can't get along with people and feel the need to leave often. Some folks just quickly go where they can make a few dollars more. I usually want to hire people that I think will be around for a long time, so that my investment in their career growth will pay back to the company.

But if this is the only time when you left so soon, I wouldn't worry that you are exhibiting a pattern. You just want to be able to explain to an interviewer your good reasons for leaving so soon.

You indicate that you will be leaving 6 months into a 1 year contract. I might worry that you are abandoning a commitment, but that depends on the specifics of your contract.

share|improve this answer

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

Is this job hopping and will it hurt my career?

Leaving after 6 months because your boss left and you aren't comfortable with the new hierarchy isn't job hopping if this is just a single instance. Doing so repeatedly is job hopping.

When I review a resume and see multiple, short-duration jobs, I do worry that there is a pattern here. Some folks get bored, or restless after a short period of time and want to move on. Others can't get along with people and feel the need to leave often. Some folks just quickly go where they can make a few dollars more. I usually want to hire people that I think will be around for a long time, so that my investment in their career growth will pay back to the company.

But if this is the only time when you left so soon, I wouldn't worry that you are exhibiting a pattern. You just want to be able to explain to an interviewer your good reasons for leaving so soon.

You indicate that you will be leaving 6 months into a 1 year contract. I might worry that you are abandoning a commitment, but that depends on the specifics of your contract.

share|improve this answer

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

edited Jul 24 '13 at 13:26

jmort253♦

10.4k54376

10.4k54376

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

answered Jul 24 '13 at 13:14

Joe Strazzere

224k107661930

224k107661930

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Joe, I've split the question into 2 now to hopefully make it more clear. workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:24
  
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Joe, I've split the question into 2 now to hopefully make it more clear. workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
  – Matt Harrison
  Jul 24 '13 at 13:24
  
  

  
  
  
  

Joe, I've split the question into 2 now to hopefully make it more clear. workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
– Matt Harrison
Jul 24 '13 at 13:24

Joe, I've split the question into 2 now to hopefully make it more clear. workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/13392/…
– Matt Harrison
Jul 24 '13 at 13:24

add a comment |