How Long Should You Stay in Your First Graduate Job?

Getting your first graduate job is an extremely exciting prospect – all of the hard graft you have put into your studies has paid off and you’re on your way to carving out a successful career. However, after securing your first job, it’s a tough call to know when it’s best to move on; especially if the role isn’t in your desired sector.

Research has discovered that most graduates stay in their first jobs for 12-18 months, yet this is highly dependent on each individual situation and may be triggered by unhappiness and lack of fulfillment.

There may be several reasons why you want to leave your graduate job, as follows:

1. You’re miserable in your graduate job

As you spend hours of your day, you should wake up feeling content going into the office, not dreading what’s to come.

While no work environment is all smiles and energy 100% of the time, it should be somewhere where you feel comfortable, content and motivated. Difficult colleagues, a poor work/life balance and low job satisfaction can all play a part in a negative working life.

If you’re constantly feeling down and on edge about going to work, it may be time you found a new graduate job.

2. There are no career prospects 

If you’re someone that thrives on challenges and new opportunities, a graduate job filled with possibilities is likely somewhere you’ll want to remain for the long-term future and progress.

If your aspirations can’t be accomplished in your current workplace, you have very good reason to leave.

In fact, future employers can often view this reason to leave as a plus point if they’re on the lookout for ambitious candidates that are keen to climb the career ladder at a company.

3. You want to try something new in your graduate job role

Are you constantly bored at work and are ready to try something new and different? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t explore what other graduate jobs are out there to give you a new focus.

Sometimes, healthy competition and stepping out of your comfort zone can be a benefit to help you feel more accomplished in the workplace.

4. Think about what industry interests you

If you decided to take your current job simply because there were no other options available at the time, you may feel that you have now gained the right skills and experience to apply for grad jobs in your desired field.

In some sectors such as marketing or business, employers expect staff to move around a lot until they find a job that they’re happy with – and in some cases, positions such as internships may be temporary which gives you the scope to seek new roles.

Final note…

While most graduates leave after just one year in the first job, this shouldn’t sway your decision as to when is the best time to move on. Each situation is totally unique and it’s important to closely evaluate what’s best for you at any given time.

Think about whether the decision to leave your current job will benefit your future career or whether it would be worth staying put for the time being, dependent on where your goals and aspirations lie.

If you’re ready to take that leap and find your dream graduate job, check out our job board and apply for our available roles.