Expert Opinion

Career Coach

Dear Laura Tirello,
I have been at my company for two years and have started looking for another position that offers a better salary. I am not sure how it will look on my resume if I change jobs in that short amount of time. Is it better to stay at a job in order to gain useful experience or should I move onto to another position where the salary is higher?

Statistics show the average worker under 35 changes jobs about every two years. The reasons people list for changing positions frequently is better experience and/or better compensation. In the current economy, it is also due to frequent lay offs. The only person who can answer whether it is better to stay or go is you.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself: Is what you are learning at the current job the type of experience that you need to achieve your career goals? Do you feel passionate about what you are doing? Is there an opportunity to get a salary increase or promotion with your current employer if you stay? Think about the lifestyle you desire. Would a new position with an increased salary require more hours? Are you okay with spending more time at your job?

If you look at your goals and can see that this job is a bridge to getting you to your desired outcome, staying may be a good option for you. If the job is not helping you gain worthy experience and the pay is not good, it may be time to leave.

The key to making sure your resume is appealing to employers is showing the value you added to a company when you worked there. Having good references is also crucial. Excessive job changing without valid reason and few references is not likely to appeal to prospective employers.

Do YOU have a question for Laura Tirello? Email at laura@corelifedesign.com.

Laura Tirello is a Life and Career Coach. Her company, Core Life Design, works with people who are looking to find their highest potential both in their careers and personal lives. She helps her clients develop a life plan for success and create a balanced life. For more information about Laura and her life coaching business, visit corelifedesign.com.

Have a question for Laura? Email Laura at Laura@corelifedesign.com.

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