What’s the shortest amount of time you spent in a position? Was it worth jumping ship when you eventually left, and what impact did it have on your career?

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Four months. I knew the firm wasn’t a good fit within two months and started looking. I could’ve gone back to my old firm but I contacted a recruiter and went in house after working with her to do some soul searching for what was the right fit. BEST decision I’ve ever made - I love my in house role.

likeuplifting

I've had 2 stints of 6 months or less in a 10 year career. Line used at interviews is that I look to every firm as one I want to grow in for my whole career and once it becomes clear there is no growth potential there is no point in sticking around. Frame it as a way of showing that every job is a commitment, not a fling, and that you're thinking long term.

likehelpful

This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing!

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Do y’all ever think “do I just not like this firm/area/the law” or do I just not want to work 🤣

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This is me. Every day. 😂 I'm in my office thinking... Is this really what I signed up for?

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I’m getting ready to leave after 2 months…really not enjoying the firm and the change in my work/life balance

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I spent ten months at a firm (I came from government), and what sent me to the exit was the exact issues described in some of the comments: the firm promised to mentor me (they didn’t), the partners who gave me work seemed put out whenever I had questions and/or needed guidance. Yet, they would become upset if something was done remotely incorrect (can’t have it both ways when you hire human beings and not A.I. robots). Finally, the firm never sent me a true offer letter outlining what sorts of benefits I could expect regarding vacation time, etc. In the end, I always felt like I couldn’t take time off or go on vacation.

In that ten months, I put on 15 lbs, stopped eating healthy, stopped working out, stopping engaging with my hobbies (I use to play guitar in my free time — that stopped altogether).

For reference point, the firm had 14 shareholders and two associates when I joined. It is down to 12 shareholders and NO associates.

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6 months. It hasn’t had any impact on my career. I’ve had another <1 year stint as well.

It was worth jumping.

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I knew 2 weeks in, but waited until 2 months to give it a try.

likehelpful

8 months. Absolutely. Next employer didn’t care.

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What made you jump ship so soon? I’m planning to make a move so am curious about others’ experiences.

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I’ve had two 8 month stints on my resume. It’s come up in interviews but everyone is fine when I explain the jobs just weren’t what I signed up for. Still I’m very cautious when considering changing jobs now because I don’t want my resume to be too scattered.

likesmart

That’s helpful - thanks for sharing!

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I'm ending my first job with 6 months under my belt. When I was asked about it in my interview, I told the panel that the firm didn't have the structure for a 1st yr associate. All the interviewers nodded like it was a common issue.

I've asked my mentors about this. One works at a top 100 firm and another is in charge of career development at NYU. Both of them said it's not an issue so long as there's a legitimate reason for leaving.

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I got PIP’d shortly after joining a firm…I plan on explaining it as a bad culture fit. I think bad mentoring is common. I’ve heard as long you have a legitimate reason AND it’s genuine you’ll be more than fine.

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Less than six months! Love to see it

I did 4 days at an AM10 law firm and didn’t affect my chances

likehelpful

4 days?!

I went in-house straight from law school (very unique entry so I can’t share the details unfortunately), and then after 6 years I lateraled into my current firm where I have been for 5 months.

I also can’t determine whether billables is why I feel constant anxiety now, whether it’s corporate/transactional work, or whether it’s just law itself that I dislike. Need to do some soul-searching and speak with my therapist/career counselor.

I recently became single and have no kids, so I feel liberated to do whatever I please with my remaining years on this planet.

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AA11, I’m seeing a career counselor next week regarding next life steps. I am leaning towards returning to in-house or switching to a JD-Advantage job (or even returning to undergrad).

I might be getting old, but I realized having more free time and vacation means more to my happiness and relationships than money. I was happier making $85k/yr and working about 40h M-F vs. $200k/yr and 2000 billables min, working weekends, and with “unlimited” vacation (but if you take it will look really bad).

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On my third firm in 3 years. Don’t regret any of the moves.

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First move left mid size firm to smaller firm, also moved from tax to corp. move was better for me work and geography wise for my wife’s family. Then moved from that small firm to biglaw. Knew I wanted to be there all along the timing just worked out the way it did.

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I’m considering leaving my firm after 2 years. Would that be long enough to not raise red flags?

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If this was 1950 you may raise a question or two but in 2022 no one cares. These days I’d say 2-3 years is closer to the average* amount of time people spend a job and not the minimum

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4-5 months. Didn't have issues. When asked, j said I signed up to practice x and when I got there I could only practice y. I have jumped around a bit so I would use caution if you've jumped a lot. Just make sure you have a solid reason and you should be fine.

likehelpful

Ah you should be just fine! Be sure to really research the firm you next plan to go to. Be very clear with the hiring partners as to your expectations to avoid a situation where what you signed up for was a lie.

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Stayed at a firm I should’ve left bc didn’t want to have less than a year on my resume. Should’ve left earlier, a year doesn’t look that much better. Just try to do what’s right for you!

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So true. Thanks, A1!

Left 1 job after 8 months for a 40% salary increase. Left that new job after 2 1/2 years to double my salary. Now making 4x what I made 4 years ago.

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3 weeks

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2.5 months. Absolutely worth it. No issues and position is not on resume. There’s a 2.5 month gap and never been questioned about it.

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6 months. My next employer welcomed me with open arms. If it's bad, get out while you can.

likesmart

10 weeks. The law firm was filing frivolous asylum applications, I think it would have had a greater detrimental effect on my career to stay. Similarly I spent 6 months at another firm that just didn't have their sh*t together one bit, files everywhere, no software, aging sole partner etc. The subsequent interview I had, I was forthright, and thankfully they knew the 6-month firm. Although I'd had two poor stints, the rest of my resume, was sufficient to overcome the two poor judgment calls I'd made.

Long story short, life's too short to stay in a position you hate or is causing you distress. I wouldn't highlight it, but there are ways of answering questions about the short stint that displays positive character traits in you.

Best of luck

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