Don’t buy this major ‘myth’ about job-hopping, says career coach: ‘It is an archaic belief’

 

The one-year rule, although not explicitly stated in job contracts, is a widely followed practice among employees. This unspoken standard suggests that individuals should stay in a job for at least one year before switching. However, career coach Sarah Doody argues that this rule is arbitrary and outdated. 

She believes that leaving a job before the one-year mark can actually demonstrate strategic thinking and mindfulness, rather than a lack of commitment. Nancy Wang, a general manager at Amazon Web Services, agrees, emphasizing the importance of resilience in candidates, as long as short stints don't become a pattern. 

Both Doody and Wang stress that the impact made at a company is more significant than the duration of employment. They offer tips for successfully changing jobs, such as creating a "career values criteria list" to identify red flags and align personal values with a company's culture. Additionally, they advise job seekers to craft a compelling narrative about their career trajectory, focusing on the impact they made in previous roles and articulating their motivations for leaving and desired future outcomes. 

By demonstrating introspection and strategic decision-making, candidates can present themselves as resilient and thoughtful professionals.