Deciding whether to move on from first job or not

BlackDragon · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:29

Hi,

I've been at my first job after graduating for close to 4 years now, and for a while I have been umming and arring over whether to move on or not.

The reasons are cultural, management, legacy reasons, but the biggest is that the projects I work on are no longer interesting, and I'm not learning that much nowadays. I'm looking to further develop myself in this profession (software engineering), and this is not possible where I am in the company right now.

So my question is: How best do I deal with this?

The obvious solution may be to find another job. There are good points to the job, so I feel I should be sure that I have done my best to improve it, i.e. speak to my manager. Now I have already spoken to my manager about the issues above not long ago, but perhaps I didn't emphasise it enough, and nothing was done. This is partly due to him being under pressure from management to deliver, and I feel that give our positions it would be difficult to change things right now. I would have pushed further during this meeting, but unfortunately time was up.

I feel I should speak to my manager again, and emphasise more strongly that I am not enjoying the job anymore, and if things do not change then I'd be looking to move on. However, I'm not sure the best way to get this point across, and how strongly I should emphasise the "moving on" bit, if at all. Any tips from those who have had to do something similar before?

Also I'd be interested in knowing what you first job was like, and what your experience was on moving on.

Thanks

fastwunz · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:33

Personally I would say nothing unless I had a clear alternative. Especially in such a competitive employment situation. Unless you think your manager can and will actually take action.

Fenris · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:34

You need to ask yourself one question before you talk to your manager about "moving on".

"As a business, would my staying be a benefit to them?", by this I mean do you perform your role better than any other software engineer qualified for it?

Fairly simple, if the answer is a STRONG YES then go for it, otherwise leave it and look for another job and don't mention anything to anyone before you hand in your notice.

Randomface74 · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:35

Only leave a job if you have another lined up.

Sounds like the change would do you good.

the_worrier · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:37

Agree with both of the above.

Burnsy2023 · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:42

Get your CV to some recruiters and see what comes of it. Don't say anything until you have something lined up.

MickeyFinns · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:42

Definitely change, 4 years is a long time in your first software job. Are you .Net? There's tonnes of jobs to choose from at the minute, especially in the south east. You can negotiate pretty decent conditions if you've got a decent degree.

4T5 · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:42

Have you worked all the way through the female staff yet ?

Going to Cali · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:42

Where are you based, if you are looking for a role in west London drop me a message in trust.

fastwunz · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:46

4T5 said:
Have you worked all the way through the female staff yet ?

This needs urgent consideration.

Dunks · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:49

I wouldn't mention anything to anyone until you have something concrete lined up.

Chris1712 · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:51

4T5 said:
Have you worked all the way through the female staff yet ?

Female staff?? Software Engineering? What is this madness.

GhostlyPea · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:52

Chris1712 said:
Female staff?? Software Engineering? What is this madness.

Somebody needs to do the photocopying

- GP

Deceptor · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:56

MickeyFinns said:
Definitely change, 4 years is a long time in your first software job. Are you .Net? There's tonnes of jobs to choose from at the minute, especially in the south east. You can negotiate pretty decent conditions if you've got a decent degree.

Why is 4 years long? I'm still at my first software job and have been doing so for 7 years - granted I don't feel the same as the OP (completely the opposite) but I wondered why you think sticking to your first job is a long time/bad?

Burnsy2023 · 25 Feb 2013 at 17:59

Deceptor said:
Why is 4 years long? I'm still at my first software job and have been doing so for 7 years - granted I don't feel the same as the OP (completely the opposite) but I wondered why you think sticking to your first job is a long time/bad?

Moving jobs is more likely for you to get higher pay progression.

MickeyFinns · 25 Feb 2013 at 18:07

Deceptor said:
Why is 4 years long? I'm still at my first software job and have been doing so for 7 years - granted I don't feel the same as the OP (completely the opposite) but I wondered why you think sticking to your first job is a long time/bad?

Changing jobs is usually when you get the biggest pay-rises/jumps in opportunities.

Left my first software job after 2years 6months to a 50% payrise and being put in charge of my own product at a new place.

Steeps · 25 Feb 2013 at 18:12

Start looking around now to see what there is, get your CV up to scratch and apply for a few roles, maybe even take an interview or two as a trip to the dentists (or half a day off if you have to follow a system)

You've already tried to suggest improvements which have not been taken on board so have a look around to see if anywhere looks greener.

I've recently done this but I was only in the job 18 months, promised so much and rewarded so little. As soon as I mentioned "job interview" management would no longer speak to me... fortunately I'd already done the interviews and had a job offer in my hand so I signed it and gave my boss a weeks notice (still had no contract which I had been asking for). I would have moved just for a contract, but a 50% payrise sweetened the deal and made me feel wanted.

Deceptor · 25 Feb 2013 at 18:13

I see, well that makes sense I guess to some. Fortunately I've been happily rewarded with pay bumps and what not and even some company stock - but mainly I still love doing my job

holymonk · 25 Feb 2013 at 18:21

I was once in your position, graduate working for financial organization for 4 years.

Pay was appalling but I was trying to climb the 'career ladder'. They kept on dangling the 'golden carrot' promising me positions and promotions when they were to arise.

What ended up happening was I would 'step up' into roles covering periods of holidays, take on more and more responsibilities, attend training courses with no change in pay.

Eventually the carrot went mouldy as I was strung along for over 4 years. I applied for a different job at double the salary and I was accepted. This was mainly due to the vast amount of experience I had accumulated stepping up into other roles and how I could evidence all of this in my interview questions.

I have never looked back.

I would not discuss leaving with your boss, hand him your notice then discuss terms.

BlackDragon · 27 Feb 2013 at 21:45

Thanks for your advice all.

I have not been proactively looking for jobs, but I have had recruiters contact me for various positions. I have one that seems like a good fit for me.

Having not had any other job than my current one, I feel quite anxious about changing jobs. I worry about whether I am making the right decision, whether the new place will be better or worse, what if I fail at my next job, guilty of leaving good people behind, etc. How have people dealt with this in the past, and come to a decision regarding whether to move or not?

Also, any things that I should consider before making the jump to a startup? I understand it can be a bit more risky, but I feel the gains could be worth it.