This is an update from the reader who was wondering whether eight months was long enough to stay in a first job and who wanted to find a higher-paying position (the second-to-last question here). Here’s the update:
So I only took part of your advice. Despite your recommendation to stay in my first job for a year, I had to apply to the “perfect job” despite only 10 months of post graduate degree experience. I did focus, as you suggested, on my reasons for wanting the positions that did not relate to money. I was offered the position (same title, similar work, 20K more in salary) and accepted. I am so happy in my new role. Not only are finances no longer a pressing concern, but my office and the clients I work with are absolutely amazing! And, despite not being on the job hunt currently, I still read your blog religiously.
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That’s a great update. Just goes to show it pays to follow your instincts sometimes (with a healthy dose of AAM’s sensible advice).
Thanks for the update, I just started a new job and I’m considering changing in a year or so. And same here, before I got this new job I was reading AAM’s advice. And now that I found my job I’m still reading it religiously. AAM, is there anyway to add a like button? =)
Aw, thank you! You can “like” me on Facebook. Or you can just shower me with cash and/or baked goods, which I also accept!
Funny! =) If you live nearby I would probably make you some crab rangoons, not sure if you like Chinese food?
Yum to all Asian food!
If we actually want to shower you with baked goods (which, I’ve read somewhere, are a great holiday gift for work-related people that you’re not supposed to get gifts for (and I think you fall into that category, loosely defined), and which, I imagine, might be appreciated by a walking-impaired manager who might not be up to baking things on her own), is that actually possible? I feel like there might be a weird line being crossed in asking for your address to actually send you baked goods, but it seems like a great way to show my appreciation for your awesome column.
Aw, thank you — that’s so nice of you! I’ve actually been giving away baked goods lately because people have been so nice about bringing me get-well food gifts, because I fear I will not be able to lift myself off my couch when the time finally comes if I eat them all! But just the offer means a lot — thank you! (However, I would be totally honored if you did something charitable for someone in my honor, and in many ways that would be the best show of appreciation of all!)
OK, then, I can do that. But if the thought of Maple Bacon Cookies (yeah, that’s what I was thinking of that I could make for you) becomes too tempting to resist, you know where to find me!
@OP, do you mind if I ask what you told your new employer why you had left your previous job after 8 months? Thank you.
Oh, I’m so delighted to hear this! What a great success story, you have done so well for yourself.
Congratualations!
Sorry for the delay, but I was on vacation. I’m the original poster. Between the time that I first e-mail AAM and received the job, I had become a bit more frustrated with my position. I wanted to take on more responsibilities, which just wasn’t a possibility given that limited resources and scope of the office. When I told my team/boss, they said they were sad to lose me, but not altogether surprised. I mean 20K more to do the same exact job with a better commute – who would turn that down?
Thank you for telling us. And congratulations again!!