Should You Take a Job if You Plan to Quit in a Few Months?

by Debbie Vasen | More from this Blogger

20 Jun 2008 11:42 AM

There are many times when we need a short-term job. Maybe you are pregnant and need a job until the baby arrives. Maybe you know you are moving but need a job for a short period before. Whatever your reasons, there are times when you need a short term job, where you know ahead of time that you plan to leave. Often employers won't hire and train someone they know will leave them in less than a year. How should you handle this dilemma?

The main problem is whether to be honest with an employer or not. My first advice is to trust your gut. Does it make you feel uncomfortable to take a job knowing you will quit in the short term? If it does, then I say listen to that feeling. You mind is trying to tell you something.

If you are uncertain whether you may quit in the future or not; like in the pregnancy scenario, you may decide to return to work. Instead, it may make sense not to alert a future employer. If your termination plans are not set in stone, it is more acceptable to keep them to yourself. In reality, you could always potentially leave an employer for any random reason.

However, if you are firm in your timeframe, or if you are signing a firm contract with a future employer, this will change your situation. You don't want a poor reputation in your industry and you will most likely need this job on a resume. If you are certain your time in a job has a set end date, it is better to let the company know upfront.

This doesn't always have to mean you can't still get the job. What it might take is some pre-planning and negotiating. Be sure to sell them on why they would benefit from hiring you, even if it is only for a short time.

Related Articles:

*Will You Work or Stay Home with Baby?

*How Long Should You Stay at Job?

*What to Do if You Don't Know if You're Going Back to Work

Learn more about Debbie Vasen

Debbie Vasen is a published web content editor and writer, as well as a freelance writer for various print publications. In addition to blogging at Families.

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