How long do you stay at jobs before moving on or taking a better job?

[Redguard]

I'm doing IT help desk right now at a small IT company. I have been here for about 5 months.

I like my job so far but I do have a decent commute (about 45 minutes) and I don't have vision insurance. I kind of need that because vision problems run in my family. I do have medical and dental.

The two jobs I'm looking at are closer to me (about 20 to 25 minute drive). They both have medical, dental, and vision insurance along with 401k.

Both jobs are the same as what I'm doing now.

I'm just kind of undecided on if I should interview for these jobs because I have only been at my job for 5 months. I also am concerned about burning bridges and making things awkward if I interview and don't get the jobs.

 

[Sonny Bonds]

I'm just kind of undecided on if I should interview for these jobs because I have only been at my job for 5 months. I also am concerned about burning bridges and making things awkward if I interview and don't get the jobs.

How are you going to burn bridges? The people at your current job don't have to know you're interviewing for a new job. If you've got an interview to go to, tell them you have a doctor's appointment or use a sick day.

The 5 month thing might be tricky if the interviewer asks why you're leaving. Sometimes I lie and tell them I'm a contractor looking to be a permanent employee.

 

[Redguard]

How are you going to burn bridges? The people at your current job don't have to know you're interviewing for a new job. If you've got an interview to go to, tell them you have a doctor's appointment or use a sick day.

The 5 month thing might be tricky if the interviewer asks why you're leaving. Sometimes I lie and tell them I'm a contractor looking to be a permanent employee.

OK. Thanks for responding.

I forgot to mention that one of the positions will pay me slightly more than my current job, along with better benefits and a shorter commute.

I guess I'm a bit worried they might try to contact my current employer. If I don't get either job things will probably be awkward at my current job.

 

[Sonny Bonds]

They probably won't contact your current job until they're almost ready to hire you. So, you'll have to get through a phone interview and an in-person; at the very least. Apply for the jobs you're interested in and try to arrange for friends at your current job to be your references, if necessary.

 

[beenz]

How are you going to burn bridges? The people at your current job don't have to know you're interviewing for a new job. If you've got an interview to go to, tell them you have a doctor's appointment or use a sick day.

The 5 month thing might be tricky if the interviewer asks why you're leaving. Sometimes I lie and tell them I'm a contractor looking to be a permanent employee.

Unless the OP has other relevant experience, it might be hard to find a new gig with such limited experience. However Helpdesk jobs are plentiful, so it certainly can't hurt to look.

 

[Redguard]

Unless the OP has other relevant experience, it might be hard to find a new gig with such limited experience. However Helpdesk jobs are plentiful, so it certainly can't hurt to look.

I did work as an intern at one of the jobs I am looking at. It was a mix of internship/seasonal role. I interviewed with them about year ago but at that time I didn't have the A+ or Network+ and just experience from the internship/seasonal role. They really wanted the A+ and more experience.

If I interview and get this job I will get a slightly higher salary along with better benefits and a shorter commute.

 

[Silkk]

One year

Or whenever I feel I can do better