subject: How Long Working Teens Should Keep That First Job by:Barry Mcgee [print this page] So when is it time to start thinking about a new job? Is it acceptable to switch jobs to work with a close friend? Can you leave an employer after the two-week training period is up? Should you stick with the same employer for over a year, even though you aren't learning anything new?
As with so many things in life, these are questions only you can answer. However, there are several considerations to take before you terminate your employment.
Be fair to the employer. The hiring process is costly and time-intensive, and your employer has decided that you are worth the effort. This is a big responsibility and privilege. While it doesn't mean that you have to remain at a job for the rest of your life, you should be fair enough to give the employer at least a few months of your time. Get through the training, settle into a routine, and then decide. If you still don't like it or something better comes up, you'll at least know you tried.
Examine your motivations. There are many reasons why you might want to switch jobs. Perhaps your best friend just started at the counter of the local gym, and it sounds like fun. Maybe you found an opening for a job you've been wanting for years. It could just be that you're bored and looking for something new. No matter what it is, however, make sure you take the time to weigh the pros and cons. Working with a friend might be fun for awhile - until you both want the same Saturday off to go to the lake. The job of your dreams might pay less or offer fewer hours. If you're bored, there's a chance that another job might provide a temporary solution but not give you whatever it is you are seeking.
Look to the future. You're young, and the possibilities for your future are endless. While the teen job you have now isn't necessarily going to map out your entire life, there's nothing wrong with making decisions that will provide you with more opportunities later on in life. If you want to be a doctor, working at the hospital gift shop might be a better choice than flipping burgers. If you want to be a chef, the reverse is true. If your current job isn't necessarily aligned with your future, you might want to consider switching jobs.
No matter what you decide, remember that the longer you are at a job, the better it looks on your resume. An employer who sees that you switch jobs every few months might not prefer you over a candidate who was with his or her former employer for a year. For working teens, dedication and commitment always look good.
