"Is It Bad to Leave My Job in Less Than a Year?"

Welcome to Ask a Girlboss! It's our advice column where real experts answer your burning career questions. Have a dilemma that needs solving? DM us on Instagram and we'll get right on it.

The experts: Tess Collard and Alisha Adams, the co-founders of Eleven Eleven Talent Collective, a global recruitment agency. Collard is also a certified meditation teacher who specializes in mindfulness techniques to support you at work. Learn more here. 🧠

Let’s set the scene: you landed a new job, and you really thought it was the right move. But now, six months in, you’re feeling restless. The honeymoon phase is over, the day-to-day isn’t what you hoped, and you’re already wondering, ‘Is it too soon to start looking again?’

First things first: if you’re questioning whether leaving a job in under a year is ‘bad,’ take a deep breath. The truth? It’s not uncommon, and it doesn’t have to be a career killer—as long as you handle it with intention.

Here’s how to figure out whether it’s time to move on or if you’re just experiencing normal growing pains.

Get Honest: Why Do You Want to Leave?

Before you update your LinkedIn and start browsing job boards, pause and reflect on what’s driving your desire to leave.

Is the role misaligned with your skills and passions?
Are you feeling stagnant with no room to grow?
Is it a cultural alignment issue, or are you dealing with toxic leadership?

It’s normal to feel unsettled during your first six months. It takes time to build relationships, prove your impact, and settle into new rhythms. But if you’re feeling fundamentally disconnected from the role or the company’s values, trust that instinct—it’s a sign you may need a new environment.

Can You Fix It First?

Sometimes, what feels like a dealbreaker can be solved with a candid conversation.

Ask yourself:

Have I communicated my needs to my manager?
Am I clear on what success looks like in this role?
Is there room to adjust my responsibilities or growth path?

Women often hesitate to ask for what they need at work, fearing they’ll be seen as difficult or demanding. But advocating for yourself isn’t just a right—it’s essential to your success. If you haven’t tried that route yet, give it a shot. Sometimes, a shift in communication can change everything.

But if the issue is systemic—a toxic culture, poor leadership, or values misalignment—it may not be fixable. And in those cases, it’s okay to start exploring your options.

How Will It Impact Your Career Story?

Let’s be real: short stints on your resume can raise eyebrows. But they won’t derail your career if you can clearly explain the why behind your decisions.

Hiring managers aren’t as hung up on job-hopping as they used to be. What they care about is intentionality.

Focus on what you learned from the experience.
Frame your decision as one based on clarity and alignment, not impulsivity.
Be honest— but keep it professional.

For example:

“I realized early on that the role wasn’t aligned with my strengths, and I’m looking for an opportunity that better fits my long-term goals.”

It’s all about owning your narrative.

Think Long-Term: What’s the Bigger Picture?

The biggest question to ask yourself: Will this move get me closer to my ultimate vision?

If staying six more months will give you valuable experience or skills, it might be worth sticking it out.
But if every day feels like a grind and the role is draining your energy, don’t guilt yourself into staying for the sake of your resume.

Women, especially, often feel pressured to ‘do the right thing’ and stay loyal out of obligation. But your loyalty should first and foremost be to yourself—your growth, your happiness, and your long-term vision.

Trust Yourself, But Be Strategic

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Leaving a job in under a year isn’t ‘bad’ if it’s the right move for you. But it should be a thoughtful decision—guided by your values, not by frustration.

Ask yourself:

Am I running away from discomfort, or am I stepping toward growth?
Is this decision aligned with my career goals and values?
How will I communicate this move to future employers?

The Bottom Line

It’s your career—you get to write the story. If a job isn’t aligned with your growth or values, leaving sooner rather than later can be the right call. Just make sure you’ve done the work to reflect, communicate your decision with confidence, and take your next step with intention.