Stay with current job or Move to new one for 1yr...

[wookee]

My situation is this.

I was with a company for 5.5yrs.
Then left for job that ended at 8mo.
Then took job for 5mo,
then took current job for 1.2yrs.

Basically I have had short job times for the last 2.5 years.

My current job is in Municipal Planning GIS and I like my current job OK, but it's boring. I've learned 99% of all that happens here, perform my job well and there will be no promotions or raises. There is a job public works that came up w/in the city that has a very slight pay increase, but i'd be in the field 50/50 (which i would enjoy).

So I could get this other job (75% chance anyways). BUT, my wife gets a post-doc in 1.5years time, so we have to move away.

Do I change jobs for the money and fun or do I stick it out for the job time on the resume?

(sorry for the horrible grammar, writing in a hurry)

[Kolwala]

I would stick with your current job, because constant job changes look suspicious.

[Steveo989]

How old are you, and are you graduated? Like said above, changing jobs often looks suspicious and that you are quick to pack-up, or it suggests you are a pain to deal with so they give you the option to leave.
With that said, if you are still in college, or are pretty young, I think it shows desire to move into more responsibility and you are just changing jobs because your priorities/location have changed.

You noted that your wife will be graduating in less than 2 years, if you move now you can train all the way into your new job and market that skill-set. It will look spotty, but I think if you articulate that you wanted more responsibilities or something to that nature, I think no one will bat an eye at that.

Kinda depends what stage of life you are at. If you are 32 and have changed jobs 5 times in that short of time, I probably wouldn't want to hire you since I would be in a state of anxiety that you are going to pack-up as soon as something better comes along, and I will be stuck searching all over again.

Clif notes, if you are young go ahead and change jobs. Especially if you can learn new techniques or learn how to use new equipment.
If you are older, you probably should stay chillin' at your current job to show that you are willing to master your job and that you are a safe bet for several years at least.

Anyone more experience want to chime in? I haven't had much of a civilan track record so far after leaving the service.
I am on my 4th job in 2 years, but have been taking 16,17,18,14 credit semesters. However, 2 jobs I have been with the same place and I have had 2 years with them. Another is a PCA job that I had for a year. Finally, my fourth job I just began, and looking for greater responsibility and leadership roles.
I think I am a relatively safe bet considering I have had been employed for the the last 7 years with two main jobs; first was 5 years, and the second was 2 years.

[Diamond Dave]

Do I change jobs for the money and fun or do I stick it out for the job time on the resume?

Staying at a job so it will "look" good on a resume is like staying at the Blackjack table because the waitress is coming with your drink "any minute".



Also, FWIW, I've NEVER EVER met a high performance employee that :
A) talked about staying at a job so it would "look good" on their resume
B) talked about annual pay raises.

Be careful how those concepts could negatively impact another person's image of your work value.