In Dec. 1999 I was layed off from a company after only working there six months. After working at a few places earlier this year, I took a job in June at a financial services company. I am very unhappy in my position (not the kind of work I want to be doing). How can I find another job w/o being perceived as a job hopper?

-- Dan Pelesko (scribbler26@hotmail.com), October 09, 2000

Answers

Dan, then, welcome the the New Economy, where everybody is a job hopper.

-- Mark Zorro (zorromark@consultant.com), October 09, 2000.

I would worry less about how long you work somewhere, or how many jobs you've had in however long a time -- I'd worry more about whether the job changes show direction and development. Do the changes make sense? Were the shorter job times spent learning new skills or testing the waters of a new role or career before stepping up to something else? As long as you continue to show thought in your job changes... I think folks' perception of you will be OK. Check out http:// www.fastcompany.com/online/03/zigzag.html for more on the zig-zag career path.

That said, it can sometimes take a while to find your feet after getting laid off. It seems that you've taken this year to try several new things... none of which have panned out. Now: buck up working where you are (make the best of the situation and aim to NOT have six jobs this year ^_^), figure out just what kind of work you really want to be doing, and go for it... either where you are -- are you not doing what you were hired to do, or did you just take a job to have a job? -- or somewhere else.

And tell us what happens in Fast Talk's Change conference -- http:// www.fastcompany.com/fasttalk/forum.html?f=105

-- Heath Row (heath@fastcompany.com), October 11, 2000.

February 28 2002

I can't get a read on the label of a job hopper. I myself am one to. I try to put a spin on every skill package I have taken from a job. I try not to get defensive or emotional when an interviewer throws my rapid movement in my face. To some it shows ability to change gears fast and adapt to a new environment.

-- Shawn Draisey (shawn.draisey@sympatico.ca), February 28, 2002.