Federal government post-- temporary--how soon can I leave without red flag
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Anonymous
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Hello. i started working as a temporary appointment, not to exceed 2 years.
However, I have been here for 1 month now and it seems like a bad fit. It doesn't help that the people I interviewed with are no longer here, as they have transferred out or moved to different jobs (The hiring process took over a year). I would like to start applying to a different post but wonder if it would be a major red flag that I am applying while just starting a new job. Would appreciate help navigating this. |
Anonymous
| Fed here- we have people that move all the time. I would see nothing wrong with you only staying even 6 months, especially since you're just on temporary appointment. |
Anonymous
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I am a contractor who has been on-site at my agency for 23 years. I have seen people move in as little as 3 months. Plus, I know that some postings are for as short as 90 days. I would recommend that you wait at least 30 days more to apply. That will give you at least 90 days, since even the fastest postings that I've seen take about 30-60 days to fill.
Add to the fact that in the private sector, a 90 day probationary period is very, very common for new jobs where either side can reconsider the job and there are no negative consequences. Sometimes people are just not the right fit so there is usually not any type of slight or issue leaving in that initial period. |
Anonymous
| Thanks! Given that it takes so long to come on board, is it ok/appropriate for me to start sending my resume out now? I'm a bit uneasy... |
Anonymous
Yep. I wouldn't worry one bit what the gov agency thinks. We had someone that we tried to bring on for 8 months leave in under 2 weeks. Her dream job came on board and she left that quickly! |
Anonymous
I took a lateral and left a horrible backward place at 6 month mark. Nothing is wrong with that. Just by luck I received a glowing interim appraisal in the morning, received a phone call from HR at noon and came back to inform my boss of my new job in the afternoon. 
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Anonymous
| If you are looking for a permanent assignment there would be literally no flag at all about taking one over a temp appointment. Everyone would understand that perfectly. |
Anonymous
+1. When we have people in for temporary assignments we fully expect that they are looking for a permanent gig and if something opens up, that person often has a leg up over the competition (that is how I got my foot in the door). Good luck! |
Anonymous
| OP here---Thank you--it's nice to know it's generally well accepted! |