How long should you be in one job before putting in for another position in the same company?

I’ve worked for an organization for a little over a year - about a year in one location, then when that branch shut down I was moved to a new location where I’ve been for about 3 months. I’m doing a good job here - by bosses say they are very happy with my performance - but the truth of the matter is that I’m not happy here, and would like to transfer to a different location within the same organization.

How long should I put in here before applying for a transfer? I’ve been telling myself that I should stay at least 6 months, if not longer, for it to seem like I’m not just bailing out. Is that reasonable? Should I try to stick it out for a year or more? Or is there no waiting period - if there are other jobs I’d rather apply for (and right now there are), should I put in for them no matter how long I’ve been here?

Help!

Why not discuss it with your present supervisor?

Because if it is considered bad form to try for a transfer after such a short time, I don’t want to ruffle any feathers. That’s why I’m trying to find out what the wisdom of the masses says first.

I would think that your company would rather move you to a position that’s beneficial to both them and you rather than you quitting.

And I agree with Chefguy. Why not talk to your supervisor? Then you’ll know if it could ruffle feathers - not that I would let that stop me if I found a better opportunity.

Years ago I had a supervisor raise a stink when I was thinking about applying for another position. That’s when I decided to take the other job. One of the best moves I ever made.

Talk to your HR rep. Waiting periods vary, if they exist at all, by company. My current company requires 9 months in position for non-exempt associates and 12 months for exempt, but that can be waived depending on circumstance. If we shut down a location and moved people arbitrarily, I would expect some fallout after about 3 months and would waive the 9 month period for anyone who wanted to transfer to a new location better suited to them. That’s just me, though. I’m a peach to work for (partially becasue of my humility)!

If there are no written rules (or unwritten rules that everyone except the newbies know about) saying you can’t transfer yet, I’d say the time to apply for the transfer is: as soon as you can make a good case that you’d be good in the job you’re applying for.

If it’s essentially the same position, but in a different location, then you can already make that case. If so, go for it.

I would say 12-18 months (unless specified by your HR department) is reasonable.

That you got moved makes it slightly easier, since it is not like you quite one job for another and now want to quit again.
First, think about why you are unhappy in the new job. Is it management? Is it not a good match for you? What can they do to make you happier? They might be interested in trying given that they like you. If it is a bad commute or something you have the advantage of not being negative about your current organization - a lot of people might be sympathetic.
Can you construct a case about how you can be more productive for the company in the new location?
Do you have a specific job and supervisor? If so, try to find the politics of the place. If your new boss has more power than your old boss, you will have an easier time of it.
You haven’t been there 3 months, you’ve been with the company 15 months or so, and you don’t even want to leave it. People transfer all the time, it often isn’t a big issue.

My company has a policy that the employee should stay in the same position for 6 months before requesting transfer or changing departments. Does your company have any official policy?

6Mo to a year