Switching employers before applying to PT school - Does it look "bad"?

[NATO]

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I want to get your opinion about how PT admissions may regard a non-traditional applicant's work history status. I've been with my current IT consulting company for almost 5 years now; specifically, it will be 5 years this July. I am really burnt out on my current project and it's been 3 months since I've notified management about my extreme desire to train someone else to take over my current task so that I can move on to another task that is more to my liking (as well as better for my emotional well being). I've been proactively approaching other project managers for new opportunities, but to no avail. I'm starting to think it's best to get a fresh start with another company. The more I think about it, the more I love that idea of starting some where new.

I am hesitant about jumping ship before I send off my PT application at the start of this August. I fear that the PT admissions committee will frown upon me if I quit my current employer and be with my new employer for only 4 months by the time I apply. I just don't want them to think I'm a flaky person for not sticking with my current employer...especially since it's been over 4.5 years since I've been with my employer. Also, my employer is pretty popular. What I mean is that...working for my company opens up doors (so to speak) because of brand name recognition on national and international levels. We are the "Google" of government IT consulting companies and I wonder if that will help at all with the acceptance of my application.

What do you guys think? Am I over analyzing things? Should I just go ahead, jump ship, and start a new job with a new company?

 

[One More Rep]

IMO, it doesn't matter at all. People change jobs all the time, for various reasons. The fact that you have been employed there for 5 years indicates that you are anything but flaky. You should not feel guilty for looking for a job that will make you happier. PT schools are assessing your grades, GRE scores, extracurricular activities, communication skills, PT experience and dedication and committment to the PT field. If your application is strong in those areas, you should be just fine.

 

[track11]

I don't think it matters AT ALL

 

[markelmarcel]

IMO, it doesn't matter at all. People change jobs all the time, for various reasons. The fact that you have been employed there for 5 years indicates that you are anything but flaky. You should not feel guilty for looking for a job that will make you happier.

I agree, I don't think that it will show as flaky at all. (My boyfriend is also in the IT realm and was at his prior job for almost 4.5 years-- he was burnt out... He helped build the company up and then it turned into "Can you make the website blue instead of red" - he was bored to tears. He just got a new job and has been there for 6 months and loves it- he feels challenged again, gets to work on way bigger projects with bigger companies. His future employer did not see his desire to leave his current job as being flaky!)

Honestly, people do leave jobs for all kinds of reasons and I think that mental well-being is something of great importance that shouldn't be ignored.

I say, go for it-- I really don't feel that it will affect you at all!

 

[NATO]

Thanks for the great advice as usual everyone! I updated my resume and applied to a couple fo companies this evening. I'll be sending out more this weekend. I hope to jump ship ASAP.

 

[shellabie]

I'm going to agree with the posters above. I don't really think that it matters. As long as you are able to display a sincere desire to pursue and advocate for the PT profession, your job history shouldn't be a huge factor.

For what it's worth, I lost my job in late 2009 due to the economy and have been unemployed since. So I have NO job going into the application process. I have, however, focused my time on volunteer & community activities, etc... and I feel that this will count for something.