Which exit date looks better on CV?

Started work Dec 2020. Have two potential exit dates before pursuing next opportunity: (i) Sep 2022 or (ii) Dec 2022.

i) - Will not have worked 2 years, which seems to be the gold standard; + will not look like a total idiot for leaving just before bonus (paid Feb 2023).

ii) + Exactly 2 years; - looking like an idiot leaving 2 months to bonus.

[Not looking for CV advice, but rather reputation advice.]

5 Comments
 

If you're going to be working at the next place immediately after you leave, the first option seems like a better bet? I don't think the two year stamp matters too much or is strictly defined-3 months short of two years is still around 2 years.

Since you're leaving you also are assumedly getting more out of the next opportunity than the previous. Why reach even closer to the bonus date-which theoretically sweetened the deal in the first place-only to still leave without receiving it.

 

Really does not matter at all on your CV, that is a very minute difference. Absolutely one is sitting there saying "oh, he only worked 21 months" or "oh, he left 2 months before his bonus" 

Would focus more on personal reasons to leave early/stay longer - i.e. do you want to travel and the 2 months could be beneficial, or is the money important and you could use the extra paychecks

 

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