'When Is It Too Soon to Leave a Stop-Gap Job?'

I took an “any port in a storm”–type job four months ago due to the pandemic and am wondering what comes next. After suddenly losing my job last year, I was thrown into an urgent hunt. Four months ago, I landed a position with a decent salary, doing much the same work I’d done previously but in a sector that I wouldn’t have chosen if I wasn’t desperate.

But I’ve realized that I just don’t enjoy the job at all. I’m wondering whether it’s okay to just conclude that although it’s been a lifeline, it isn’t a job for me in the long term. If I decide that, how long do I have to stay? I know I’ve got to do at least a year for the sake of my résumé, and job hunting could take ages anyway. But I think my employer would be really disappointed if I left so quickly, and I don’t want to look flaky to recruiters and harm my ability to get work that I’d enjoy more. However, life feels too short to be unhappy with my work, and I’m sad at the thought of dreading Mondays for the next five years.

Congratulations to Cardi B on a well-timed Labor Day weekend. Working at Brandy Melville sounds like a total nightmare. The Time’s Up fallout continues. Finally, some good news on breakthrough infections. Please enjoy this rude duck.

It happened this week — let’s talk about it. Sign up for My Week in New York: a new newsletter from the editors.