How long do I need to stay?

[szerentr]

I am a recent engineering grad, and I have a good job, just not what I really want to do. I have a lot of my own projects, but it just doesn't excite me. I have been there for 8 months. When is okay to leave? I don't want to leave the company in a bind, but I can't do this for 5 more years or anything...

[pumpkins1979]

Do you have another job lined up? Unless this job is really horrible, don't leave until you have another offer. The economy is pretty bad, and things are going to get tougher for you if you have to worry about money also. But if you really want to leave, don't worry too much about the company. They can cope, and your happiness is worth more than their profit margin. Just be nice and give them enough of a notice so that they can prepare for you leaving. Do know that future employers might look down on you for leaving so soon though. I think the magic number for staying in a company is 2-3 years.

[Phoenix]

I'd also say 2-3 years, simply because in doing job searches, that is the usual amount of experience that employers will put in their ads for a requirement.