Some firms say employees owe them little if the work environment isn't stimulating. However, the firm's managers believe they should provide sufficient challenge, opportunity and training to keep new hires motivated, says Mr. Reed. Alan Goodman, chairman of the National Association of Colleges and Employers' committee for professional conduct, has another view. If an organization delivers on its promises, new hires have an ethical responsibility to stay, he says. If they're unwilling to talk about it, then you have a right to look elsewhere.
Some new graduates are cynical about corporate allegiance.
Career expert Tom Welch agrees. If a company has a downturn in business, it moves a new hire based on its own whims and abilities. Still, career counselors warn against resigning before you've had time to adequately assess a job. At the time, he felt quitting was the right decision, but he later felt guilty and wondered if he had given the job a chance. He returned home to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to pursue a graduate degree, only to receive an offer to become a software engineer from a local field automation software firm, which he accepted.