Will it look bad if I quit my job (in my field of study) for an unrelated job?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

I’m a full-time student, studying food science and working part-time at a food manufacturing plant. I was interning for this company over the summer and they offered me a part-time position when school started. I wasn’t thrilled with the position, but I didn’t have any better options at the time, so I accepted.

Recently, however, I started working for Shipt (grocery shopping & delivery) in the little bit of free time I have, and I actually enjoy it more than my regular job. It pays close to the same, but is more flexible with my busy schedule (there’s work available 24/7 with Shipt whereas my regular job is open 8am-6pm, so I’m only able to work 16hrs/week).

My job is not providing me with any valuable experience, and I know I do not want to stay there long term, but I’m worried that jumping from a job that’s in my field of study to a job in an unrelated field is going to look bad on my resume.

Also, if I were to quit and have Shipt as my primary income source, it would only be for the school year. I was pretty much guaranteed a full time job next summer (which I think will be a much better fit than my current position), the hiring manager actually wanted me to start there this semester but we weren’t able to work around my crazy class schedule so she told me to contact her in the spring if I have more availability, otherwise she said she definitely had a position for me in the summer when I’d have full-time availability.

Will making this move look bad to prospective employeers, or would they more understanding because I’m a student?

2

It seems totally fine.

3

I would consider a few things:
Hours: Shipt might be more flexible, but as a full time student you don’t want to work more than 16 hours/week

Flexibility: You may think it better to be flexible…but is it better to know when you have to work? Would you keep putting off the work because it is so flexible or would you be able to make sure to do it?

Money: seems the same

Career: I would think it better to have experience in your field when you are applying for jobs…you may even be offered a job at your current company.

References: If you quit now, would your manager give you a good recommendation?

Enjoyment: How awful is the job? Is it just okay or terrible?

If you are doing this for the money, then tell your boss that you need to resign because you need to make sure you have time for your school work. If you are doing this for experience/resume then stick with it.