Telling your boss you're about to leave?

[Chief Wiggum]

Hey guys, just wanted to get your thoughts on something.

 

I currently work in a relatively small company where I get a long with my colleagues and bosses very well. But I've reached that stage now where I've outgrown my role. There's no chance of me progressing in this company and my only hope of furthering my career, is to go elsewhere.

 

So the question is, do I find a job and then tell them I'm about to leave? Or shall I be kind enough to tell them I have plans of leaving (to keep things friendly) and then search for a job?

 

A few things to note:

 

1. I've developed more than just a employer-employee relationship with my bosses. We're very friendly.

2. Very little chance of the company -- because of its current financial situation -- having the time and resources to get in a replacement for me.

3. A lot of important jobs/tasks will be left stranded if I were to leave.

 

Your thoughts? Anyone been in similar situations? I guess I'm worried about upsetting them, whilst at the same time leaving myself vulnerable if they know I have intentions of leaving.

 

Thanks

[Chief Wiggum]

Oh, and another thing I should have mentioned is that, after a few years, I'm beginning to miss my friends and family at home and, ideally, would like to get a job back there.

[january2011]

No, don't tell them that you are thinking of leaving.

 

Do tell them that you're leaving, once you've found a job. Offer to help them with the recruitment and training of your replacement. Document all your processes.

 

No one is irreplaceable. They may muddle along after you're gone, but most likely the new person will bring a whole new set of skills and experiences that might actually make the company better.

 

It doesn't matter if you are very friendly with them. Don't let the apparent closeness keep you from personal and career development. If they do indeed care about you, they would not want to hold you back.

[Chief Wiggum]

Hey January. Thanks for the reply.

 

The problem is that they're actually not in a position to replace me. Well, that's the likelihood, anyway. They're not in the best financial position.

 

So you think it's a bad idea telling them beforehand that I'm in the process of looking for a job elsewhere?

[CarrieT]

So you think it's a bad idea telling them beforehand that I'm in the process of looking for a job elsewhere?

Yes, yes, yes.... It is a BAD idea to tell them you are planning/thinking/considering leaving.

 

The problem is that they're actually not in a position to replace me. Well, that's the likelihood, anyway. They're not in the best financial position.

Learn this mantra regarding their financial situation or ability to replace you:

Not my problem, not my problem, not my problem....

 

I understand you are friends with these people, but not enough so that you should jeopardize YOUR future on a business they can't seem to make survive to the point of giving you a future.

[Chief Wiggum]

As harsh as it may be, you do make a good point, CarrieT. They're business owners at the end the day, and so they should know a thing or two about looking after one's self interests.

[CarrieT]

As harsh as it may be, you do make a good point, CarrieT. They're business owners at the end the day, and so they should know a thing or two about looking after one's self interests.

 

I have been there - a number of times - with small companies.

 

And, yes, my leaving hurt the company. But, in the long run, it was best for all involved and needed to happen. They relied on me and my good nature too long and it hurt me as well; I worked for a salary that was far below what I should have been earning because "we were friends."

[Chief Wiggum]

I have been there - a number of times - with small companies.

 

And, yes, my leaving hurt the company. But, in the long run, it was best for all involved and needed to happen. They relied on me and my good nature too long and it hurt me as well; I worked for a salary that was far below what I should have been earning because "we were friends."

 

Sounds almost identical to my scenario! It's decided then. Time to sort my CV out this weekend and begin looking. Thank you :-).

[pink_sugar]

Hi Chief, I know how you feel. I also work for a small company with no advancement opportunities...no benefits and no raises. I've been here for over a year and a half now. Once I graduate college this summer, I'll hit the two year mark and as much as I'll miss my coworkers here, I'll need to move forward. You have no obligation to stay with your company and need to do what is best for you. Do not tell your boss you are planning on leaving until you've already secured other employment. Giving them a 2 weeks notice is plenty acceptable.

Edited April 18, 2013 by pink_sugar

[tbf]

When looking for a new job, you can sometimes negotiate start date by explaining to your new company that you wish to give as much notice to your existing company as possible. While some companies will have an urgency to get a new hire in the door and won't move on start date, others have the luxury to do so and will view your consideration in a favourable light.

 

This way, you can provide your existing company with extra time to hire and train, while at the same time, not burning bridges. There's also the possibility that they will let you go early, reliant on security needs.

[Got it]

I understand how you feel, while I didn't give advance notice, I did give them a month's notice to try and make the transition as smooth as possible.

[soniabenjamin]

my x boss will give a hard time working while serving notice... when i inform her i want to resign, she counter offer but i refused to accept...

[MsSmurf]

Look at the situation in reverse. Would your boss tell you he was thinking of firing you? Ummm no, he'd just fire you. Therefore you should keep mum until you find a new job, then type up a resignation letter giving two weeks notice and hand it in.

[andi23009u782]

No, don't tell them that you are thinking of leaving.

 

Do tell them that you're leaving, once you've found a job. Offer to help them with the recruitment and training of your replacement. Document all your processes.

 

No one is irreplaceable. They may muddle along after you're gone, but most likely the new person will bring a whole new set of skills and experiences that might actually make the company better.

 

It doesn't matter if you are very friendly with them. Don't let the apparent closeness keep you from personal and career development. If they do indeed care about you, they would not want to hold you back.

 

dont tell your boss you will leave, unless you find a new job, and sure the new job is really suitable for you. find a new job need to consider about a lot. so be sure the new job is good for you and you can easy to deal with the everything change. And dont tell your boss you will leave. and dont give the sign that about you will leave. they need to find the new one to replace. it is business. no matter how friendly you are.