What would you do in this delicate situation?

Question

My job was supposed to go until the end of August but they have extended it until March. Before they extended it, they asked if I had been planning on going anywhere else and I said no.

Well now a job has come up that I am interested in applying for. The truth is, I've been miserable at the current job for months now and I want out.

My boss had told me that I should let her know if I was planning on applying for a job so she could give me a reference - but that was when they didn't know if my job would be extended or not and she thought I would probably be looking for work come the end of August.

Now I'm not sure if I should tell her about this job. I have a meeting with her tomorrow (relating to another matter) and I'm not sure if I should mention it or not. If I don't even get an interview or get hired, I don't want to stir up any unnecessary trouble. But I also don't want to spring this on them either, since they expect I'll be there till March now. What should I do?

Answer 1

All's fair in love and job searching.  First thing, apply for the job you're really interested in.  If you are lucky enough to be hired, tell them you need to give two-weeks notice to your present employer.  This is typical and respectful, and they should honor this request.  It implies that you are a person with integrity and loyalty.  You would do the same if you left their employment at some future date....you might even say this.  Then inform your present employer that you are leaving and be sure to thank them for allowing you the opportunity to work there.  I would not ask for a reference from your present employer if you need the job.  Instead, use references from previous jobs if possible.  Good luck!  I know what it's like to be miserable in a job.

Answer 2

Just tell your boss that since you didn't know you'd be extended you had started looking elsewhere.  I wouldn't even mention the other possible job just yet.  If you do get the other job, just try and give your current company a 2 week's notice.  That's all you are obligated to do.

Answer 3

It's always best to manage the information that you hand out to people as it can work against you.

The truth is, you don't know if this job will work out. I hope it does, but if it doesn't you don't want to jeaopardize your current employment situation.

I would wait until you have an offer on the table to notify your current employer, especially since the main reason is to be given a reference. As long as you give them the standard 2 weeks notice (unless you have some kind of contract agreement) then they cannot expect more of you.

Yes, it would be courteous and honest to tell them now that you are looking elsewhere, but these people are not your friends, they are your employers. Therefore, keep them on a need-to-know basis. They don't need to know that you're looking elsewhere.

Also, changing jobs happens. If you've found a better opportunity elsewhere, I'm sure they will understand, and this should not stir up any trouble unless they are unreasonable.  Yes, they expect you to be there until March, but things change in life and if you have a better offer no one can expect you not to take it. You do not have to justify yourself and your search. Keep it simple.

When letting them know you are leaving, don't even mention a search or any of the circumstances and stay vague. Just tell them you were unexpectedly offered an opportunity elsewhere that you could not refuse. If they appreciate you as an employee they will certainly understand that someone else would want to hire you as well! Don't brag about the new job or reveal any reasons why you're leaving as it can work against you. Just say that this opportunity better suits your needs if they ask, and that you were very pleased to work for them and would appreciate a good reference.

Remember, you don't owe them anything. You worked for them, and they paid you. You did a good job, you get a good reference. That's it. I understand you feel a certain loyalty to them and towards your manager, but you are not morally obliged to them in any way. They wouldn't change the company's plans to accomodate you and you must also go your own course.

Once you have an offer on the table and are ready to accept it, it's safe to notify your current employee. Be direct, brief and appreciative of the opportunity they gave you to work for them.

Answer 4

Don't mention anything at all.If you get the new job give a two week notice.It is not a good idea to let your current employer know you are looking for another job.

Answer 5

Wait and find out if you get the other job first. If you do, explain to your new employer that you will be required to work notice at your current employment and then let your current employer have your resignation. Like you said,don't stir up unnecessary trouble incase you don't even get the job,but if you do get the job,what's the worst that could happen? you'll be gone from there in a couple of weeks anyway!. You're unhappy in your current job anyway,so try not to feel bad,look after number one in this situation.

Answer 6

Do not mention it at this time and wait until you have a firm yes for the new job; as soon as you know for sure, then talk to your boss in private.