Thinking about quitting your job? Go tell your boss

http://www.ronsho.com/2014/10/quitting-job-tell-boss/

by ronsho • 12 years ago

10 20 12 years ago

sportanova2• 12 years ago

And then there's always the scenario where your boss guilt trips you, then when that fails - threatens you. Don't tell your boss

jfoster• 12 years ago

Depends on your boss and where you work. I think lots of people & businesses appreciate a bit of extra heads-up above & beyond the required notice period.

a3n3• 12 years ago

Never feel obligated to give more than two weeks, and then only when you're definitely leaving.

Imagine the flip side conversation: "We're thinking about firing you, so we're interviewing people. Not sure, we'll see how it goes. I suppose we might be convinced to keep you if you work an extra 20%."

It's an extremely asymmetric relationship. Recognize which side of that relationship you are on.

byoung22• 12 years ago

If you are leaving to get a better salary, you can get a better deal from your current employer if you have an offer letter in hand. If you tell your boss first, you might be settling for less.

jrjarrett• 12 years ago

I assert that by the time it's gotten to the point that you have gone out, slogged thru hundreds of job postings, had interviews, negotiated a new position, YOU'RE DONE AT YOUR OLD JOB. And there's no going back.

Something had to have pushed you to do all that work to find a new position; are a few thousand more a year going to fix it?

Never mind you'll forever be marked as the "one who will leave".

JoeAltmaier2• 12 years ago

My old manager said "Nobody quits for money; people quit because they're unhappy" and I think its largely true.

byoung22• 12 years ago

I could be alone here, but I never stop looking at job postings. If I ever see something more interesting than my current job, why not explore it. Chances are you would miss the most interesting opportunities if you weren't looking 90% of the time. The best time to search for jobs and interview is when you already have a comfortable job. Then your desperation doesn't force you to take something you don't love.

kelnos• 12 years ago

I think this is fairly naive and depends a lot on your boss and company. I've worked at places where interviewing elsewhere is seen as disloyal. I know of places where giving your two weeks means getting escorted out on the spot.

I'm not saying these are great places to work, but they exist, and I bet they're not the minority.

easy_rider• 12 years ago

Yep. If the reasons for leaving are mostly because of your managers are not being transparent, fair and honest. Don't tell. Just make sure you have job security before you will give the notice. This also makes sure you don't get hammered or cheated/delayed on payments because you decide to reply to an e-mail / linked-in message midday.

a3n3• 12 years ago

I've been fired for quitting, i.e. giving my two weeks notice.

JoeAltmaier2• 12 years ago

I've worked places that walk folks out the door when they give notice.

sigzero• 12 years ago

I don't think I have ever worked for anyone that I would feel comfortable telling them "Hey I feel like quitting".

tmorton• 12 years ago

This advice is only for a very specific situation. If you can certainly find a better position quickly, but your boss is a decent person who's interested in your success, then absolutely tell them that you're thinking about leaving.

But that's a rare situation. Basically, it's people who were hired as junior engineers and have leveled up. Years 2-5 of your career are when your position can become mismatched with the broader market.

If you're just testing the market, and you might find that your current job is your best available option, don't tell your boss. Similarly, if you're fleeing a bad situation but you need the paychecks for a little while, don't tell your boss.

gamechangr• 12 years ago

Bad advice!

In engineering this may apply, as it's a buyers market. Most bosses (in engineering) understand that they need to convince you to work for them.

It's possible that "Ronsho" could use a little more exposure or real world experience before making blanket statements.

steffan• 12 years ago

This is horrible advice! In the real world, you will encounter a variety of bad outcomes utilizing it.

If you are ready to leave, you're giving up control of when and how once you tell your boss.

It's exceptionally naive to think that everyone will structure the nature and timing for your benefit instead of theirs and/or the company. You may be asked to resign on the spot or give notice. In some secure environments you may be walked out by security on the spot.

Additionally, if your plans fall through or you have a change of heart, you will be regarded as disloyal, which may follow you and impede future promotions or assignments.

Finally, if you have a vindictive boss with contacts in the industry or destination company, they can quash existing or pending job offers to keep you or punish you. Cf. Jobs/Apple/Google

joch3• 12 years ago

What about those who want to look around while keeping the current job on the hook? I think this happens more often than not - it's the only good way to assess your own value in the market.

a3n3• 12 years ago

"It’s important for me to say that this relates to employees who are good at their job. If you aren’t – just do everyone a favor and quit.."

I would normally be reluctant to tell a boss that I'm looking. I'm pretty sure that I would never tell someone who could say this; in fact that there's a good chance that person might already be driving me out, whether I was good or not.

Thinking about quitting your job? Go tell your boss

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