When Should I Tell My Boss That I Want to Leave?

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Dedpuhl

Lifer
Nov 20, 1999
10,370
0
76
I've been working for the State of Louisiana for 3.5 years as an Engineer Intern. I hate my job b/c I do very little engineering. I'd try to transfer to a new section, but my boss will block any move (he's done it in the past).

I have more ambition than I realized and feel that a career with a state agency is not for me.

On Thursday, I started sending out resumes to all the firms I could remember were hiring when I was in school. I also used Monster.com to apply for positions that were available.

My question is when should I tell my boss? I've heard that he tends to hold a grudge and working with him could be a nightmare until I leave. However, I have a great deal of respect for him and know the section will suffer upon my departure (2 other people are quitting/retiring in the next 2 months). I think he should know that I'm looking for something else.

 
AnyMal

AnyMal

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
15,780
0
76
I wouldn't utter as much as a word about it until I had another job lined-up. You don't want to end up on a longer-then-expected hiatus.
 
S

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Give him two weeks after you have another job lined up and be extrmeely nice about it, do not burn any bridges because especially with a state angeny it will come back to haunt you.
 
SpunkyJones

SpunkyJones

Diamond Member
Apr 1, 2004
5,090
1
81
Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Originally posted by: mrrman
Originally posted by: DeviousTrap
Wait until you get a job offer, then give him two weeks notice.
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Exactly
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Bingo! Do not say anything untill you give your two weeks. There is no reason for you to give him more warning. Don't worry about the dept carrying on, they survived before you got there, they'll survive after your gone.
 
A

AlienCraft

Lifer
Nov 23, 2002
10,539
0
0
Originally posted by: Dedpuhl
I've been working for the State of Louisiana for 3.5 years as an Engineer Intern. I hate my job b/c I do very little engineering. I'd try to transfer to a new section, but my boss will block any move (he's done it in the past).

I have more ambition than I realized and feel that a career with a state agency is not for me.

On Thursday, I started sending out resumes to all the firms I could remember were hiring when I was in school. I also used Monster.com to apply for positions that were available.

My question is when should I tell my boss? I've heard that he tends to hold a grudge and working with him could be a nightmare until I leave. However, I have a great deal of respect for him and know the section will suffer upon my departure (2 other people are quitting/retiring in the next 2 months). I think he should know that I'm looking for something else.
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NEVER , EVER threaten, inform, hint, imply, suggest, tell or mention that you may be leaving until you actually have somewhere else to go.
ESPCIALLY when the superior has a bad temper, is inconsiderate, or in your case "holds grudges". Seeing as how you are in the Governmental sector, entrenched non performers really resent it when people who are younger than them, smarter than them, and more talented than them, leave for brighter futures. He has risen to the top of his potential (Peter Principal) and is in a position to make your life miserable.
You will be making his work "harder" in that he will no longer be able to sit back and let everyone else coast him along.
 
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AlienCraft

Lifer
Nov 23, 2002
10,539
0
0
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Whatever you do, leave on good terms. Make sure you don't burn any bridges.
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Bullshit. Burning bridges is appropriate when the land you are leaving is populated with wild animals who may chase you as you leave.
Federal and State law limit the type and nature of information that can be propagated against you. ANYTHING else, for example personal invective and attacks, are actionable. All it takes is one idiot boss to make your retirement a comfortable one.

 
T

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Originally posted by: AlienCraft
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Whatever you do, leave on good terms. Make sure you don't burn any bridges.
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Bullshit. Burning bridges is appropriate when the land you are leaving is populated with wild animals who may chase you as you leave.
Federal and State law limit the type and nature of information that can be propagated against you. ANYTHING else, for example personal invective and attacks, are actionable. All it takes is one idiot boss to make your retirement a comfortable one.
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I think your blowing the situation a little out of proportion...
 
D

Dedpuhl

Lifer
Nov 20, 1999
10,370
0
76
The response is what I figured it would be...and I think I'll take that advice.

The only reason I'm a little concerned is that my supervisor knows nothing about my job (typical for a state agency). My boss is high up the ladder now and will not be able to train someone himself. I know i'm replaceable, but it's gonna take a while for someone to come in and learn everything i've done.

I've been prepped to take over the section once I pass the P.E. I kinda feel like a sh!t for up and leaving. :)
 
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AlienCraft

Lifer
Nov 23, 2002
10,539
0
0
Originally posted by: Dedpuhl
The response is what I figured it would be...and I think I'll take that advice.

The only reason I'm a little concerned is that my supervisor knows nothing about my job (typical for a state agency). My boss is high up the ladder now and will not be able to train someone himself. I know i'm replaceable, but it's gonna take a while for someone to come in and learn everything i've done.

I've been prepped to take over the section once I pass the P.E. I kinda feel like a sh!t for up and leaving. :)
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Aliens Rules of The Road #5... Never overestimate your own importance.
Rule #5's corollary.... Never UNDERestimate someone else's ability to learn your job.

 
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AlienCraft

Lifer
Nov 23, 2002
10,539
0
0
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: AlienCraft
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Whatever you do, leave on good terms. Make sure you don't burn any bridges.
Click to expand...
Bullshit. Burning bridges is appropriate when the land you are leaving is populated with wild animals who may chase you as you leave.
Federal and State law limit the type and nature of information that can be propagated against you. ANYTHING else, for example personal invective and attacks, are actionable. All it takes is one idiot boss to make your retirement a comfortable one.
Click to expand...

I think your blowing the situation a little out of proportion...
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I think you're underestimating how evil people can be when they're feeling left behind.

 
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