I was curious how people approach giving their two weeks notice and answer "where are you going" .

63 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 1:59AM UTC

   Depends on the relationship and on what terms your leaving. I did not at last 2 jobs.

2. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 2:20AM UTC

   how did you answer people's questions about it?

3. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 3:45AM UTC

   I would just say I’ll keep in touch with you and tell you where I end up. Some are super curious but I just waited a bit and eventually they would see it on LinkedIn. It is your life, when you are ready you say it.

4. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 2:06AM UTC

   I'd rather not say until after I'm there awhile. Stay tuned.

5. Dianne Brooks GrahamMay 25,2022 at 2:31AM UTC

   Following and continue my journey to reveal a positive/productive better me.
   Thanks, for the experience here. Wishing, providing and receiving nothing but good thoughts, vibes, opinions as you’re speaking.

6. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 2:34AM UTC

   My last boss actually didn't tell us where she was going but rather what she would be doing. Would that be an option for you? Might say something along the lines of an opportunity came up for me to dive into something I've been wanted to expand my skills in so I took that opportunity.

7. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 2:35AM UTC

   Last time I resigned I hadn't made up my mind yet actually. I had one solid offer on the table and was waiting for the second one, so I didn't really have to say anything.

8. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 11:14AM UTC

   "I haven't decided yet. Once I make up my mind I will share".

9. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 11:41AM UTC

   Give two weeks notice. Do so in a one on one meeting to be followed by a written email. Where are u going? If toxic environment..be vague or lie. You don’t need them sending bad energy to your new workplace

10. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    There's never a "best" way to do anything!

11. AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 4:39PM UTC

    When I left my last company I was asked this and told them the industry and the position type. I also told them the truth that it was another step closer to the industry I wanted to be in and that the position was going to allow me to build on everything that I had learned at the current company. Plus I was really excited for the new challenges this change was going to bring.

    What I left out was that I was doubly excited because I was getting as far away from their toxic environment as possible.

    My friends at the company were told where I was going but it didn't really matter because no one had heard of the company I was going to anyways.

    This was the most authentic professional way that I could think of to answer the question (I really wanted to say it's none of your business). It also answered the question without telling them anything. I did play up the excitement part by making sure I was smiling when talking about the new job and in general changing my demeanor from serious (when giving the notice) to happy. It wasn't hard to do since I was legit excited, but still helped sell it and distract them from the actual question.

    The best advice I can give is to be authentic to yourself. You might also practice it a bit with a trusted friend or family member.

    Good luck! :)

12. Vanda LeeMay 26,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

    It's not tricky at all. Just tell them that you're not sure yet or that you've got a couple of offers on the table or you're changing career paths. If they press, I'd go with the couple offers answer. A couple of jobs ago, I was adamant that I wasn't telling leadership & HR where I was going because it had become toxic with no help from HR. I just told them I was changing career paths. The HR director politely pressed but I wouldn't budge. It's none of their business.

13. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 12:24PM UTC

    I just resigned from my job and have accepted an offer. I didn't tell anybody where I was going, even though it wasn't hostile when I left.

    I only told them the things I thought were relevant: I'm not going to a competitor or violating my non-compete.

    I also shared that I was moving back to the vertical industry where I had spent most of my career as I thought it was a better fit.

    You don't owe them answers, unless you have signed a non-compete or other clause that is relevant.

14. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

    Honestly, even with a non-compete, I don't answer with any meaningful information.

    One company i was offered a role with with had a line in their non-complete saying you'd give HR the exact details of your new job (company, contact info there, title, etc.) at least a week before leaving. I ended up not taking the job.

15. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 12:25PM UTC

    Actually that’s not something I’d like to share.

16. Crystal HowellMay 27,2022 at 12:26PM UTC

    I say

    I'm taking a career break,or

    to pursue other business interests.

    I learned not to say,so your previous co workers don't follow, and you are accused of taking their employees.

    It's none of their business.

17. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterMay 27,2022 at 12:26PM UTC

    "So nice of you to ask. I'm currently weighing my options and am looking forward to the future. Do keep in touch."

    or you can be even more mysterious,

    "There are so many possibilities right now, let's stay connected on LinkedIn and you'll get to see the big announcement when it's official."

18. Destiny PiferMay 27,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    When I left my last job it was a toxic workforce and I was having mental breakdowns and panic attacks because no one would help me when I needed help. That and people were always calling off for whatever reason may it be a simple headache or they just didn't want to come in. That's when I knew I had to really leave but another reason was that my son had to be pulled out of school and cyber schooled due to excessive bullying. So that was the reason I gave for leaving. I already worked a part-time job as well which I still have but mainly gave my reason as being that I had to stay at home to cyber school my son and also focus on my health as I have a ton of health issues. I of course heard snide remarks from my co-workers because everyone was pushing me including my boss to give a reason and they said "Well it's going to be nice for you not having to work all the time" like apparently home schooling your kid is a walk in the park. Anyway I learned that when it comes to the whole "Why are you leaving?" question it's best to just tell them that you are exploring another career path or just politely explain that you would rather not discuss it. I was pushed like every day to explain why and I think that is wrong but some employers and co-workers will do that. You are not entitled to give a reason.

19. MarciaMay 27,2022 at 12:33PM UTC

    I just did this-and really didn’t want the old job to know where the new one was until after. I just said that I was approached by someone I used to work with. (Which was the truth). If someone pushed (and they did), I just said my new title and explained that it was a step up from what I was doing for “a substantial increase in pay and decrease in travel”. They didn’t need to know the name of the company and that I wouldn’t have been leaving if it wasn’t for my toxic boss.

20. Lori RamseyMay 27,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

    I worked with a gentleman who would simply answer with "I'd rather not say" to some things and I loved it. It was so disarming to people that they didn't know what to say next.

21. GirlBossanova934974May 27,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

    As one person has said on this thread, you can simply tell them the industry and the new job title. Oh, I found a great job in the travel industry working as a new Finance Manager. Doesn't sound standoffish and at the same time, no one can figure out where to contact you unless you want to say.

22. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 12:45PM UTC

    I recently gave 2-weeks notice and had three exit interviews because I disclosed that I was leaving due to a toxic work environment. I told my manager nothing as she was the main reason for me leaving. The highest level I met with I simply told her that it is a step up for me with some details but not where.. Others that were part of the toxic environment that I interviewed with I just told I had another job. Coworkers that I had bonded with in my short time there got to know where I was going as they knew well why I was leaving.

23. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    I've always said that I would rather not say at this time and leave it at that. For some people who I have had a better relationship with but still didn't want to disclose, I have said things like "I'm staying local", "a different opportunity", "just gonna do something different", then I would watch for the next month after I left all the people looking at my LinkedIn profile to see the update, which I didn't add until months later, lol. I just updated my profile with my current info after switching 1.5 years ago (I had immediately put an end date to the old job, just not the new job). Funny thing, even though I hadn't updated with my new job, I got more calls and inquiries about open positions than normal. Go figure!

24. Mich.Fr.May 27,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    You can be as vague as you want. I told my last position I was going to a small family office closer to home. No questions were asked. They are asking for their own curiosity more than anything else.

25. Kimberly McMay 27,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

    Oh I’d just say, I’d rather not advertise where I am going until I’m actually in the position.

    I hope the company you’re leaving does an exit interview with you (by someone NOT on your current team) If you do get one, I hope you will feel comfortable enough to let the HR professionals know what a toxic environment you’re leaving. It may not help you now, but perhaps it can help start the process for change there.

26. T MNMay 27,2022 at 12:54PM UTC

    I resigned after 21 years of service in finance due to change in management which over the last 3 years I was basically performing for 2 if not 3 employees and compensation was LACKING. I would cry each Sunday night in anticipation of Monday morning. I gave 2 months notice and upon numerous conversations with management basically explained that I needed a mental break. They tried to make me a few offers to stay but the work culture was so toxic I knew I had to leave besides being under compensated. I do remember one thing that the compliance officer said to me and I quote" you will never earn what you make here anywhere else". I sat there and thought RUN AS FAR AS YOU CAN FROM THIS FIRM.

    Needless to say I was offered more money at other companies but decided to opt for a less stressful job for a little less than what I was earning previously.

27. Erin BeemerMay 27,2022 at 12:56PM UTC

    You don't need to feel pressure to say where you're going if you'd prefer not to share. You can simply say you are moving to a new opportunity for ______ reason. Growth, new products, closer to home/hybrid/remote, more flexibility, etc.

28. Jaime FiorMay 27,2022 at 12:58PM UTC

    I switched jobs recently and didn't say anything except "I've accepted another position" and no one asked for further information. You certainly don't have to disclose that information if you don't want to. Best of luck to you in your search!

29. Candace LepreeMay 27,2022 at 1:28PM UTC

    Same here. No details as to where. Another position that is better suited for me. Personally because I didn’t care I told them it was fully remote in HR but that is all I gave them. You tell them what you want.

30. Tracy L. BurtMay 27,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    You could just say you haven’t figured that out yet but can’t be in the environment anymore. I’m on the same scenario myself & it’s so bad. Good luck to you!

31. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 1:02PM UTC

    I'm planning this conversation too, and I think I will say something like "I'm taking some time to decide - I have a few different offers." They can always check Linked In to find out where I settle!

32. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

    I simply said, I found another role that aligned better with my work life balance goals.

    I think once it was clear I was being purposefully vague people stopped asking.

33. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 1:31PM UTC

    They will know when your reference request comes through…

34. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    While you don’t owe an answer, let them know it’s not a competitor if it’s the case.

    (Learned this when I was let go the day after giving notice for not disclosing where I was going. The company prepared for the worst in thinking I had moved to a competitor. My new role was in a different industry, yet I wanted to protect myself in case my employer knew people at the new company and could use it against me).

35. Joanna PoeMay 27,2022 at 2:03PM UTC

    I simply described the job and company I was leaving for generally without naming them, which satisfied curiosity without being specific.

36. Milissa JacobsMay 27,2022 at 2:05PM UTC

    You might try " I'm open to new experiences and challenges, so I haven't exactly determined my future path yet."

37. Alicia CaleroMay 27,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    Like others, I let me company know I was pursuing a role with a company that better aligned with my professional goals and personal values.
    When they pushed further, I mentioned that I was not at liberty to state what or who the company it was with. I also shared that I looked forward to connecting on LinkedIn after leaving if they were interested. I would move on to a different topic after that if they kept asking. :)

38. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 2:21PM UTC

    Tell them what you’re comfortable telling them. You can say that you’ve got a new opportunity, but you don’t want to share where until your first day there. It’s not with a competitor (if that’s true). Or you can say you are still open to options, though it’s time for you to explore outside. I always try to not burn a bridge, for many reasons.

39. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 2:43PM UTC

    It sounds like you are still looking for a new job? If I’m not understanding this please correct me. Either way, congratulations for leaving a toxic work environment. That’s excellent!

    If this is the case where you haven’t found anything yet, you don’t feel like you have to make up anything. Obviously, no one is owed an explanation. If your job let you go they wouldn’t explain everything. You can also tell the truth while also being vague protecting your boundaries. Im taking some time off / I’m looking for something different. Be short and light about it.

    I went through this in Dec of 2021. I left a job after 4 months of being there. It was very toxic. At first they convinced me to stay indefinitely and I accepted because I was scared to suddenly be out of work. Then work was so strange after that, everyone kept asking me to make a decision to stay or quit. In my mind I had quit and I had to just put my foot down. I left after 3 weeks. Then I took the holidays off for 2 weeks. Landed another job in 3 weeks by the end of January.

    It’ll work out.

40. Kimberly McKenzie-KlemmMay 27,2022 at 3:07PM UTC

    Usually this can be answered in a variety of ways...1) I have decided on a career change for a different direction and have an opportunity to expand my growth in a new environment 2) I need some time before I decide on my next employer and I feel as if I cannot "make the leap" until I personally am ready for another job role 3) Truthfully, I will be doing the same sort of work in my next company "hired on" but the benefits and pay scale appeal to my needs, at this point in time, and I think I have made a right choice to move on and move forward.
    I would feel a bit uncomfortable disclosing further information about my choice as it does not reflect on the positive experiences I have had here.

41. Communication CoachMay 27,2022 at 5:16PM UTC

    It's good to see there is a consensus that you owe no one a specific answer as to what your next step in life is. Some of the answer suggestions seem way too long. Being prepared with a response and having a change of subject ready helps to not be caught off guard and direct the conversation. To take the focus off naming a company, sometimes just saying you have arranged to take time off or spend some long overdue personal or family time before hitting the decks is something you are really looking forward to - or you are helping your parents out or getting kids settled in college - or something unrelated to work, then changing the subject. If someone asks time frame of your personal or family time, you can just say you are unsure. Depending on the nature of your work group, there is always the having a silly answer, which signals it's not their business (hopefully, your announcement of finally becoming a sheep herder {reminding them of how much you love animals} is a dream come true}

42. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 4:00PM UTC

    I left a toxic environment 8 months ago after 18 years of loving to work there serving the public. The administration went downhill, and there was no opportunity for growth. I was told that I would never be offered full-time or any benefits. I deserved and need to find these benefits, as well as the respect that I worked hard for, and needed to put myself and my family first. I hated to leave because I love the public that I worked with. I told my employer that I was shifting my life priorities. They are now trying to fill my position with an full-time full-benefit position. Too bad I was never worth their respect or I would still be working there!

43. Tami HolzmanMay 27,2022 at 4:19PM UTC

    Is it that you don't want them to know anything or don't want them to know specifics? When I left my toxic job and horrible manager at my last employer, I told him nothing. My resignation letter just said I've accepted another position and last day will be X. With others, I was vague and said a nonprofit health center in my community.

44. SamMay 27,2022 at 4:51PM UTC

    I think it depends on the circumstances. In those instances, where I was moving due to my husband's Naval career, I would let my prior company know when I landed a new job, in a new city/country.

    In my last move of companies, it was because I was laid off from them - I let my old boss know when I found something new. I even sent him a "thank you" card because of where I landed.

45. Shelley MunroMay 27,2022 at 5:00PM UTC

    I was recently in this position and, going by the way they spoke about other employees who had left, did not wish to share any details of exactly where I was going. I kept it vague. “Taking an opportunity that you will allow me to branch out and take a more Executive role in a company that’s smaller and in high growth mode.” They didn’t bother to ask where after that.

46. Bridget HarringtonMay 27,2022 at 9:31PM UTC

    I left my last company because of a micromanaging, incompetent boss and a chaotic, unprofessional work environment. When she asked me (hounded, actually) where I was going, I told her, "An established company where they need my ability to take an unsupervised leadership role and use my entire skillset." All the things that particular company was not and did not offer.

47. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 5:26PM UTC

    Say absolutely nothing! You dont owe them anything beyond “I am submitting my notice of resignation. We can connect when convenient to discuss offloading my current projects to another team member. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you all here at “XYZ”.

48. NoMay 27,2022 at 9:12PM UTC

    Great advice! I always used to feel I owed my boss an explanation, but that's a great brief, but direct way to keep things professional yet private for you.

49. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 7:20PM UTC

    I never told my boss where I was going. It drove him crazy. He would go to different people and ask them where I was going. Then he would have people in his office come and ask where I was going. I just kept saying to a new adventure. He was 100% the reason I left my job and moved my family to just be in a more positive environment. It was one opportunity where he was not in control and was nice to have some freedom from his narcissistic ways.

50. NoMay 27,2022 at 9:11PM UTC

    Wow! That sounds like a night-mare experience with that former boss. Glad to hear you are in a better place now. Controlling bosses who love to micromanage really hinder the professional development of those around them or at the very least create an uncomfortable work environment. I sympathize with you.

51. JJMay 28,2022 at 5:04AM UTC

    I had a former VP check my LinkedIn every day for a month after I left. I purposely did not update my profile just to make her compulsive micromanaging passive/aggressive bullying uncomfortable for her.

52. KileyMay 28,2022 at 10:18AM UTC

    I block people like this. Had a former manager stalk me on LI and when I blocked her she sent other colleagues inside and outside her team to stalk me on her behalf. Despite blocking each and every person that popped up, it left me terrified. In the end, I had to temporarily close my LI account for 3 months. Why did the manager behave this way? Because she was a nasty, spiteful, incompetent, wicked person who cried during many team meetings. During my 1:1 meetings with her she would say "you are always so calm and in control and never seem to need me for anything". She hated me for being a professional and competent worker and stalking me was her way of punishing me.

53. Julie Chatman, MBA, CISMMay 27,2022 at 8:45PM UTC

    I have read that it's never a good idea for a departing professional to share their next destination.

    Here's a previous Fairygodboss blog about it: https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/should-i-tell-my-employer-where-i-am-going-when-i-resign

54. Karen GongawareMay 27,2022 at 9:42PM UTC

    Just state, "I prefer not to say at this time." or "Why are you asking?" or just smile and say nothing. What are they going to do?

    I turned in my 2 week today, but I have a wonderful relationship with everyone here. I told them where I was going and why (health care benefits which have never been offered here). They asked but then stated if I wasn't comfortable answering then I didn't have to.

    Guess it all depends on your relationship!

55. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 11:10PM UTC

    I would probably respond with "I am still exploring" and if they probe I would just keep saying "still exploring, nothing set in stone" etc. etc. to not give my next move away

56. KellyW43May 28,2022 at 12:51AM UTC

    When asked, just say, "I'd rather not say at this time." It's no one's business, so you have no obligation to tell them.

57. Rosa GoesMay 28,2022 at 2:24AM UTC

    Like others mentioned, it depends on the relationship with your employer. If it's in person, you can say 'It's with another x company, they are offering me a senior position, more benefits, etc, I'll send you my contact info once I get settled." You don't have to go into detail.

58. JJMay 28,2022 at 5:02AM UTC

    I would say: I will share the details publicly once I am settled.

    Or honestly if it is someone you are not close to just say it’s non of their business. People are too nosey at work and more people need to set firm personal boundaries.

59. KileyMay 28,2022 at 10:04AM UTC

    I used to always say "background vetting is still being conducted so I won't be revealing until that is complete". However I recently moved to a newly created senior leader role and told my former colleagues "the CEO wants to unveil me when I get there - so to avoid any leaks on LI, I can't say".

60. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPMay 28,2022 at 2:56PM UTC

    If you don't feel comfortable sharing your new employer then do not feel compelled to. Its perfectly fine to say "I'm not comfortable sharing that information at this time". Hopefully they respect your decision. Just be sure your message is consistent and if you don't share with one, then don't share with any within your organization because they will talk.

61. TheodoraMay 28,2022 at 4:59PM UTC

    When I left my previous job at a fashion apparel company, I told them I’m leaving the industry. I work for another fashion apparel manufacturer, but in the sports fitness division. It’s ok to tell white lies when you know people are trying to pry into your business. I told my close friends at my old job the real answer, but gave a very vague answer to people I didn’t feel needed to know where I was going.

62. surfnwriteMay 31,2022 at 12:44PM UTC

    I'm still working out the details of my new position.

63. AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 2:18PM UTC

    Simply tell them you do not wish to share at this time. I have seen that happen plenty where a departing employee was reluctant to share where they are going. That said, if you are going to a competitor it could lead to issues down the road when they do find out.