how to reign gracefully from a job you just started

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Anonymous

11/21/20 at 4:20PM UTC

Career

how to reign gracefully from a job you just started

I started a new job almost two months ago. It's a good position, the manager really wanted me on staff, I love the mission, however, I'm terribly underpaid for my experience level (it's a public sector job, so I can't ask for more money than what is permitted). One reason I had taken the job was to get out of a toxic situation. I started responding to job ads since the summer once I realized things at my last job weren't going to improve. I responded to one particular ad months ago and never heard back, so, of course, I figured it wasn't meant to be. Well, they call me a few days ago for an interview. It sounds promising and the pay would be terrific, as in I would have to be crazy to pass this up. I had earned this salary several years ago before going part-time for childcare, and now, if this works out, I can get my salary back to where it was. It would also be a great fit and I would most definitely plan on staying there for several years, at least. Does anyone have advice on how to break this gracefully with my current employer? The main reason to leave really would be the salary. And due to the current economy, I don't think I'll be seeing any raises for another year or two. The salary I'll be offered at this new job is something that would take me years to reach if I stay at my current place. It's really an, "it's not you, it's me" sort of predicament. Do I even tell my current boss the truth-- i.e. this is what they're offering and I simply can't pass it up? Thanks!

19 Comments

Jennifer Wehrend

Respiratory Therapist looking for new adventure

11/21/20 at 5:51PM UTC

I wouldn't say anything until you are offered the job and then, I would tell your current employer the truth as to why you are leaving.

Teresa Behr

11/21/20 at 6:07PM UTC

Definitely agree with the above poster -- no need to share anything until you have an offer in hand. That being said, in my experience, financial stability is a hard thing to argue with, especially if the new job is a good fit in other respects as well. Your current employer won't like that you're leaving, of course, but I'd be very surprised if they didn't understand it.

Lisa Strite

Product leader in Southwest Florida

11/21/20 at 6:34PM UTC

100% to both of the above. You also sound pretty excited about the new gig, regardless of the pay. Congrats! After you have that new offer letter in hand, don’t delay in speaking with your manage. Be candid about your reasons for departure, and — who knows — if they can’t solve the payscale issue for you, it might cause them to reevaluate job levels to realign pay.

Barb Hansen

2.77k

CTO/Co-founder. Product Leader.

11/21/20 at 6:59PM UTC

When you the next-job offer in hand and you are sure that the offer won't be rescinded (if you can ever be sure of that), I would say something like this. "Thank you for the opportunity that you provided for me with this job. I have enjoyed my time working here, and l learning from you. I wasn't looking for another job but recently I was approached by another company with a job offer that I just can't pass up, and I've accepted that position. I will be leaving this job on X date. I am have created a checklist of the projects that I'm working on that need to be transfer to someone else before I leave. "

Anonymous

11/21/20 at 7:29PM UTC

Agree with the above posts. Congrats, I hope it all goes well! Just adding, a talking point for putting in your notice could be that someone followed up with you from your job search over the summer in a role that is a great fit with great pay. Just make sure you have that offer letter :)

Anonymous

11/22/20 at 3:31AM UTC

Thanks for all of the feedback. I'd also like to get a better understanding of how this will look to a possible future employer. They call you for an interview, they're thrilled you're still interested and then they find out you're willing to leave a new place you've been at for a few months, or even just one or two months? Do most places overlook that if you're a good fit, or do you look a little skittish or disloyal?

3 Replies

Stephanie

Client Advocate in Atlanta

11/22/20 at 1:05PM UTC

I think especially in this climate, no one should hold anything against you. Sometimes you realize it’s just not a good fit and I don’t think there’s anything wrong stating that.

Deborah Frincke

11/22/20 at 2:10PM UTC

Speaking for myself as an executive, if you took "my" job in good faith, and then another came along - while you would have to pay back relocation/starting bonuses, I would understand you leaving for a dream job, just as I would for any employee. Whenever someone quickly leaves a position, the question comes up. There are so many reasons to leave in a short period - dream job, poor fit, family emergency - it's not a disqualifier per se. If it happens repeatedly, then for your own sake you would need to figure out why. Don't stay with job 1 that you will resent keeping, in fear that some future opportunity for job 3 will be hurt. But don't give notice until the new role is yours. While my employees typically told me they were looking, we had a high trust environment and you don't know whether that's your situation.

1 Reply

Nadine Bonner

11/22/20 at 2:46PM UTC

This has happened to me a couple of times when I worked in nonprofit and didn’t pay well. As long as the employee gave me notice and did the job until the end, I wished them well.

Paula McCabe

11/22/20 at 3:49PM UTC

If you were only at the govt job for 2 months and you land the other one quickly, you can just leave of experience off your resume. A two to three month gap on your resume is completely explainable during COVID. Just say you knew there would be cuts and you chose to leave to focus on finding the right fit in the tough market, to manage the changes in you household to position your self for future success, etc

Stacey Edwards Nolen

11/22/20 at 2:21PM UTC

I lost my job after nearly 23 years due to downsizing. Quickly found another in what would have been a lateral move for nearly the same pay but further away. I told that employer that I believe in long term employment and would not be looking elsewhere. However, I was recruited after only five weeks for a supervisory position with the former rate of pay and back to my previous travel time. While it was a very difficult conversation to have, I was honest and left after only eight weeks there. Now I’ve been at the “new job” four years and have more career growth than I ever could imagine. Take the job if it works for you and never look back.

Kara D Stroud

310

Technology Advocate

11/22/20 at 2:41PM UTC

I didn't read in your post you were offered the job. If so, congratulations! Make sure you get the offer in writing before telling your current boss anything.

Audrey Kirsch

11/22/20 at 3:54PM UTC

Public sector jobs often come with great health and retirement benefits. When a position opens up, they tend to promote from within. And, unless you make some horrible error, it’s hard to lose your job. Job security counts especially when you enjoy the work and those you work with. If the new job will provide all that with the addition of more money you can’t pass it up.

Rosa Goes

11/22/20 at 4:07PM UTC

With offer in hand, the last sentence from your post says it all..."tell the truth". It's a job you applied for prior to current job and they made you an offer you can't refuse. Good luck!

Roberta

11/22/20 at 4:39PM UTC

Get the job first. At this point, all you have is an interview. If and when you're offered the job, don't give notice until your background check clears. Then, when you talk to your boss, you tell them, "An opportunity I couldn't refuse was presented to me and I've decided to take it. Thank you for the opportunity here; I've enjoyed my time here. My last day will be _____________."

Lexi Wilson

Social Media/Marketing Manager in California

11/22/20 at 6:02PM UTC

This has happened to me in the last few career changes - I took a job that didn’t suit my strengths simply because the hours worked for me, but the pay and commute were terrible. When I was offered a better paying job that utilized my skills but was still a terrible commute, I took it after having been at the previous place for only two months. I was then at the second job for only 4-5 months before I was offered my dream job with better pay, utilizing my skills and my passion, and a 0.9 mile commute. I took it and immediately told my boss - she wasn’t thrilled, but she understood. Now I’ve been offered another position doing what I love somewhere else, but my current company takes such good care of me that I’m not going anywhere. Do what works best for you!

User deleted comment on 11/22/20 at 11:11PM UTC

Pearl Wong

User Experience Designer

11/22/20 at 11:24PM UTC

the public sector uses standard pay scales. these are not negotiable. simply be gracious and say that you were offered a dream job and move on. Telling the truth has no merit. Your boss isn't interested in your truth. you have wasted her time .