I've made a decision to leave my current job before 2nd quarter of next year to pursue other interests.

Anonymous

December 5,2022 at 7:59PM UTC

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I've made a decision to leave my current job before 2nd quarter of next year to pursue other interests. I'm burned out from trying to be everything to everyone. It's affecting my health, mental and physical, and my relationships outside of work. I'm not leaving now because it would put my boss in a real bind as this is our busiest time of year. My concern is, leadership keeps wanting to give me more projects and responsibility. I'm trying to tactfully decline what I can by saying my plate is too full and that they will need to reprioritize what I already have. Should I go ahead and let them know my plans? How much notice is too much notice and how much is too little in this situation? There's no danger of them asking me to go ahead and leave if I tell them now.

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AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 8:24PM UTC
I have learned to put my mental and physical health as the first priority in my life. When you are in the hospital, do you think they will come and see you? They will find a way to get the work done. While I understand, you don't want to put anyone in a bind, you have to ask yourself......is this really worth it? I would request a meeting with my boss and say, I am completely swamped and I am unable to take on any more projects at this point. Is there anyone else who can assist you? If there is no one to assist, then you have to make a decision that is best for you personally. If you are in a position to give your two weeks notice, I would give it to them and do your best to complete whatever tasks you were assigned. No one can predict what the company will do, if you give your written notice now. The company can honor it and let you stay on for the two weeks or ask you to leave immediately. I hope this helps. I was in a similar situation, it was very toxic and I suffered tremendously. What I do know.............is that this will never happen to me again.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterDecember 5,2022 at 8:30PM UTC
I wouldn't tell them until it is closer to time - a lot can happen between now and then, and you don't owe it to them to give them an extended heads-up.
AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 8:34PM UTC
I would give the standard 2 weeks (or a month depending on your company policies). Any longer than that can create unneeded tension.
Have you discussed being burned out with your manager?
AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 9:35PM UTC
Go ahead and share your plans. Be prepared for a lot of extra work and organizing in expectation of leaving in 6 months. You may even need to hire and train your replacement.
AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 9:56PM UTC
Give the standard 2 weeks. They know you are overloaded and they are dumping more work on you. What does that tell you?
AnonymousDecember 6,2022 at 12:19AM UTC
This sounds like the long good-bye, swan song strategy! I’m not sold on the six-month notification period. Why on earth would they continue to pay you full salary so you can cherry pick projects and say no to most of the new work load since due dates will be after your departure?
As a manager, I would never let someone hang out for half a year as they wind down projects. This will challenge department culture and cause resentment.
As others have said, give the standard two week notice. Not your problem to backfill the role or redistribute work once you’re gone.
Commit to a smooth transition, which you’ll obviously do, and cut the cord (when you’re actually going to leave) No need to drag this out fir so long.
AnonymousDecember 7,2022 at 2:09PM UTC
Please consider giving two weeks notice. In short, things could change and that may lead to you changing your mind. Also, if someone doesn’t take your news well, six months is plenty of time to make your life difficult and get rid of you when they have someone new to put in your place. Things can get uglier than you’d expect - I’ve seen it happen.
Why are you waiting six months (rhetorical question)? Start looking now. Again, six months is a long time to wait to change your life.
Believe me when I say that, regardless of your good intentions to give them
enough time to replace you, most organizations will not treat you well during that time. It’s stressful, and easy to blame you because you are leaving.
Prep, and do this in the way that is best for you - the organization you are leaving will be doing what is best for them.
Vanda LeeDecember 7,2022 at 3:44PM UTC
AGREE %100! Do this on your terms and DO NOT give them this long advanced notice. Start looking NOW and make a plan that is best for you. I can assure you - if the role was reversed, they would be taking care of them and not you,
AnonymousDecember 7,2022 at 2:12PM UTC
Have you considered talking to your boss about hiring a staff member to support you? You sound very valued in your company and you have respect for your boss if you are delaying exit to help them during busy season. This could give you managerial experience and alleviate the heavy workload.
AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 1:11PM UTC
more than two weeks notice is too much. I know someone who thought they were being helpful by letting their company know 1.5 years in advance of her intended retirement. basically she was let go earlier than 1.5 years and her job was broken into 3 new jobs (3 new hires) .
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 8,2022 at 1:25PM UTC
Give the standard 2 weeks notice. Anythng longer means you probably will not leave. 6 months is very odd. It sounds like you do not want to leave.
Karen BurkeDecember 8,2022 at 1:37PM UTC
I'm not sure why it sounds odd. Sometimes people have to plan financially or make other arrangements. Some people wait until they get annual bonuses. There are tons of reasons that people might choose to set a specific date that's further out.
AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 2:18PM UTC
Unless the OP is a C-suite level employee with a detailed succession plan, a long, drawn out departure like this is totally unnecessary.
Karen BurkeDecember 9,2022 at 12:23AM UTC
So you know OP's financial situation, and what she's going to be doing next? Maybe she is planning on running her own business and wants to make sure that she is comfortable with the safety net she's creating for herself. This isn't necessarily about the business she's leaving and what they need, maybe it's about her needs. I've met plenty of entrepreneurs who did exactly this, and the "long, drawn out departure" was a carefully made and executed plan to ensure their financial security while they started their business.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 11,2022 at 3:28AM UTC
I personally have never heard of this.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 11,2022 at 3:26AM UTC
Then don't give a notice. That is a ridiculous time frame. People who wait for bonuses do not give a notice until after they get one. In placing people for 45 years, I have never heard of a 6 month notice. There are tons of reasons why that is so odd--and extreme.
Kimberly G. SmothersDecember 8,2022 at 1:39PM UTC
Do not bring up your plans that are so far away. Keep putting your best foot forward and get through the busy part of the year. Depending on your level and the responsibilities you have, consider a month's notice, especially if you have been in the role a long time or have little backup for what tasks you are performing. Keep saying no to the new projects unless they are super short and something meaningful that adds value. Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 3:06PM UTC
No. 2 weeks' notice. If you have too much work and keep getting projects added have a conversation with your boss about reprioritizing your workload and making it more manageable. That's a reasonable conversation by itself.
AnonymousDecember 9,2022 at 2:44AM UTC
I've had that conversation. My boss is aware of that I'm having to pick up the slack as a result of our department being under staffed and under trained. That's how I got tasked with developing a training program on top of the job duties outlined in my position description. My boss is constantly reprioritizing my work in order to put out the newest fire. We have open positions (internally) but no one is applying. I just keep being told maybe we'll have additional resources soon.
AnonymousDecember 9,2022 at 9:47PM UTC
Every time a new item is added, ask which one on your plate needs to be deprioritized. What are they going to do, fire you?
AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 6:21PM UTC
Unless you have a solid offer for when you plan to leave and enough savings to support you until then, I suggest not divulging your plans. Too much can happen in the meantime, and you don't want to be in a situation where you have to take the first offer that comes along. The exception to this will be if you are getting ready to retire and have a retirement plan (or Social Security) that will cover your living expenses and savings to last you until your retirement plan kicks in. I gave my company three month's notice when I retired and then left after two by mutual decision, as that was the best timing for both of us.