It has been brought to my attention that a co-worker is looking for a new job and hoping to be gone within the coming months. We are a small company, with myself, the job hunting co-worker and one other in our very busy department. My other co-worker (not job hunting) is going out on Maternity leave in 30 days and will be gone until June.
Do I let upper management know that I have gotten wind that now both might be gone soon, or just keep myself out of it??
My gut says stay out of it, but I also know that if both are gone all the work will fall on me for quite a while and I honestly can't handle all of it.
Thank you in advance for any and all advice!
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36 Comments
36 Comments
Anonymous
01/08/21 at 7:14PM UTC
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Stay out of it. This can backfire on yo in the worst way. Also, talk about super bad karma!! When/if it happens you set your boundaries and get through it.
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Anonymous
01/08/21 at 7:28PM UTC
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Thank you..by no means trying to bring bad karma to anyone.
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Anonymous
01/08/21 at 8:05PM UTC
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"HOPING to be gone in the coming months" and accepting an offer and leaving is a huge leap. I would let things unfold as they may. You management will need to find solutions to the gaps and you might find yourself promoted anything can happen and I would stir clear and not nominate yourself as messenger. Use this time to clean up your assignments and get as much ahead of the curve as you can so if any new responsibilities come your way you are prepared. Don't lose sleep over predicting how things may unfold and what, if any, impact they will have on you. This could very well turn out great for you.
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Chrishogg
247
01/08/21 at 8:49PM UTC
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Start preparing now for what you will say and how you will say it when “the day” arrives. Perhaps something like this:
(It's Monday morning a month from now, you’ve been at your desk (or wherever you work) for 15 minutes, and here comes your boss.)
Boss (B): “Good morning You. Listen, Billy and Bob are leaving us in 2 weeks – Billy’s going on maternity leave, and Bob’s quitting. So I’m putting this 4-foot-high stack of papers on your desk, and assigning you 5 really-high-priority projects, 5 high-priority projects, and these 7 routine projects. I hate to do this, but you’ll just have to handle this until we can bring in another person or two. Shouldn’t take more than 5 or 6 weeks to find some folks.”
You (Y): “Uh, okay. Let me take a look through all this, and get back to you.”
(Monday, after lunch)
You: “Hey boss, got a minute?”
Boss (B): “Sure, what’s up?”
Y: “I’ve looked through the material you gave me this morning, and I’m happy to pitch in. However, I can’t get it all done at the same time. It’ll help if you help me prioritize my current workload and these new tasks.”
B: “You can handle it, you’re good. You’ll just have to work a little harder and a little faster.”
Y: “Actually, I’m maxed out now with my current work, and there’s no way I can handle these new projects without setting new priorities.”
B: “Look, you’ve never let me down before (in a slightly threatening tone), and I’m sure you can get it done.”
Y: “Thanks for the vote of confidence, and (and, not but) actually, I won’t be able to get it all done without setting up a priority system.”
B: “Well, okay, bring me back the 7 routine projects, and put the 4-foot stack of papers off to the side, and just work on the high-priority projects.”
Y: “That’s a step in the right direction, and (again, not but) those projects, along with my regular work, still need to be re-prioritized.”
B: “Look, this stuff is important, and needs to get done.”
Y: “You’re right, it needs to get done. Do you want me to set up a priority table and sort it all out, and then start tomorrow, or, would you want to approve the table first?”
B: “Look, I’m in a bind here. Do you know what would happen if we don’t get these projects done?”
Y: “No, I don’t. What would happen?”
B: “Well, it wouldn’t be pretty.”
Y: (Quietly looking at the boss with an inquisitive, helpful expression on your face.)
B: “You know, I could just tell you to get it done, okay?”
Y: “Yes you could, and I’ll do what I can. Would you want me to set the priorities before I start, or just start at the top of the pile, or what?”
B: (Pausing for about 30 seconds, thinking.) “Okay, this is tough. Let’s do this. Spend the rest of the afternoon, and lay everything out. In fact, schedule the conference room and use that. Arrange everything, including your current work, in the priority you think best, and tomorrow morning we’ll go through everything and get it all sorted out. Then I’ll go to my boss and see about hiring some temps this week. Oh yeah, prepare an estimate of how long you think it will take you to do each individual project.”
Y: “Sounds like a plan. I’ll get right on it.”
B: “Sorry about loading you up like that.”
Y: “No problem. Things happen. I’ll get started and should be able to have everything arranged by tomorrow morning.”
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4 Replies
Anonymous
01/08/21 at 8:53PM UTC
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This is amazing! Thank you for taking the time to even write this and for the helpful dialogue tips! Truly appreciated!
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Rosann Santos
36
Empowered | Enlightened | Emboldened
01/09/21 at 12:09AM UTC
in
I love the scenario that Chrishogg laid out. it was amazing and gives you responses for a variety of possible reactions from the boss. My only variation is that I would not have said "no problem" after the apology because it is a problem if he doesn't work with you. LOL But aside from that I too would stay out of it. For all you know this person won't find a job and will be there 2 more years. Good Luck to you.
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Anonymous
01/09/21 at 4:44AM UTC
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Or ......im sorry to tell you that I just received a great offer. I wasn't expecting such a step up in my compensation. Here's my resignation. I will help with whatever I can during this next two weeks. Thank you so much for everything. I've enjoyed my time here.
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Karen lindquist
35
Sustainable Garden Design Boston area
01/10/21 at 3:07PM UTC
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Yes, I think if the boss doesn’t value the employee enough to offer compensation for extra workload then it’s time to assess your value and help them to appreciate it.
I have never regretted letting a boss who takes me for granted know that even if they cant see my value, I know my value.
And also, that other employers would jump at the chance to hire me.
Sometimes you have to step up and advocate for your rights. If you are confident in your skill and ability, don’t hesitate.
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M Baaza
14
01/10/21 at 4:01PM UTC
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This is really helpful. I will use it for the future
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Sarah Stadtherr
333
01/11/21 at 8:48PM UTC
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Chrishogg - WHAT a great scenario and probably very typical. The only thing I'd add to the original query is start prepping now. Make a log of the high priority tasks you do and try to quantify how much time is spent on each on a daily / weekly basis. If there are lesser things make them a list too. When the you-know-what hits the fan you'll be all ready with a list of things in hand. This will either prove the need for a temp or the reprioritizing that Chrishogg mentions. You've got the time to prep YOUR work and responsibilities. IF you can add the pregnant co-worker on another list then do that too. Maybe you can add the shopping co-worker tasks on yet another list if you can do it without bringing him/her into what you're doing.
User edited comment on 01/11/21 at 8:50PM UTC
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Anonymous
01/08/21 at 9:43PM UTC
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Stay out of it. This is not your business to share. You don't have to agree to take on the extra work just because they left. You may however start inner brainstorming about people you know that may be looking to fill a role like this.
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C Allen
37
01/10/21 at 7:11PM UTC
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I agree with this. OP would be better focusing her energy on her rebuttal to the extra responsibilities. Not to mention even AFTER this co-worker leaves (if they do) you will be remembered around the office for how you chose to handle the information about your co-worker's plans.
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Nirupama Raghavan
313
Digital Strategy Consultant & Retail Expert
01/10/21 at 9:35PM UTC
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I came here to say this. I will also add that it might be good to start privately documenting what the others do so that it becomes easy to train replacements.
BTW, OP, if the coworker is 30 days from maternity leave, it's reasonable to start planning as a team for that. She may end up leaving early because pregnancies can be unpredictable. I suspect her pregnancy is not a secret at this point...
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JYJ
1.31k
01/09/21 at 2:12PM UTC
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Stay way out of it. Don't make any assumptions. The future can go a few different ways here.
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Anonymous
01/09/21 at 2:15PM UTC
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I would stay out of it. Put yourself in that person’s shoes. You would not want someone sharing that about you. They probably should have kept it to themselves so word wouldn’t get around but don’t be the one to continue spreading it. Privately prepare yourself however you can to assume her duties or understand them so when they do leave you are well positioned. If they do leaves, make sure to connect before she’s officially gone.
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Anonymous
01/09/21 at 5:21PM UTC
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This is so not your business to share. And throwing a co-worker under the bus for looking for a job (which in no way means they will land one anytime soon) during a pandemic or otherwise is a horrible thing to do to someone.
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Anonymous
01/09/21 at 11:13PM UTC
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Spreading rumor to benefit yourself and your expected overload would never be seen as honorable. Long term plans should include looking for another job to avoid whatever nightmare you are expecting if your company won't immediately jump to your aide.
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Anonymous
01/09/21 at 11:38PM UTC
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Just to clarify, I am by no means trying to throw anyone under the bus or spread rumors - job hunting co-worker is not happy and has verbally told others (except upper management) that she is leaving as soon as possible. Due to her own discussion of her desire to leave and the extreme amount of work only a few of us handle, I thought I would utilize this site of supportive women to see if there were any situations where sharing this information would be something that should be done.
My gut was right and I will continue to follow that intuition by not saying anything. Additionally, I am and will continue to be prepared for the windfall of work that will come in addition to what I already have.
Thank you all for your insight and thoughts.
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1 Reply
Anonymous
01/10/21 at 8:50PM UTC
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If your co-worker is telling lots of people, “except upper management,” trust me, upper management already knows
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V. Nunez
43
Service Analyst
01/10/21 at 1:15PM UTC
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A wise woman (my mother..lol), once gave me this advice. Mind your business. And that is what I am telling you. You do not know if the other person is leaving so you go and speak out of turn, the person does not leave and now what? I am sure the other person will look at you in a different light and have you thought about how management may perceive you? It is the person's right to look for another position. It is not up to you to get involved in any way. What you may wish to do is think of how you will respond to the situation as far as how it will affect you ie: workload, work/life balance etc. Blessings
User edited comment on 01/10/21 at 1:18PM UTC
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Anonymous
01/10/21 at 1:43PM UTC
in
If this coworker has been there a long time (or at least over a year or two) and did a good job, then if they have earned your respect you should not share their private news they gave you. However if this is someone who has done a sub-par job or hasn't been there very long and is job hopping, then you owe your boss their respect to give them a heads up and prioritize the work in anticipation of the other coworker leaving.
Otherwise if you go continue things as business as usual, the subpar coworker will be getting senioritis and you will be doing your job and their job until they leave, and then some until they hire someone new. And at that point your boss maybe decide to keep your workload very high (or not replace the coworker' position) since they saw you could produce the work of more than one person.
I am currently in this situation where as people left they loaded me up more work until I am doing the work of four people without any breathe of air and a negative workplace that maybe I could have controlled at least a little bit better if I had spoken up sooner. I have since tried to get the work normalized and of course it didn't happen because if a company can operate on a skeleton crew then why not...more money for them.
I have found that unless you are in very similar companies in the same industry and metro area, once someone leaves they don't have much influence over your career unless you decide to appky for a position that they are the hiring manager of.
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1 Reply
Anonymous
01/10/21 at 1:50PM UTC
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I don't think you should say anything at all - it doesn't matter who it is. It takes time to find a job and there could be many different outcomes in this scenario. When the time does come, be honest with your manager and let them know what you work you will be able to manage and have them help you prioritize (a good manager will be receptive to this).
User edited comment on 01/10/21 at 1:50PM UTC
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Elyse Shermer
102
01/10/21 at 2:58PM UTC
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I agree with some other. Stay out of it. What may happen and what actually does are 2 different things and you dont want to be stuck being looked at as speading rumors , even if you didnt plan on that. It may put your own job in jeopardy.
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David Harchenko
59
01/10/21 at 3:59PM UTC
in
I have worked with some people that claim to be leaving, yet are not even looking. They continually show up to work, complain, and state that they are leaving, yet continue to work the rest of their careers at the same company. I have also seen people leave, and the replacement is a much higher caliber person which will allow your department to get more done, more efficiently, with less stress. Need to let it play out, quietly.
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M Baaza
14
01/10/21 at 4:07PM UTC
in
I had a coworker who would complain about our workspace day and night. She would confidently pronounce to everyone how she was going to leave and didnt want to be there anymore.
I worked with her for 7 years, she never left and never quit, always came back in the next morning, every single day until I actually advanced in my career and I left her at the same workplace.....still complaining.
Anyway lesson is dont take everyone's word as Truth
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Anonymous
01/10/21 at 4:08PM UTC
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I understand your fears. However you need to keep quiet.
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Anonymous
01/10/21 at 4:27PM UTC
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It’s taken me anywhere from months to over a year to find a new job in the past, and that was when there were not millions of people unemployed and also looking. What happens if you tell your boss this person is job hunting and they get fired? This person could be out of work for a looong time just because you’re worried your workload will increase. Yikes. You don’t even know for sure it will. Ask your boss if a freelancer can be hired to cover for the maternity leave - that’s super common. But leave the job hunter alone.
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Anonymous
01/10/21 at 4:58PM UTC
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I’m that co-worker that is leaving in a couple months due to my s/o taking a position in another state. I planned on staying on until I secured a position, but being open with my boss about it, shot me in the foot. While they’re keeping me on for a bit, I was asked to provide a last day. I would stay out of it!
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Kimberly Friddle
32
The geekiest marketer in Houston
01/10/21 at 6:22PM UTC
in
One idea... since you are all maxed out and one co-worker will be going on maternity leave, perhaps you could lobby for a temp or consultant to fill in for that person while they are out. Then, you have minimized the amount of work that would fall to you if the unhappy co-worker leaves.
Maybe you could even get the employee going on leave to assist in scoping out a justification- since it will make their job easier when they return if everything has been handled well in their absence.
User edited comment on 01/10/21 at 6:24PM UTC
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1 Reply
Christine Wozniak
12
Legal Operations Professional
01/10/21 at 7:40PM UTC
in
I agree with Kimberly. Knowing your co-worker might leave, try even harder than you would normally to advocate for a temp to cover the co-worker on mat leave!
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Anonymous
01/10/21 at 7:06PM UTC
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Since the future is a hypothetical projection - recognition of your assuming additional duties in a competent manner could be beneficial to your advancement.
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Rebecca Lee V
2.03k
Credentialing Specialist
01/10/21 at 7:39PM UTC
in
STAY OUT OF IT!!!!
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Sandra Trolinger
91
Contracts Administrator in Texas
01/10/21 at 7:46PM UTC
in
Stay in your lane and let things unfold. Your boss has to figure out how to make the workload happen and maybe you will get some overtime.
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Joanna Poe
200
01/10/21 at 7:54PM UTC
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Stay out of it and wish your coworker well - they obviously don't want to be there, and if management hears about it, that will only make it worse/accelerate their departure.
Maybe do say something in regards to the upcoming leave: ask if it would be possible to hire some temporary help or bring someone in from another department for a while because you and your other colleague won't be able to handle the load by yourselves - which may very well be true.
That way, you can prepare them for the possibility that they need to support you, which will be doubly true if your job-seeking colleague gets an offer and leaves.
1 Reply
Anonymous
01/10/21 at 8:38PM UTC
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P-l-e-a-s-e:
It's not "myself" but instead "me".
Thanks!
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Melissa Holmes
18
01/13/21 at 10:51PM UTC
in
Unfortunately this has happened to me before. It's best not to say anything but prepare yourself. If she leaves, you are ready however, if she doesn't, you are still in a good spot. People change their minds all the time and if you tell your boss and she changes her mind, you will look like you are trying to stir up drama. No matter how it turns out, it's best to stay quiet.
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