Do you tell your boss AND coworkers where/what your next job is once you’ve put in your two weeks?

Anonymous

May 12,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

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Do you tell your boss AND coworkers where/what your next job is? Why or why not?

Not really looking for advice, just curious how everyone approaches this situation. After you’ve given your two weeks notice to your boss about a new job and you start telling your team (or they find out through your boss) you’re leaving, there’s always the inevitable questions, “Where’s the new job?”

In many cases, there’s no reason you *have* to tell your current colleagues where your next job is, so I’m curious: Do you tell everyone at your current job (whom you work with directly) where you’re going? Do you only tell your boss? Do you prefer to keep these details to yourself?

I’ve always preferred to not tell my colleagues where my new job is until AFTER my last day, even if they’re friends. (Once you’re leaving, everyone comes out of the woodwork to try to get the details). On certain occasions, I’ve told my boss.

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Tracey MorrisMay 12,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
I have always shared that information with my leadership and with my colleagues, mostly so we can stay in contact. I have friends/co-workers who prefer not to share that information. Usually it comes to light as soon as they update LinkedIn or other social media platforms with their new information.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 12:46PM UTC
I get that!
The way I see it though is that I’m already connected with all my colleagues via LinkedIn, and I have the phone numbers of the people im closest to—so we’re going to stay in contact anyway.
It’s just that, during the last two weeks, once people find out, it’s all they want to talk to you about (in my experience), and I don’t think anyone is owed that information before I want to share it—there’s always 1-2 people who really try to pry into the deeper details of why you’re leaving
Tracey MorrisMay 12,2022 at 8:45PM UTC
I totally agree with you. It should only be shared when you are comfortable sharing. Especially when it comes to the people who are prying for details.
Gretchen SkalkaMay 12,2022 at 12:54PM UTC
There is never a reason you have to disclose.
It is 100% your choice.
Often people will share it - either directly with each person or indirectly through a social post or contact update.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 1:45PM UTC
I don't share where I'm going until after I've separated from the org. I wait because it's not an official to me until I've signed all my paperwork for the new gig . Plus things happen! You might end of having a change a heart, the company could change their mind, you might get a better offer elsewhere, etc. For safe measure, I think it's best to hold off. How I mitigate the question of being asked "where I'm going?" I usually say something like: "I'm holding off on sharing the news for right now. I plan to announce it soon (like on LinkedIn) when I get the green light to do so." I try to refrain from telling my boss too much details. I've done this in the past and it ended up being a whole convo about what they could have done better, etc. It was awkward! Also, in my experience of telling other colleagues I'm leaving, people usually come out the woodworks and tell me their plans to leave too! This is also weird to me (and kinda funny) lol This is the time when I receive the most "tea" and people seeking advice on when they should give notice (which I never advise on; it's not my decision --- do you). I like to leave quietly, drama-free and professionally as possible; remaining demure is my best practice.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:16PM UTC
Agreed! Anything can happen during the final weeks, so that’s why I like to wait until I’m fully out of the org.
and same! I’ve had situations where coworkers are like “take me with you” lol
AnonymousMay 17,2022 at 2:33PM UTC
Yesss to the "take me with you" talk lol omg!!
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 3:21PM UTC
I like how you've dealt with that question when it is asked. I think I'm going to start practicing saying it over and over today... My last day at my current job is tomorrow, i've been working from home for the past 2 years and need to go in to clean out my office and have been dreading going in and being asked that. I am not great at avoiding questions, so that is a great diffuser. thanks for sharing!
AnonymousMay 17,2022 at 2:32PM UTC
Awesome!! Glad I could help and good luck to you in your new role.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 1:53PM UTC
Sometimes. Sometimes I do it to 'stick it to my boss' and sometimes I do it because it's an unbelievable opportunity and I want ppl to be excited for me. Sometimes... nope.. not my boss.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:10PM UTC
I'm always very close to my coworkers so I share
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:17PM UTC
Yes, because I needed to ensure they knew I was not going to a competitor which would cause for early dismissal.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:24PM UTC
I just gave my notice and have opted to share with people where I'm going. My new organization is fairly large and I've been somewhat vague with my role and team. I've honestly never really considered hiding anything. However I do know several people who have left our organization and been very tightlipped about their next adventure. It really comes down to personal preference and how you feel about the organization.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:34PM UTC
If I have a good relationship with them, then I do. If I don't, then I don't.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:35PM UTC
I never keep something like that a secret.
Chan TumMay 12,2022 at 3:08PM UTC
Great question! I've personally felt it's based on the relationship you have with the person(s). How comfortable I am around someone leads me to decide how open I want to be.
Margrit PatelMay 12,2022 at 3:10PM UTC
I think it should be left to the discretion of each colleague. Personally, I would share this information as I have a good relationship with my leadership and my team.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 9:31PM UTC
That is an internal question you need to have with yourself. Did you have a positive experience at your current job where you built a positive rapport with your co-workers and boss? Are they throwing a small get together for you to wish you well off. OR......was it a visceral relationship to where you dread and had to avoid certain people everyday, some or most days? If it was a positive experience with positive people, it does not hurt to share. If you feel the people were mostly or partially negative, I would keep that to myself or lie if you need to and throw them off your scent. You don't want or need any negative ill wishers or jealous folk putting bad energy out there for you. Sometimes it is better to keep your ambitions to yourself. What if the job you are about to embark on was someone else's goal?
So if you are not sure on where you stand with certain people, keep it to yourself, be vague or lie and move on Good luck.
Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LMay 13,2022 at 7:33AM UTC
It depends on if it matters or makes a difference. If you need them for a reference in the future, they may find out.
AnonymousMay 13,2022 at 2:27PM UTC
I love to use my exit as a way to network so yes I share. It will be posted on my LinkedIn profile anyway so its not a secret.
AnonymousMay 14,2022 at 1:32PM UTC
I am not being I have only been at this job 3 months and it has been a pretty bad experience from day 1. They will find out eventually but I will not share.