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Alert current boss of intention to change careers?
I'm ready for a change for a variety of reasons, but I do not have a new job yet. However, I'm feeling the urge to talk to my current boss about my intention to leave the company. We have a very good relationship and there are a few projects I lead that would be difficult to turn over to another staff member, so I think he'd appreciate extra time to make the transition. Thoughts?
Kelley Shields, Career & Professional Development CoachWork shouldn't be a 4-letter word.
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09/09/20 at 3:32PM UTC
Hi Katie, this is legit a hard decision. In general, I'm supportive of being very authentic, and since you have a good relationship with your employer, it seems like that's a safe move. Since you're posting in the Career Changers group, I'm wondering if you are looking at switching to an entirely new career, and if so, if you have already identified what that is? If you aren't sure, I would probably wait and do the work to get clear on what you want to transition into, and be starting to actively pursue those jobs, before having the conversation. If this still leaves you with questions, just let me know!
Katie Anderson Olthoff
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09/09/20 at 8:12PM UTC
Thanks Kelley. Since I posted the other day, I've had actually had a couple of meetings with a start-up in my current field (agriculture) and I think we're really close to working out an employment contract. At this point, I'm going to wait to see if that comes through, but if it doesn't, I'll probably talk to my boss. I am on my way out no matter what, and he and I will need to do some cross training before I leave, so I want to get him thinking about that.
Jillian KnappEducator, Storyteller, Lifeline
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09/08/20 at 12:07PM UTC
Hi Katie. I would be careful with this until there is something concrete. I understand wanting to level with your employer... I’m all for it, especially since you have a good relationship. The drawback of bringing this up now would be that you don’t know when you are going to land that new job. I’ve witnessed people discussing this too soon and having responsibilities removed from them in preparation of their exit and it taking them much longer for them to move. The parting of ways wasn’t as nice as it could have been. In fact some have ended outright awkward as a result. If you decide to discuss this with your boss, please do realize you are essentially saying goodbye. Long goodbyes that are too long aren’t great so keep that in mind. All the best.
