Telling my boss

[katiegud]

I applied for a PhD place this year expected that I would probably end up not going until 2015. I thought I would not get any funding (because I guess I'm a pessimist). I ended up getting an awesome scholarship though, and there is no way I'm turning it down! That said, I need to tell my boss soon that I'll be leaving the country. I'm super nervous about it! I was going to tell her today, so she can start making plans for replacing me, but will have the weekend to cool off if she's mad at me. I need suggestions for what to say! I will have been at this job for 2 years at the time I'm leaving. 

[themmases]

I am working up to telling my boss too. The Ask a Manager blog has tons of good advice about this, both on giving notice generally and on telling your boss you're leaving for graduate school specifically.

 

It's better to give your boss plenty of notice, because some bosses will definitely be annoyed at getting two weeks when you knew for months that you were leaving. However, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If you know your boss has gotten mad at other people who were leaving, even for something like school rather than for another job with a competitor or something, then they made their own bed. No one can reasonably expect you to give extra notice that you think won't be appreciated or that you could even be punished for.

 

If you think your boss will be mad, cover yourself by being generally on top of things and maybe having documentation of some of your jobs written up already for a new person. Pick a specific last day and tell them when it will be-- don't leave it open or say you need to be done by x date. Tomorrow is by x date. If you want any time off or to use other benefits that require manager approval during your remaining time, get them approved before you tell people you're leaving.

 

As for what to say, go with graduation-style platitudes. Tell them you've enjoyed your time there (or that it was a great opportunity or you learned a lot or whatever the most positive thing is you can honestly say), how it's influenced your future direction, and ask what you can do to help make the transition smooth. If your manager sounds like they would have wanted to know sooner, say that the process is competitive and you didn't want to worry them or make them work on replacing you until you knew it was a done deal.

[dstock]

When I left my job for going back to school for a PhD, I gave 3 weeks notice (even though I knew months ahead of time).  It depends on the culture of your job.  If you give too much notice you could miss out on a raise or even be let go before you want to leave.  On the other hand they could resent you for giving too little notice.

 

I agree with themmases definitely give them a date that will be your last day- don't say, you need to be there by August, or ask them how long they want you to stay.

 

Definitely leave clear instructions about your job duties.   Where I worked I knew who would be taking over my responsibilities so I trained them before I left.

 

For what to say, just thank them for the opportunity to work there, say you've had a great experience etc.  Just tell them for your career you want the degree etc.  Hopefully they will be happy and excited for you. (or at least act happy for you).

 

 

Let us know how it went

[ss2player]

"BITCH I'M DONE!!!!111!!" *drop the mic, back away slowly*

 

In all seriousness, I told my boss immediately and am helping him find a replacement to train. Wrote a resignation letter with my last day on it and various "thanks for everything" notes (I just copied this from a google search...don't judge me!).

[iphi]

I applied for a PhD place this year expected that I would probably end up not going until 2015. I thought I would not get any funding (because I guess I'm a pessimist). I ended up getting an awesome scholarship though, and there is no way I'm turning it down! That said, I need to tell my boss soon that I'll be leaving the country. I'm super nervous about it! I was going to tell her today, so she can start making plans for replacing me, but will have the weekend to cool off if she's mad at me. I need suggestions for what to say! I will have been at this job for 2 years at the time I'm leaving. 

 

How did it go?!

[Ceci]

I think it really depends on the type of relationship you have with your manager.  I told my manager a long time ago that Grad school has always been my goal.  So he knew from the day he became my manager, (we have a bit of manager movement here).  When I got in I made it clear to him that I would be putting in two week's notice in August.  He seemed a bit peeved about it since he was aiding me in job advancement.

 

All in all, I feel it should be understood that when an employee gets into a graduate program the employer should make more of an effort to understand.  It's not as if you're leaving for a new employer, this is an honor and very rare.

 

I would just explain those things to your boss, that you're going to be fully committed while still employed.  Although, you'll be leaving on X months and handing in your letter of resignation two weeks prior.

Edited April 14, 2014 by acarr

[the_sheath]

I told my boss that I was applying in December and that I was accepted in February. I'd say cut the rope as soon as possible, especially in cases like mine, where the hiring process is long, cumbersome, and painful. They do need to replace me for someone who isn't willing to work for so little. It's a good thing that we're kinda like a family here and they're very supportive.

[starofdawn]

I've wanted to tell my boss the entire time, but I only started this new job last July. I feel awful for leaving around the 1 year mark, but definitely not worth deferring for a year out of guilt. I think I'll give him a 3 week notice early June.

[maelia8]

Honestly, I'd just tell your boss as soon as you know, unless you're worried about getting fired because of it. In most industries, it can help your manager to know as far in advance as possible when you are leaving, because a lot of jobs have seasonal upswells when it's easier to find new employees (often at the beginning or end of the summer).

[katiegud]

It went really well! She didn't fire me! We have to rearrange some projects now, so she was glad to get a few months notice. I can also talk about it openly now, and take a week off to find an apartment without having to make up an excuse. I did say that I was sad to leave, but couldn't turn down this opportunity. I think she understands. I'm just so glad it's over!

[The Wayfarer]

I'm in the same boat -- I'm currently working at a bookstore which does have some locations near my PhD program so I don't necessarily want to burn bridges in case I can transfer to the new location when I start my PhD. By the same token with the high turnover at my store I fear that if I tell my manager they'll simply let me go now...

[Ceci]

Wayfarer,

Why don't you, instead, ask your boss about possible transfer opportunities?  Questions like... "is it pretty common for an associate to be transferred to another location succesfully?"  Depending on that response a follow-up would be like "How would an associate go about that process?"

 

After you dig around and get more information just request a transfer rather than anything else.  Typically, if it's a nice manager, he or she will communicate with the store manager in that area and figure something out for you to help ease your transition. 

 

 

I'm in the same boat -- I'm currently working at a bookstore which does have some locations near my PhD program so I don't necessarily want to burn bridges in case I can transfer to the new location when I start my PhD. By the same token with the high turnover at my store I fear that if I tell my manager they'll simply let me go now...

Edited April 16, 2014 by acarr