For those currently employed - does your employer know?

[tudor3x8]

I really lucked out with my boss. He hired me to start right after my college graduation, but he had known right away that I wanted to go to grad school within the next 2-3 years. Actually, it wouldn't be out of line that he preferred me to have a life outside of work/to have future plans. It's not a position of growth... I could have the job for the next 20 years until he retires, but there is no promotion/room for growth. He already knows that I got accepted and so now we're planning about what to do after I leave.

[renea]

My previous employer knew I was planning on applying to graduate school, and I wish I never said anything. She passed me up for a management position at a new location that would have covered me (on salary) for several months and the summer before grad school. She basically told me that she would hire me, but she wanted someone who commit to two years and I could only commit to 8 months. It's her choice, and some would argue for transparency- but if I didn't get into graduate school that would have been a nice backup for a gap year before I reapplied and honestly any person interviewing could guarantee (since she's not making people sign a 2 year contract) that they plan on staying for 2 years even if they only planned to stay until something better came up. It seems sneaky, but honestly the application process is dodgy and there's never a guarantee you'll get in- it's just smart business to cover your bases and unless they ask outright you're not obligated to offer up personal information about future plans. 

[TakeruK]

7 hours ago, renea said:

My previous employer knew I was planning on applying to graduate school, and I wish I never said anything. She passed me up for a management position at a new location that would have covered me (on salary) for several months and the summer before grad school. She basically told me that she would hire me, but she wanted someone who commit to two years and I could only commit to 8 months. It's her choice, and some would argue for transparency- but if I didn't get into graduate school that would have been a nice backup for a gap year before I reapplied and honestly any person interviewing could guarantee (since she's not making people sign a 2 year contract) that they plan on staying for 2 years even if they only planned to stay until something better came up. It seems sneaky, but honestly the application process is dodgy and there's never a guarantee you'll get in- it's just smart business to cover your bases and unless they ask outright you're not obligated to offer up personal information about future plans. 

I don't think it's sneaky at all and no one should feel like they have to inform their employer that they will leave in 8 months because of transparency, unless there is a contractual obligation. I would even argue that it would be wrong/unethical for the employer to ask interviewees if they plan on staying for at least 2 years, unless staying for 2 years was a job requirement (e.g. in the contract). Depending on where you live, if they hired someone less qualified than you because they knew you were only staying for 8 months, then you might even have a case against them, although whether it's worth it to fight would be another issue.

[renea]

4 hours ago, TakeruK said:

Depending on where you live, if they hired someone less qualified than you because they knew you were only staying for 8 months, then you might even have a case against them, although whether it's worth it to fight would be another issue.

Totally not worth it. It was a small business branching out. I had only stayed with the business for so long because I wanted the management position, the second the owner told me that I had the job unless they had someone else apply who committed to two years, I was out of there. I didn't want to continue working somewhere that undervalued my skills and loyalty. I get my personal kicks out of knowing they still have not found a qualified person to take the position.

[mbfox125]

I made it clear in when I interviewed for my current job that I was planning on applying to grad school and would likely only be at the job for two years, they hired me anyways and my co-workers/supervisor have pretty much been kept up to date on everything. It's a small team only 7 of us and I go out with my co-workers regularly so it was something I wanted to share with them, and I am also encouraging a few of my co-workers to go back to school since they aren't that happy right now. I did get accepted to one of my top choices so I let me supervisor know and I give me details tell him as soon as I knew the timelines and I would help fill my position, it took them 6 months to find me, hopefully I can improve on that. I did the same at my previous job, I let them know early and recruited people to apply for my position. I work in social services so pretty much everyone is a social worker or case manager or counselor, so overall a very supportive group. 

[avflinsch]

On 2/12/2016 at 9:04 AM, Neist said:

I told my employer, but I work at a university. I'm sure they don't want me to go, but they also want me to educate myself.

I think I lucked out a bit on that front.

Same here, but he university I work for is the same as the one I am attending. The make it work out for the occasional early class.

[CatLady4Lyfe]

I had to tell my current employer. I was offered a promotion back in October when I was submitting applications and it was obvious that something was up for me to turn it down. Plus, I'm a terrible liar. I also knew that I'd have to take off quite a bit for interviews and things. Thankfully my supervisor was totally supportive of my future endeavors. The only weird thing is now that I've been accepted, I'll still be here for the next 4 months or so before I move. But the team isn't really invested in me so much anymore. It makes sense but I also kind of feel like, "Wait, guys, I'm still here!"

[TakeruK]

1 hour ago, CatLady4Lyfe said:

I had to tell my current employer. I was offered a promotion back in October when I was submitting applications and it was obvious that something was up for me to turn it down. Plus, I'm a terrible liar. I also knew that I'd have to take off quite a bit for interviews and things. Thankfully my supervisor was totally supportive of my future endeavors. The only weird thing is now that I've been accepted, I'll still be here for the next 4 months or so before I move. But the team isn't really invested in me so much anymore. It makes sense but I also kind of feel like, "Wait, guys, I'm still here!"

I'm curious---did the promotion in October mean you are contractually obligated to stay beyond Fall 2016? If not, then why didn't you just take the promotion and give your notice once you are ready to move?

[CatLady4Lyfe]

Because it was for a senior role/leadership position that would have taken months to train for. I would have only held it for about 3 months and then would have left it vacant, leaving them to start all over again. It didn't seem right to do to the team. 

[kseeful]

17 hours ago, CatLady4Lyfe said:

It didn't seem right to do to the team. 

Agreed. And while my small team plans out their vacations, counting on the fact that I'll be there... I'm like "Nah, it's cool, I don't have any vacations planned past July....." ...except a permanent one.

[krob1267]

I work in a nonprofit closely related to the field that I will be studying in grad school (full-time MPP), so it just made sense to notify and have my direct supervisor and our executive director write letters of recommendation. They have been very supportive. That said, I think it definitely had an impact on my end of year raise(or lack there of), since they have known since September 2015. Also, they have already opened my replacement position - it stipulates that they are looking for a June hire - ideally they want someone straight out of undergrad so posting now makes sense - but it still is pretty fucked up, in my opinion, especially considering that I am planning to stay in my position through July to maximize paychecks before I'm a broke graduate student. Thank goodness I've already gotten into some programs.

[morpheus]

Yes my current employer knows, and he even wrote me a recommendation letter for my applications. I brought up the fact that I was considering grad school last fall, in a sort of vague way, but as I work at a research center my boss was extremely on-board with my plans. He wants me to continue working for him part time and has offered to support my education, but I'll almost certainly opt out of this. 

[RCtheSS]

22 hours ago, krob1267 said:

I work in a nonprofit closely related to the field that I will be studying in grad school (full-time MPP), so it just made sense to notify and have my direct supervisor and our executive director write letters of recommendation. They have been very supportive. That said, I think it definitely had an impact on my end of year raise(or lack there of), since they have known since September 2015. Also, they have already opened my replacement position - it stipulates that they are looking for a June hire - ideally they want someone straight out of undergrad so posting now makes sense - but it still is pretty fucked up, in my opinion, especially considering that I am planning to stay in my position through July to maximize paychecks before I'm a broke graduate student. Thank goodness I've already gotten into some programs.

Haha, we are in the same boat. I started at my non-profit job in D.C. in July 2014, and I told my supervisor that I intend to stay through my hire date to hit the two-year mark. I think I got shafted on a raise this past fall; I got a taxed bonus instead, but I have accomplished so many tasks that were never part of my original job description. 

However, I don't think we'll be posting my position opening until late April to May, since folks won't be graduating until then. I don't mind sticking around to help train my replacement, but I'd like to give myself a month between leaving my job and starting school.

[marycaryne]

Last summer I was up for a promotion and I did not mention I was applying to grad school during my interview. If I was accepted, it was still a year away and there was no guarantee I would be accepted anyway and I didn't want to risk not getting the job because at least the job would be there if grad school (at least for the following year) didn't work out. I got the position and I never brought it up.I scheduled my GRE on one of my days off. The manager who interviewed/hired me transferred to another location and I found out a few months after getting the promotion that my location would be permanently closing. We closed in January and I applied for another job last month (which I got). I also have not mentioned to them that I have applied to grad school because I just needed a job and didn't want it factoring into their decisions since once again, it's possible I may not even be accepted and would like to have the job there. I know there are several students employed at my job and the flexibility is wonderful with them - I just wanted a foot in the door before I completely change my availability if I start school in the fall. And if I don't, then no fretting about the job.

[Aldona]

I work at a University so most of out staff is or was a student finishing up a degree at some point, taking advantagr of the flexibility this environment provided. I think everybody expected me to re-apply for a doctoral programme ever since I resigned from the previous one. Plus, as I work with the admissions, people are curious about admission procedures in the UK and I get to do the participatory observations—win–win, I suppose :). They're all supportive and while since I've been there for five years now and they are not thrilled to see me go (if I get in), full disclosure allows everyone to prepare for that, and I think it's fair.

[marycaryne]

On 2/13/2016 at 3:10 PM, artsy16 said:

I gave my boss two weeks and it was like they turned into a different person. Well, more like a monster. Rude, not returning calls/emails, etc. Very immature and unprofessional. It really angered me, but also upset me because it came out of nowhere and I considered myself a good, dedicated employee (I was the only one who never took time off, never called out last minute, etc). And we had a great relationship up until then, they even wrote me a LOR for grad school. I'm not mad or upset anymore, but it was a lesson for me to not overextend myself in the workplace, and to no longer be surprised when/if I see a horrible side of a boss/manager after putting in a leave, or requesting much needed personal/sick time. It's one of those things that you /know/ is a possibility, have heard it happen to friends/family, but it doesn't really become real until it happens to you. 

This is how my former manager was like before she transferred to another location. Super nice and friendly...but heaven forbid I request a day off and not just be ok with the days off she scheduled me. I work in retail as a merchandiser. It's what my undergrad is in and is the program I am applying for. So my days off during the week constantly change. I requested a particular day off and she called me into her office and told me she couldn't do it. I said she had to give me two days off a week anyway and I was hoping one of them could be that day (which was a Thursday so not even a busy day for us). She just rudely said "no, I'm not giving it to you." No real reason, she just always acted that way regarding any requested time off, and would sound off to other managers about employees who did requests as if they were personally insulting her (so I'm sure she did the same about me even though I was one of the managers). Of course being in retail means no holidays off...except her anniversary is Valentine's Day, her daughter's birthday is Independence Day, her birthday is Halloween...so obviously she's getting every holiday off, making me wonder why she'd act up for requesting a non-essential Thursday off. But that is part of the reason why I didn't tell her about my grad school plans until it was necessary. But she wound up leaving and my location closed anyway, so it obviously wasn't an issue anymore.

[Feistybubbles]

I work as a backup bookkeeper currently, and my employer has known the entire time that I've been hoping to either a.) go to graduate school, or b.) apply for a position in the company at a different location.  Thankfully, all of my managers are very pro education and I've had a ton of support in the process. I worked there during my undergrad as well, and when I took an internship my final semester, I was allowed to step down without losing pay and work 1 day a week. When I graduated, they re-promoted me and I got more hours.  I'm thankful that I didn't have to keep my goals a secret and that I was supported and encouraged, even though it means leaving the company (there are no locations to transfer to where my program is). 

[dirk150]

I work at a biotech company, and the management constantly pushes us entry level people to go get graduate degrees. My boss hired me knowing I wanted to leave later this year. All great people.

[Neist]

Ugh. My boss came in and had a chat with me about what I thought about options, and I think she was almost in tears when told hear I was considering leaving for a funded offer; there was always a possibility that I'd stay employed and pursue a degree part time.

Now I feel like a bad person.

[deadbeatstudent]

I work for a small company. So I told my employer that I was applying and that I would keep her updated on acceptances/rejections. My employer has been honest with me over the past year, so I wanted to return the favor. She has been supportive about the process over all. 

[Euler]

I work from home right now doing transcription work for a really small company. I let my employer know since a couple months ago, I was responsible for 40-50% of the output, but things have been growing very rapidly, which means my leaving won't be as much of a problem, which is good.

[Punk28]

I work for a college. I have not told my immediate supervisor I've applied for a program as he already mocked me about going on to do "some worthless PhD." Very odd attitude for someone in higher ed, you'd think. However, my dean knows and wrote a letter of recommendation, some of the college VPs know (and one keeps texting me to ask if I've heard yet, so I've told him to be quiet or buy me Tums), and my department knows. I guess it would have been simpler to say that everyone except my supervisor knows! 

My dean is wildly supportive. She stated she plans to move me out of my current department and into a better role. Additionally, I edited her dissertation for her (I freelance as well) and she continues to throw clients to me so I have additional funds for tuition. I couldn't work for a better person while pursuing a doctorate. IF I get in. Tick tock. 

[AmandaN]

My employer does not know, I decided not to bring it up unless/until I had an acceptance offer. I applied for an MSW program that will allow me to keep my current position for the first two years then possibly use my job as my placement in year three so I'm hopeful that they won't mind.

And @Neist

On 3/6/2016 at 3:33 PM, Neist said:

Ugh. My boss came in and had a chat with me about what I thought about options, and I think she was almost in tears when told hear I was considering leaving for a funded offer; there was always a possibility that I'd stay employed and pursue a degree part time.

Now I feel like a bad person.

Don't feel like a bad person! When I took my current position six months ago it meant leaving a job where people very literally wept on my last day because they thought I was irreplaceable. I was consumed with guilt about leaving even though I knew I had to do what was best for my future. And lo and behold, they were fine, I've stayed in touch and offered support where possible but they figured things out just as your employer will. Don't let the fact that you're awesome at your job be a negative and definitely don't let it detract from the fact that you have a funded offer!

[susanmr5]

I'm an aid (paraprofessional) for Special Ed at a school. My employer knows and is encouraging me to go to grad school so that I can become a certified Special Ed teacher. If I get accepted to my online program they might even help pay for part of it.

It's actually being pushed that I start this summer if I get in so that I can begin working as a teacher this upcoming fall. I'm hesitant to do that though as I would like this summer to spend some time with my family, get the house organized, and maybe stock up the freezer/pantry with easy to do meals. I landed this job over Christmas on very short notice (as in, they asked me if I was interested and the next week I was signing a contract) and before that I only worked part time and stayed home with this kids most days. So things have been in a bit of disarray for the last few months and I know it will only get worse once I'm doing school.

[aebh615]

I am struggling with this and would really love some input!

Some backstory: I left a job last October, was hired at my current position in early December, and began in January. I applied to PhD programs during my "down time." Throughout the interview process, I was never asked if I had plans to go back to school (I know this because I was always nervous about how I would answer!) I didn't sign a contract, but my offer letter did say that most incoming hires at this level were expected to stay for two years. My state is "at will," so I can quit/be let go with little notice. 

I love my new company and job, and if I hadn't gotten a strong offer, I would have been happy to commit to a career here. I'm even interested in returning at a more senior level after getting my PhD. So now I'm not sure what to do. 

Should I....

• keep my acceptance to myself and give the recommended two weeks notice in August? This would probably screw over a lot of people on my team and end my professional relationship with the company. We work on 6 month research cycles, so work and coordinating events are scheduled way in advance.
• tell them about my acceptance and risk being let go? This way they could plan around my departure and not waste time assigning me to projects I won't be here to complete. It could also mean I'm without income for a few crucial months before beginning school (which I really can't afford).

It's a big company, and onboarding is expensive, so I'm having a hard time determining if they would cut their losses and just let me go instead of devoting more time to my career development here. I'd like to believe that my strong contributions in the short time I've been here will outweigh that, but I realize the people I work with directly might have little say in the decision. Help!!

Edited March 23, 2016 by aebh615