How do you tell your current employer you have another job opportunity?

Question

I have an interview scheduled with a company that I would really like to work for and is in a field I know extremely well and like. The main reason I work for my current company is because we help children who have a wide range of learning disabilities, an area I feel very passionate about. I am unhappy with certain aspects of my current company such as advancement opportunity, pay, benefits etc and the new company would have all the things I would like my current company to have. Another twist in the situation is my boss was recently diagnosed with cancer in her brain, lungs and heart. I have worked with her for over two years and it was devastating to hear the news. I don't know what to do - I have been debating leaving for the past year, but on the other hand I hate to leave when we just received news about our boss and we are about to go into our peak season - the summer. New job would mean more financial security for me and my husband and our family down the road.

Answer 1

You have answered your own question. While it is a terrible thing to hear that anyone has cancer, it should not stop you from furthering yourself. You did not create her problem, and you should not feel responsible. This maybe the only chance at the job of a lifetime for you, do not put that on the proverbial shelf.

Go to your interview, and do the best you can. If you are offered the job, go for it. When you turn your notice in, tell your boss personally then follow-up with your letter of intent. Remind her (if you are friendly with her) that if she needs anything, or to talk, please call, email or whatever you are comfortable with. That you hope all goes well for her.

Time marches on regardless, you have to decide to join the parade, or if it goes around you. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Sounds cold, but you and the family come first. In the unfortunate event the current boss passes on, what then? How stable is the current job Vs. the new one? The way things are going today, security of any kind will benefit and loyalty can only take you so far.
I do not wish to sound cold, but These are a few thing to think about. You must make a choice. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Here you go...bottom line is that you have to do what is best for you and your family. You owe it to your current boss and company to be straight with them. But, I'd wait until after the interview. If that doesn't work out, well maybe you'll stay with the current job a little longer. But if it does work out, make sure the new employer knows that you'll be giving notice to you current boss immediately with the intent to leave in a "reasonable" amount of time, like one month or two depending on how long you've been with the company.

Answer 4

Here 's what you can do. imagine fully how you will feel when it is one month after the new job vacancy has been filled and you are still in the old job. it is unfortunate about your boss' health problems, but honestly, it is not YOUR life. You have to do what is best for YOU and your family. Just go forward, do the best you can at the interview, and you will know if it is the right thing. Then if you get offered the job, just respectfully, but firmly, give your notice, work out your time, and leave gracefully.

Answer 5

Just be honest about it - that you are unhappy about particular aspects of your current job and are open to other (better) opportunities if they exist. Of course you're grateful for everything your current job has given you, but that doesn't mean you're bound to them forever. If the new job is great (fulfillment-wise) plus assures financial security for your family, it's not such a difficult choice to make. What you can offer is to stay until a certain period (say until after your peak period) to make sure that you transition well to your replacement, tie up any loose ends, be available for any future concerns, and perhaps even volunteer for certain activities if your time allows it. Hope this helps. Goodluck.

Answer 6

Don't tell them that you are interviewing with someone else. This will breed bitterness and if you don't get the new job, you'll be in an awful position. If you decide to leave, make sure that you give 2 weeks notice and leave on a classy note (ie- don't cuss anyone out).

Answer 7

The best thing to do is to not tell your employer about your new job. Once it is confirmed that you are getting a new job, simply quit your old job and say something along the lines of, "I am moving to bgger and better things, and I am pursuing my dreams, etc..." If you tell your boss that you are quitting to work for someone else, you will only get trouble from your boss. The best thing is to pursue your dreams and to not get to tied up in your personal friendship with your boss. you must remember that business is business and that it can not interfere with anything else. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

-Jahn

Answer 8

just get toe week notice what the big deal you don't have to say any thing as long as you give him the notice he should be able to find someone but if you worry about that you will never leave that job go for it good luck

Answer 9

everything aside, your current job WILL get by w/o you. sad to say. just give them 2 weeks. sorry to hear about your boss. move on to better opportunities. congratulations. Look out for yourself and your family! God Bless You and don't forget to say prayers for your boss.

Answer 10

I would not give notice until I have the other job. Remember, if they wanted to release you they would just fire you. Take the better job they don't come along that often. If they really cared about you they would compensate you better...