Advice quitting my job of 3 1/2 years...?

Question

I have worked at my job for 3 1/2 years now. Don't enjoy it at all anymore, because my job responsiblities have been changed and all I do is count items to make sure we have what we should.

I went to my final inperson interview this last week and I was told that they are extremely interested in having me work for them. All they have to do is a background check and I am hired. I am looking to start there on January 8 of 2007. That is a 4 week notice for my current job, which should be enough (one of my co-worker's dad is in the hospital after a heart transplant. The heart isn't taking and it doesn't look like he's going to make it, so I didn't want to leave the office in that kind of situation.)

Does anyone have any advice for me on how to tell my boss that I must quit? She's a nice person and all, but I know if I don't, then I will stay there forever and my life will pass me by.

Answer 1

Be honest with your boss. Tell her that you want more out of life than than the job you have now. She will understand, and if she doesn't then you really don't need her, do you? Good luck finding something that makes you feel better about yourself and works to your advantage in the long run.

Answer 2

First, let me give you congrats on your new job. I hope that the new position is everything you want.

Second, don't worry about giving your boss notice. If your boss had to cut heads because the company was in trouble, do you think she would give you 2 to 4 weeks notice? I don't think so. Just make sure that your "nice boss" will not let you go the day you give notice. There are some bosses that will do that and some of them are really nice.

In business, you have to look out for yourself. There is no one that will do that for you...new job or old. And, don't worry about their feelings because I will assure you that they were not thinking about yours when they demoted you to counting things.

If you feel that things will be OK for 4 weeks, give her notice Monday by just saying that you have a new job that starts on 1/8/07 and I am giving you my notice. You might want to give her a resignation letter. If you need to keep working until close to the 1/8/07 date, wait until 2 weeks before and do the same thing. If you have the money, you might want to give her 2 weeks notice and take a 2 week vacation (without pay, of course) before starting the new job. It will clear your mind and help you with the transition.

Answer 3

Well, I am going on my sixth job this year after basically being forced to look elsewhere for another job because of downsizing. My advice in leaving a job is that you are certain in fact the grass is greener at the new place. Secondly if you are in fact giving over a 2 week notice you are being more accomodating then any business owner would be to you if they had to let you go. However I undersand you are looking to not burn bridges and to leave responsibly without hurting someones feelings. Then my best advice is honesty is the best policy. Maybe its time to have a frank conversation where explain what made you look elsewhere and why you have chosen to move on. If you do it in a non threatening way I don't see why you should have any problem leaving on good terms.

Answer 4

3 1/2 years is pretty good and you should not feel bad about leaving and advancing into new opportunities. Congrats on your job. I think right at 4 weeks, design a compassionate resignation letter and give it to your boss. She may be a little upset or disappointed. but you have to do what you have to do to be successful. I say go for it and let your heart definitely be your guide. What a good way to go into the new year, congrats again!!

Answer 5

Say you have learned a lot in your current role, but that you feel you have gone as far as you can in it. It would be nice if you could say something positive about the company, but being honest. I was lucky in that I could honestly say to my last boss that I believed the firm was the very best in the area and that I would not want to work for its competitors. I left reluctantly because of relocation and I still say they are the best law firm in their county. If you can't say that, be nice about your colleagues and say how great they have been to work with and how you hope your new boss will be as good to work for as she has been. Lastly tell her you would recommend anyone looking for work to apply to her because you would be confident they would be happy and would be treated right.

Answer 6

Be honest! Let your boss know that you have found other employment. Let them know as soon as possible (after receiving confirmation that you have indeed been accepted for the new position). The circumstance in the office should not have any affect on your decision. There will always be something happening (new deadlines, maternity leaves,etc.).

Answer 7

I'd go in and tell them at the 4 week mark. Be honest.

I've done it twice in my life. I simply went in and told them I had a job opportunity and that it was something I needed to go do. They may offer more money, but if you aren't happy with the job, that won't change that.