Should I tell my boss I am looking for another job?

Question

I have worked at my current job for 2 years now, and I am the assistant to an administrator in a long term care facility. My boss and I have gotten really close within my time here. We work side my side together everyday, so we end up being each others shoulder to cry on occasionally. She has helped me through alot of my personal problems and has been very understanding. I recently married in October and had to relocate 45 miles away...about an hour away from my current job. Gas money and wear and tear on my car is really causing a burden on us financially. I have no choice but to find a job closer to home. I have a few prospects at the moment and one of them is really promising. I have not been offered a job yet, but I know that I will continue to look until I do. Is it a good idea to tell my boss and let her know the situation? I feel it is wrong not to tell her, but then alot of people are telling me not to. What should I do?

Answer 1

At the moment you can increase the complain about the cost of commute (time and money), occasionally express your wish that the work place was closer. Try to win her sympathy. You "might" give her a hint that you are looking depending on the situation (your judgement, but be cautious) When you get the offer tell her and explain. She should be able to understand. If she really wants to keep she might counter-offer to match (if she has the power to do so). It depends on how you decide.
For the time being you'd better not tell her out right that you are looking for another job.

Answer 2

Although you are grateful your boss gave you a break, you gave your boss something in return, you. If you have been a valued employee where you are, you have repaid the debt and owe no special consideration. But, if you want to be extra helpful, you could ask your new boss to let you give more than a two weeks notice. I have seen many "nice" bosses turn vindictive when a valued employee leaves. They may see it as a betraya. l Instead of thanking them for their past contribution and for giving them extra notice, they often over react and fire the employee on the spot. Finding a new job is not always as easy as you might think. If you lose your job before getting another, you could be off work for a long time. You cannot always really know your boss. Has your boss ever done the same as your friends do for you?Most successful people, and I did say "most", not all, are nice until it comes to money or their own success. You are likey young and early in your carer path. You don't need to make enemies but you also need to consider yourself first here. also: beware of websites offering to help, that, in the end, ask you for money. There are a lot of scams.

Answer 3

No matter how close you are to your boss, she is an administrator. Her job is the facility she works at and you will become a liability. Wait until you know you have the other job before notifying your boss. Most people in your postition will immediately tell their boss thinking they will sympathize with you and when they don't they lose the only security they have at the time to some one else who replaces them. If you wait until you have another job in the bag, nothing bad will happen. While on the other hand if you tell her now you are jeopardizing everything you have worked for for the last two years. Explain your reasoning later. Good luck in your new endeavors.

Answer 4

Ignoring scams above.

If your boss gave you a raise, would you stay?

Nothing wrong with telling your boss that the extra travel/gas money is becoming a burden on your marriage. Your boss may be able to get you more money or some other consideration.

Are you planning on using your current boss as a reference?

Telling your boss that there is a problem is a good idea. A good boss will make the assumptions from there on. Tell you boss before you use her as a reference, to do otherwise is rude.

Bosses are still human and do have the ability to understand changing circumstances. You just have to ensure that your boss is not blindsided or feels that it is her fault.

Answer 5

No, technically you should not tell your company until you secure employment elsewhere. And, it should be no less than two weeks prior to your leaving.
PS : Since your boss and you have a somewhat personal relationship. Tell her how hard it is for you to drive 45 miles (is that hard?) she might offer you a raise.
That way if you're determined to leave it won't come as a major sudden blow to her when you get a new job. Also, you should let her know about your dilemma (without specifically saying you're looking for another job) because she could maybe help you get a job closer to where you want to be.

Answer 6

No, you should not tell your boss that you're looking for another job. Don't tell her until you have accepted another job, and the other job is all sorted out. Then, you should write a letter of resignation to your boss. You can present it to her in person and explain in person that you are leaving, but it's still always proper to have a letter in writing. You're normally supposed to give at least 2 weeks' notice, but if your new job is flexible or if you decide to, you can work out with the new job to give 1 months notice - that way you can end things well and perhaps even train your replacement before you leave.

Answer 7

It sounds like you have a personal friendship with this boss, as well as a professional one. I think that it would be wise to wait until you actually find a job first, because if not, your relationship with your boss will be strained until you do.

When you do find a job, put in a two weeks notice and explain to her the scenario that you just wrote. I am sure that she will be kind and understanding. (It will probably allow for your friendship side of the relationship to remain intact too). As a professional, she will understand your situation and the 2 weeks notice will give her an opportunity to search for other administrative help.

If you tell her prior to finding a job, it might make things awkward between the two of you. Best wishes in your new job and new marriage! :)

Answer 8

I would keep quiet, your boss's attitude may change towards you, she might make your life hell if she thinks your abandoning her and you haven't got another job yet, it may take you a few months or you may decide that there's nothing suitable closer to home, don't lay all your cards on the table as they say. It would be nice tho to tell your boss when you eventually find a job and to give more notice than you have to.

Good luck with the job

Answer 9

I would recommend not to say anything until you have something lined up. It sounds like she is your good friend but don't forget she is also your boss. who ever you get a job with I would tell them you need 2 give 2 weeks notice to your current job out of respect to your friend / boss that way she can have time to find a replacement for you and I think your new job will also respect that.

Answer 10

You have to make that call based on how you feel. I think the middle point is that you have to give them reasonable notice before you quit, and you should notify them if you expect them to give you a reference obviously. They will either be understanding or perhaps offer you more money to stay, but you need to do the thing that you feel is right.

Just think that some people might not understand and might get upset that you are leaving, taking it personally. Sometimes it is best to just do the minimum necessary ... but give as much notice as is required for them to take back over your work and replace you. Do not leave your company in the lurch.