Should I take job promotion if I know I have intent of leaving within the year?

Question

I like my job, but I am planning to move abroad toward the end of the year, though I havent talked to the department manager yet about about that. For one, Im not 100% sure how things will work out and 2) its still a bit early.

3 days ago, my manager comes to my office with her 'second in command" and asks if I would be interested in this promotion with raise...which would be substantial (making a difference of about 25-30,000 more per year).

I could surely use the money & I definitely would be productive for them during that period. Even if its going to be for less than a full year (perhaps more like up to 6 more months).

When I go back into the office, I would like to just say that I really would like the position, and go ahead and say that I'm not sure how much longer I would be here, giving them my latest possible date of leave as August. But, part of me doesnt want to say that because they may withdraw the offer.

Advice?

Thanks for all the answers, all ponting to the same conclusion...take the job, keep quiet.

It was an ethical concern to me, and what my duty was to disclose, giving them access to all information that I have (that I may move) so that both parties had equal hands in this interaction.

At the least, as one interesting responder mentioned, there is no 'length of service' tied to the promotion, so of course Im free to quit employment, with proper notice, whenever I see fit.

Thanks for all of the wonderful answers. They were spot-on.

Answer 1

take it, and don't say anything about leaving until you are sure when, and only give the required 30 days notice (or whatever they require)
you need the money, and the promotion will look good on your resume.
you're right they may withdraw the ofer if they know in advance you "might" leave, so if you tell them, and they promote someone else, and you end up staying....... what was the point. Take it, and keep quiet until the required notice time arrives.

Answer 2

Take the promotion! Just make sure that there isn't a contract attached to it. Even if it is, let's say a one year contract, leave when its up. That's just how business works. Do you think they would be contemplating on whether or not they should keep you if they could find someone to do your job as good (or better) for less money? No, so don't worry. You don't look like a bad person for doing it, just a smart one.

*Don't burn your bridges though.

Answer 3

It would look really good on a resume, and I would suggest that you just not tell anyone that you're planning on leaving within the year. If/when you do decide to go abroad, you just pretend that it's a sudden opportunity, that you just can't pass up.

I say take the promotion, get the experience, and don't feel guilty. If the company was thinking about selling out to someone else, do you think they'd tell you? You have to do what's best for you.

Answer 4

You should accept the promotion and not mention your intent of leaving the country. For one your not even positive about whether or not your trip abroad will take place in six months. And the promotion will look good on your resume forever. When your plans to leave become more concrete you can then aproach your boss with dates and times and express your willingness to train your replacement as best you can.

Answer 5

Watch out for number 1 first! I'd take the promotion, your going to gain new insight and knowledge, plus your resume will even look better for it. You don't have to tell the company anything, usually a couple weeks notice is fine, so why let them know anything your planning, it's not here yet, but the job offer is. Go for it! Good luck

Answer 6

I would take the promotion. You never know, things may change before August. If you do move, the promotion/position will look good on a resume, and the extra money will come in handy. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 7

Since you are not sure about the move take the promotion. You never know you may want to stay after doing the new job for a while.

Answer 8

yes take it and don't mention your future plan...plans are just plans, they may happen they may not. Employment as everything in life has no guarantees. Look at it this way, you may take the promotion today and by tomorrow get fired. You have no obligation to keep them and they have no obligation to keep you.

I presume you asked this question not because your are somewhat dumb but because of ethics issue with yourself.

Anyway, no matter what do not sign a length of service contract. But if you don't know this already, then personally I feel you are cheating the company 30,000.00, you don't deserve it.

Answer 9

Take the position, who knows maybe the promotion will make you change your mind about leaving, but I would definitely accept the promotion because it's a big chunk of money that like you said can help you out financially.

Answer 10

Don't tell them you will be leaving, just take the promotion. A couple of weeks before you want to leave give them their two week notice. Tell them that you didn't know you were going to have to leave when you accepted the promotion. If they don't believe you, who cares, you got the promotion and made more money for them few months. They can't take it back. You have to look out for yourself. I mean, companies look out for themselves also.