When should I tell my boss I will be leaving employment?

Question

My wife is moving no later than July 15 to take a job in a city far away. I plan to move there with her. I know I will leave my current job no later than the end of December 2006, but it could be as early as 2 weeks from now. Our finances will allow me to leave my current job at any time, and I can take up to 18 months to find a job in the new city.
I want to leave my current job on good terms, and will give at least 2 weeks notice. I am interested in having a good reference for my job search in the new city. My boss is in the process of scheduling a two year project with a tight timeline, and when I leave the schedule will have to be completely redone at great cost. I am a long term employee, and my boss has no idea that I will be leaving anytime soon. Should I tell my boss that I think I will be leaving by the end of the year, or wait until I am sure when my final day will be and give two weeks notice? (even though management and my boss will know I knew well in advance)

Answer 1

I would suggest that you give the required notice, when you feel that you are ready to leave. You could tell your boss that you will be leaving before he schedules everything up and offer to stay until date xxx if he requires.

It is normal for people to leave at the end of their notice if not before. This is because of security etc. so expect to leave soon after you give notice.

Answer 2

Argh - this is a rough one!

Okay, so the only thing you don't mention is how good is your relationship with your manager? Do you think they will be okay if you let them know that changes are happening, but you don't have anything definite yet?

It sounds like your wife has already accepted the new job and is working there so that isn't a potential hold up?


Assuming your boss is on good terms, that there is other work for you, and you really can manage for several months if things go south - personally, I would ask to schedule some time in your boss's office and come clean. That's your best chance to come out of this with a good reference. Bosses are people - and if you wait and it messes up this long term project, they will resent it.


I suppose, the other option, is you don't have a stellar relationship with anyone in mgmt - neither your boss nor your boss's boss. In that case, I'd wait until your wife is ready to move and move with her.

Best of luck :-)

Answer 3

Since you are a long term employee, it would be a tad difficult to find a replacement in two weeks. Be honest. Some employers hate to be slapped with an unexpectant event. Plus, you know he is counting on you for a big project and you will just sit and wait while he plans knowing you will cost the company money and time. That wouldn't leave a good impression.

So, be honest. "Sir or Madam, I have some good news and bad news. My wife has been offered an excellent job in another location and she has accepted the offer. We won't be moving for at least X- months. Therefore, I will be here to help complete any necessary tasks and help train my replacement if necessary. I have truly enjoyed working for this company and with my coworkers. I am a little excited about this life direction, but sad to close one chapter. I just wanted to do the respectful thing and give you ample time in any decisions you have to make."

Answer 4

I think you meant December 2007 correct? I think you should tell them that your wife was offered an amazing position and job in the other state and of course you have to go with her. however, she is not scheduled to leave until the end of December and I can stay with the company until then. But if you have any long range plans, I wanted you to be aware because I know of the costs involved of the project if I leave abuptly. I really want to stay until my wife leaves. I can assist on the project in any other capacity that you want. I want to help you because I may need you as a reference when I move.

So in effect, I think being completely honest with your boss will make you, him, and the company happy. If he gets angry and fires you, which I highly doubt since your a long term employee. It isn't like you do this sort of thing all the time, and it isn't often a spouse is offered a great job. I think your really worrying for nothing. To me, I think you show great loyalty to the company and that should be commended.

Answer 5

I think it depends on your relationship with your manager and with the company. Is there anyway you can get out of the upcoming project without raising eyebrows? Does your company hire consultants (you could work on the project after you move)...
If you do tell you boss that your wife is being relocated I would give a hard date as well, dont leave it in the air. If your company has one check out the human resources handbook, and if youre really stressed talk to someone in HR (the convo SHOULD be confidential).
Hope this helps!

Answer 6

It depends on the relationship you have with your boss. I hope it's good. And if it is, you want to give him as much notice as you think is to be able to create a real schedule that doesn't depend on you. I would offer to help find and train my replacement. I did that once and it worked great. We actually became good friends. And it was a very senior position. Good Luck. Sounds like you have a very exciting opportunity with your wife.

Answer 7

Tell him sooner, that is what I would do. Otherwise 2 weeks might not be enough time for you to leave on friedly terms. I mean, it doesn't sound like we're talking about bagging groceries here (which was my first job) so it might be difficult for them to replace you, especially if you are important in this project you speak of. I would tell him next time you see him about your situation.

Answer 8

It depends if the boss will show you to the door or not. But if you do tell him, give him a hard last date. The last thing he wants is some guy just hangin around collecting a paycheck.

Answer 9

after you shoot him