Tell a Few Co-workers I'm Seeking Another Job?

Updated on August 26, 2011
D.E. asks from San Antonio, TX
25 answers

I have a ton of good valid reasons to leave my current job, and only one thing stopping me from applying. Guilt, stupid guilt. I work as a substitute, so my leaving would directly affect someone vacation time. I would feel really bad about blindsiding this guy with a 2 week notice especially if he was planning on taking a vacation. But would it be weird or unprofessional to tell him? It's nothing to do with the actually job, or people, I just need steadier hours, and something with better career potential. I need to find another job first, so it's probably not happening anytime soon. I know they have seen a lot of people come and go as a sub, so they are probably use to it

I was thinking about telling him, the senior sub, and maybe one other person. Everyone is so nice, I'm know they would understand, but being raise to please everyone else, I feel a little guilty. But, I know it would make me feel better knowing they knew that my time there was limited.

Anyway, I was just wondering if that would be unprofessional, and how I should go about doing that? By the way they are all co-workers, not my boss.

What can I do next?

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So What Happened?

OK, so I'm keeping my mouth shut. But someone did bring up the point of the boss. Do I tell the boss? Since people will probably call for references. Anyway, thank you for all your answers. I thought it seem like a good ideas but obviously it not. Glad I ask. Thank you!

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

I echo the "don't do it" sentiment. My too-nice sister did that and found herself out of a job the following day.

3 moms found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I would not mention it until you have another job lined up. Telling them now can only backfire on you.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Houston on

Do NOT say anything!!! I don't care how well intended you are don't do it because it will bite you in the butt.

1 mom found this helpful

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J.C.

answers from New York on

I'd be very careful. They would have nothing to lose by telling the boss and you'd have everything to lose.

Keep this secret to yourself.

7 moms found this helpful

S.J.

answers from St. Louis on

NO!! Do not tell him. Keep this to yourself and do what you need to do, always acting in a professional manner. I think it is unprofessional TO tell them. Stop feeling guilty and realize this is work, not your marriage.

6 moms found this helpful
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L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

NO. don't tell the other person right now-until you have something signed, sealed,delivered, don't say a word to anyone!!! All it takes is one person to spill the beans, your boss hears about it and fires you before you can resign. So, don't say anything!

M

5 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

No!!! Your heart's in the right place, but unfortunately business, bosses and job decisions don't factor heart in very often!

4 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

NO.... do not tell. If you do, the info is sure to get to your boss and could come around and bite you in the behind.

Too many people are out there only looking out for themselves and they don't give a rat's a$$ about anybody else. You would more than likely be replaced and have no job until you found a job.

4 moms found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

Nope don't say one word.

4 moms found this helpful

D.D.

answers from New York on

If your company was planning to lay off everyone in a month you can bet they wouldn't tell anyone about it before hand. You shouldn't tell anyone your employment plans until you give your 2 weeks notice. It's not personal, it's business.

3 moms found this helpful
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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

Don't do it!!!!!! One person will tell two, then those two will tell ten, and suddenly, the person who schedules the subs will know you're trying to leave and you'll find yourself out of the job you have. They'll simply not call you to sub for people anymore.

3 moms found this helpful

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

No. I could only hurt you.

3 moms found this helpful

C.P.

answers from Columbia on

Absolutely NOT. It is highly unprofessional to tell them that you are seeking other employment. And there is not rule that you HAVE to give two weeks' notice (it is a courtesy). If you can give even more notice, such as a month, do so. Let them know how much you appreciate the opportunities you've been given and that you'd be happy to train your replacement.

But I wouldn't give notice until I have another job secured. Not in this ridiculous economy.

2 moms found this helpful
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B.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

If you want to be replaced all of a sudden with no notice, I'd tell anyone you want.

There are numerous stories about the boss finding out someone was looking for another job and replacing them immediately. No notice, no thank you, no severance, no nothing.

If you go to the boss and ask for more hours or to have your position made permanent and he tells you anything but what you want to hear, find another job and DON'T TELL ANYONE ! ! ! And don't be seen looking for a job or asking about a job over the phone where anyone working where you work might hear you or learn about it.

Good luck in the job hunt.

2 moms found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I would not tell another co worker you are looking ... that could, depending on your contract, cause for you to be terminated or removed from your current position if the wrong person found out. I am sorry but humans are gossips it happens.

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T.W.

answers from Syracuse on

I think you could be potentially jeopardizing your chances of getting the next job by letting co-workers in on your plans to find a new job...you need to notify your boss first and foremost, he/she will understand the reasons why. You want your boss to know you are looking in case your next future employer contacts them as a reference...keep in mind that even if you don't use your boss as a reference the likelihood of him still being contacted is pretty high, it won't look good if he doesn't know you're looking.

Don't feel guilty about leaving the position because someone might have to do some rescheduling of their vacation plans. I would only feel guilty if I didn't let my boss know.

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T.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

When you are applying for other jobs, doing interviews, and the potential new employer asks you what your strength is, tell them loyalty. I completely understand your heart in this. But, I wouldn't tell anyone. Well, unless you want EVERYONE to know. If you don't keep in confidential, neither will they. They will be able to find another sub. I'm sure they know how to work out details (like vacation). They've been doing it awhile, I would imagine. And, you have no idea how long it will actually be before you have another job. It might be a year. But, you will be tagged as the person leaving, so they won't be investing in you either. The guy you are worried about blindsiding will be just fine. Really.

1 mom found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Redding on

Nope, keep your mouth closed. Co workers are not your friends, you hafta keep it professional. AFTER the fact if you feel like you want to contact them and say I'm sorry I suppose you could.... but that's just really immature. Business is business.

1 mom found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Houston on

NOPE! He can get another substitute. If you secure a job, you can give more notice. I think though, 2 weeks is plenty of time to find a sub.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.C.

answers from Tampa on

Keep it confidential, can you imagine your boss finding out from someone else? Can you afford to loose your job before finding a new one? The minute you start looking, it means you ready for a change. Lots of luck!

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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

You have to separate your personal self from the work self period. If you go with your nice pleasing self it will back fire before the words can stop flying around the office. No these guys are not your friends regardless of what you think and feel you are all working in the same office. They sure as heck would stab you in the back and walk over top of you. Stop feeling like you have to pleeze everybody because you don't. Sorry to be blunt but I would rather get the job, have the contract in hand and signed before I would tell my boss I am giving him notice that I am no longer there. Besides if you get fired it depends on what they say as to if you can collect your unemployment and especially in this climate. Think a whole lot before you say or do anything to let them know you are out of here.

Besides there is a reason why all of your posters tell you to keep your mouth shut and keep your business to yourself. Time to get over the guilty feeling as it will get you nowhere in the work world. Haven't you heard recently about the bad guy or bully getting more money than the nice guy? There is a reason for this and you have to grow some tougher skin and bigger balls.

My best to you.

The other S.

L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

When you secure another position - then you give your two week notice to your current job. That is when you tell everyone that you are leaving. They will adjust, and hire another sub to cover for them.

Some employers get an attitude when you tell them you are looking for another job, and let you go before you give notice - before you actually have secured another position. Then you become jobless. Ugh. That is not a place to be in this economy.

Good luck with your job search.
Don't feel guilty - you are doing what is best for you and your family.

God Bless

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C.C.

answers from Flagstaff on

No, don't even tell the boss. Legally all he can tell someone is that you work there, and when you started. He can't say anything about performance, dependability, or anything else.

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C.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hell, I gave notice and I was shown the door a few hours later. Worked out great because they PAID me for those two WEEKS! So odd.

Keep your mouth shut. I understand EXACTLY where you're coming from. I had an employee quit on the phone the day I had plans to leave early. She was my back-up and I was screwed. Had to cancel my plans for the day and scramble to find another office manager instead.

Oddly, we're still really good friends. It was one of those "misery loves company" deals. She was VERY supportive of when Ieft that job a year later.

C.A.

answers from New York on

Me personally I wouldn't say anything. Even though you trust the co worker there is a slight chance they could slip out. They could say to the boss "so what do you think about so and so leaving?" You don't want to cause problems for yourself. Especially since you don't have another job yet. Talk with your boss first then tell the co workers. Best of Luck!

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