Do you tell your employer that you are looking for a new job

[Pooh Girl 71]

Yes or no?

Why or why not?

I've always worked for much larger companies. I am currently working for a very small company and the whole atmosphere is different. Everyone knows everything about everybody. Boundaries seem to get crossed all the time as well. I like my job but I am realizing the importance of retirement plans.

I am of the mind set that it's not the employer's business if I am looking for another job. I would give 2 weeks notice if I was leaving and do whatever I can to make the transition easier. For some reason, I seem to think that the employer wouldn't give me work (and that is very important since I have to bill for my hours) or whatever if they knew I was looking elsewhere.

Just trying to get a feel for how others think. I'm not sure where I got this distrustful attitude about employers?? I've never had a bad experience.

 

[Rippington'sFan]

Personally I would'nt.

 

[mt2]

No. I think that that is considered private business. Now if you are using company time and resources to find this other job then yes it is their business.

I hope I was clear.

mt2

 

[onecoolmama]

Nope, I dont. And I dont tell coworkers or anyone until I get the job and give the two week notice.

 

[SC Minnie]

No, I wouldn't tell them. No need to upset things until you have something else.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Originally posted by mt2
Now if you are using company time and resources to find this other job then yes it is their business.

mt2

I wouldn't be that stupid. They actually fired a co-worker for that same thing. She used their envelopes (with the company name on it )

 

[danacara]

No way. Consider two weeks notice to be a courtesy, as well, especially within a large organization. If you need the work and you're afraid that they'll cut your billables when you give notice, I might only give them a week.

 

[Cruise04]

Yes, because she finds out anyway! Trust me on this one! And I've seen from another staff member the hell he had to pay when she found out and he hadn't told her he was looking - wasn't pretty. I'd rather have her know and wonder if she's going to lose a great secretary or be pissed because I didn't tell her. The making her know and wonder is the great awesome power I have over her!!!!!!!

Plus she's nicer to me for that small period of time that I am waiting to see if I get the interview or job.

 

[NMAmy]

I've told them before. I don't have the same kind of job you do, though, so billable hours were not a concern. I had one job that was SO not what they told me at the interview and I hated every minute of it. I started looking for a new job and told my boss. She told HER boss who called me into his office and begged me to stay. They even offered to let me take time off to go to job interviews if I'd stay while I was looking.

I was never so glad to get out of any job. Yikes, those folks were crazy.

 

[Doug123]

No way do I tell my boss when I'm looking for another position.

How would it benefit you to tell him/her? Remember, information is power. There are exceptions, of course, but in most cases the employer -- big or small -- uses information to benefit either themselves personally or the business in general. Why would you wanting to get another job be any different?

Your boss using the information to give you less work is nothing personal against you; it's just business. This is just the same as you not telling your boss; it's nothing personal against your current employer, it's just business.

Good luck in your search.

 

[mt2]

Pooh girl 71 - I never meant to imply that you were stupid. I'm sorry I came off that way. I have seen that happen a few times and the boss is just not happy with it. My neighbor knew that he was going to be laid off and was using vacation days here and there to go to interviews. His boss called him and a couple of others and told them that this was unacceptable.

mt2

 

[dzneelvr]

As an HR professional with over 20 years in the field, I would not advise you to tell your current employer you are "looking". Your current employer deserves to know if you have accepted another offer (ie. the 2-week notice from you and/or a counter offer to stay).
Your search should be your own business. If you choose to make it your employer's business--be prepared for consequences. And those consequences will most likely not be ones you will be fond of.

 

[Pin Wizard]

See dzneelvr's post...I agree a zillion percent. You don't want your life to be miserable until the day you leave...if a job comes through. Gone are the days of employers being loyal to their employees. Unless you're in a highly specialized field, they won't be pounding down the door and begging you to stay. They'll be looking to get someone in and probably in at a cheaper rate. Good luck!

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Originally posted by mt2
Pooh girl 71 - I never meant to imply that you were stupid. I'm sorry I came off that way. I have seen that happen a few times and the boss is just not happy with it. My neighbor knew that he was going to be laid off and was using vacation days here and there to go to interviews. His boss called him and a couple of others and told them that this was unacceptable.

mt2

I didn't think you meant that.

Thank for the input everyone. I wouldn't normally think of telling the boss. But, I work in the human service field. It's small and my boss knows everyone. So, that would be my only concern is if she were to hear it from someone else.

I could understand not giving me any new clients and transferring cases if I gave my 2 week notice. I'd just be worried that I didn't have an immediate offer and then no work at the current job. That would not be cool.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Originally posted by Pin Wizard
Gone are the days of employers being loyal to their employees.

ain't that the truth?

 

[caitycaity]

to echo everyone else's statements, no way. i would only ever give 2 weeks notice.

 

[legs22]

Originally posted by mt2
My neighbor knew that he was going to be laid off and was using vacation days here and there to go to interviews. His boss called him and a couple of others and told them that this was unacceptable.

mt2

Why is it wrong to use the days off that you earned to go for a job interview? If I take a paid day off, I'll do whatever I want to on that day.

 

[tkyes]

I've been looking for a new job on and off for 5 years now, I don't think my current employer would like to hear every time I send out a resume lol!


Nope, I would never tell them.

 

[PatriciaH]

I manage a small travel agency and told my boss I am moving/looking for a new job so she could find someone and I could train them. She has cancer so I did not want her to get stuck with any stress! My DH also told everyone at his company he will be moving soon and is looking. Many of the higher ups love him and said they would fix him up with something in Florida if he wishes-so it can work to your benefit IF you know your company well

 

[DMickey28]

For me and DFiance, unless it was due to moving or something like that where it was upfront as to why I needed to and used them as a reference then NO I have never told my current employer that I was looking. Most companies that you apply with will respect that. I think it's the norm!!