Breaking it to the boss...

SweetCorn · Nov 4, 2012

Hey man, I feel ya.

First post here btw...

I had a very good job working for a good friend of mine and I had to walk away carefully. I didn't want to ruin our friendship, so I put a lot of thought into how I wanted to do it. I agonized over it for a long time but the unhappiness I had in my former work made me eventually pull the trigger.

Since we were friends and he is a reasonable guy we were able to go about it like gentlemen. I basically told him that I was unhappy with what I was doing and was looking at other career opportunities. Part of looking at other career opportunities for me meant taking some courses in a couple of different fields which would mean I most likely wouldn't be able to work at a full time status any more. I made it clear that I was willing to keep working as much as my new schedule would allow, but that I was not a full time employee. This meant taking some cuts in pay, benefits, etc. but that's probably obvious.

I initiated this discussion at an opportune time, when our busy season had passed and we had put some good work in the books. So it wasn't like I was jumping ship at a bad time. This certainly helps.

I think my willingness to continue working when I could really helped. If they value you as an employee, which they probably do if you just finished a project that went well, then they will be happy to keep you around if only in a limited capacity. At least that was my experience. Hopefully your work has a flexible schedule and you'll be able to negotiate a good hourly wage that can support you while you take classes (some). That worked out for me for awhile but then an actual job in healthcare came available and I'm doing that and taking pre-reqs at the same time.

We are still in touch but he realized that I was looking at a new direction in life and since he's a reasonable person and a friend, he understands.

I'd recommend picking the right time to make your announcement and being straightforward. Lay out what's going on and go from there.

good luck

Bouncyball · Nov 4, 2012

Ya, I remember having to tell my boss I got into nursing school. I was stressed about not knowing when to tell them. I waited until 2 weeks before class started and then told them. They laid me off within a week. I'm glad I didn't tell them months before.

Most workplaces don't care about their employees. Don't stress about it, just lookout for yourself.

Virgilio · Nov 4, 2012

I can't tell you what a relief it is to have that behind me. Of course, a positive response from my boss is not necessarily a guarantee of the reality of the next 2 or so years.

cjr2619 · Nov 4, 2012

I haven't gotten to nursing school yet but when I do, do you think it is better to tell your boss that you are leaving because you got another job or tell the truth about nursing school? The reason I am so nervous to tell the truth is because I know they will then say, "you were planning this all along". Well yes I was. what am I suppose to do?Starve until is start school? I know the company I work for doesn't care about me so I'm just trying to say the thing that will make my last two weeks as comfortable as possible. What do you think?

RN2Be77 · Nov 5, 2012

Ya, I remember having to tell my boss I got into nursing school. I was stressed about not knowing when to tell them. I waited until 2 weeks before class started and then told them. They laid me off within a week. I'm glad I didn't tell them months before. Most workplaces don't care about their employees. Don't stress about it, just lookout for yourself.

I will be attending nursing school next fall. I'm going to simply tell my job I'm moving on. Sucks your job laid you off but I know you moved onto bigger and better things. How are nursing classes coming along?

christina731 · Nov 5, 2012

I was accepted to my program about a week ago and when I told my boss she was very happy for me but I think reality sunk in the next day when I asked for a leave of absence for a few months when the program starts. I guess she figured that I would have continued my 50+ hour work weeks while in a full-time program! I don't think so! I have been keeping my pharmacy running like a well oiled machine for the past 6 years and now my boss is freaking out that I am pursuing a new career path. She has been asking everyone she knows for someone to replace me. People always move on to bigger and better things but I think my boss just doesn't understand that. Oh well I can't please everyone! I can only worry about myself now!

Bouncyball · Nov 6, 2012

I will be attending nursing school next fall. I'm going to simply tell my job I'm moving on. Sucks your job laid you off but I know you moved onto bigger and better things. How are nursing classes coming along?

Classes are great : ) I will graduate in May if everything continues to go well. Working in that terrible place is just a distant memory now. It all worked out. life seems to have a funny way of working things out, even if it takes awhile for you to notice. Congrats on starting in fall, keep your eye on the prize!

smoup · Nov 6, 2012

When I was hired, by manager and supervisors knew I was a student and was pursuing other avenues. I currently work in a hospital in ER registration. At this point in time, I have told them if/when I am accepted to nursing school, I will try to continue working part time. I work night shift, 7 pm -7:30 am Wed-Fri. I figure I can cut back to 7p-1a I might be able to make it. That being said, I have no qualms about telling them I need to quit/go to PRN etc. It will not be the first job I have left and will probably not be my last. I DO like my job, and my supervisors, so I wouldn't mind working part time or PRN if my schedule allows it. They WILL understand though that nursing school comes first. I will be taking about $50K in loans for this degree and will not have ANYTHING ruin it for me. If/when I get in of course.