Nervous - Informing boss of career change

AtomicWoman · Dec 31, 2007

Congrats on your decision! :balloons:

When my husband decided to leave his firm and go out on his own, he was worried about the conversation with the boss, too. So he practiced it. Over and over, he would say, "[boss], I've decided to leave the firm and start my own business. I really appreciate all the opportunities I've had here, but this is something I need to do." Then, by the time he actually *had* the conversation, the words seemed familiar to him, and they just popped right out.

Also, rather than wait until his boss called him (they worked in different cities), my husband called him specifically to give him the news. That way, my husband was more in control of the situation. If you wait until your boss walks into your office or calls you, then your discussion could end up being secondary to whatever is on your boss's mind, and you could feel less in control.

Just be polite and respectful, but firm: "I've decided... I need to do this." You may be surprised. Your boss might say, "Great! How can I help you!". Or he might want to hear what prompted you to become a nurse. But if he doesn't react nicely or politely, you've already made it clear that this is how it's going to go down. Period. And if he tells you he can't keep you on until April, you can (hopefully) find temporary work. It's tax season, after all!

Remember you can't predict how someone will react. But if you make your announcement calmly and matter-of-factly, it will make it easier to respond to whatever happens. And if, for some odd reason, he goes a bit nuts, just walk away, telling him "We'll talk about this later when you've had a little time to process the information."

If you have the conversation in person, remember to smile as you deliver the news! :)

Gretchen1105 · Dec 31, 2007

Loris -

Thanks so much for your kind words! I do plan to approach my boss on friday so I stay in control. I feel we have a good relationship so it should go good, but like you said, you never know. My plan B is actually go do a CNA course and find a part-time job to continue thru my pre-reqs, although the pay would of course drop, I would love the experiance, so I'm really excited either way!!

Thanks again!

Music in My Heart · Dec 31, 2007

Gretchen, do you really need to tell your boss about your future plans right now? It might be more prudent to say that you need a break from CPA prep for a few months and then break the news about nursing school right when you given your two weeks notice.

From what I've seen in the high tech world, they generally walk you out the door as soon as you give notice of your intent to leave at some point. The only exception I've seen to that is when you have a specialized set of skills or responsibilities and they want you to train somebody for awhile or they really, really need you. Usually, you're considered a liability and they look to make a clean break ASAP.

If you need this job, I'd personally advise against letting them in on the long-term plan until you're ready to execute it.

MidLifeRN2012 · Dec 31, 2007

Gretchen, do you really need to tell your boss about your future plans right now? It might be more prudent to say that you need a break from CPA prep for a few months and then break the news about nursing school right when you given your two weeks notice.
From what I've seen in the high tech world, they generally walk you out the door as soon as you give notice of your intent to leave at some point. The only exception I've seen to that is when you have a specialized set of skills or responsibilities and they want you to train somebody for awhile or they really, really need you.
If you need this job, I'd personally advise against letting them in on the long-term plan until you're ready to execute it.

I agree with Gretchen about waiting until you know for sure you will get into the nursing program. I am also in your same boat. I am also working for a corporation in the finance area. I have been taking my pre-reqs one course at a time and am now finished. I am planning on entering a nursing program in 2009 at which time I will have to possibly quit my job because nursing school is only in the day time in my area. I am not going to say anything until I am accepted offically into the program and have my financial aid in place.

I am hoping my boss will allow me to do my job on my off school/clinical days and at night or weekends ( I know I can with a laptop). If not, I am also currently renewing my CNA license so I can do that as plan B.

I am curious as to what others will say on this subject as I am fearing what you are--- the conversation, the outcome and working for 1/2 the pay with the same amount of living expense and debts. I am single with a child going into college at that time as well and received no child support over the years so I can't just not work.

akanini, MSN, RN · Jan 1, 2008

I'm thinking why do you have to tell your boss of your future plans.

"It might be more prudent to say that you need a break from CPA prep for a few months and then break the news about nursing school right when you given your two weeks notice."

I left my job to start school in September. I told my boss I was going back to school but I didn't say nursing. I don't see why the agency had to know my plans and intentions. I was doing social work but told them I would be going for the MSW since I already had a Bachelors. IMHO, I felt it was none of their business EXACTLY what I would be doing. I only told ONE person my true intentions and she is the only person I still keep in contact with.

caliotter3 · Jan 1, 2008

I once told my boss about my plans for a new job and within two hours I was processed out of the work unit (night shift). I wasn't even allowed to work the shift, much less a two week notice. I never saw such efficiency at this place as that time. I agree that you should not say anything until your actual notice, however long that is. If you want to work until May, then keep quiet that long. Just seems like the prudent thing to do, as I learned from my experience.

jkfickle · Jan 1, 2008

I was in this exact situation as well. I went in to my bosses office to give my 2 weeks notice because I had accepted another job. (I was POSITIVE she couldn't wait to see me go!) She asked me to take it back and think about it. I laid all of my cards on the table, I was accepted into an RN program that begins in January 08, some of my classes will be during the day but I would be willing to make up extra hours as necessary. She was more than willing to accomodate my schedule, and was VERY supportive of my goals. (I too work in finance). I am very lucky to have the support system that I do. I will be able to keep my good job, keep good benefits, and take care of my daughter. (also single Mom, no support to speak of; financial or otherwise)

I would be honest and upfront with your employer only in the event you have a plan B if they call your bluff. You may be surprised by their support. (I was). Hopefully they understand and are supportive, if they don't you are better off! Keep us posted!

BethT · Jan 2, 2008

I definately agree with Gretchen on this one. Whatever you think you relationship is like, it is totally different when you are quitting a job.

I am doing the same thing, but I plan to go completely through nursing school before anyone knows.

Be sure you do what is in your best interest.

justme1972 · Jan 2, 2008

As long as your school schedule does not interfere with your day job, my advice is to NOT say anything to your boss.

No matter how good the relationship you think you have, your career will be severely impacted if they hired you, thinking that you were going to get your CPA, and then you announce you are not only not going to take the CPA exam again, but are going back to school so you can leave the company altogether.

Just remember, your boss never needs to know anything in your personal life that doesn't affect him...all you owe him is a 2-week notice of when you are ready to leave.

Reese17 · Jan 2, 2008

I went through a similar situation. I have been a bookkeeper for the past 12 years and desperately needed a career change. Nursing has been a life long dream of mine since graduating from high school. I work in a small office and pretty much is my boss' right hand. I did my pre reqs first before telling him I was in school. I wanted to make sure I was accepted into the nursing program before I said anything and risked losing my job. Once I found out I was accepted and took a look at the class schedule I knew it would be impossible not to tell him I was going back to school. Now, I've told him and he is cool with it so far but who knows what will happen in the coming months if I have to take extra time off from work to deal with my studies. I just made my mind up that nursing is what I wanted to do and if I get fired from this job something else will come along. Its only 2 years out of my life, I'll work 2 part time jobs if I have to just to fulfill my goal. I think it comes down to what really matters most to you. Good Luck and let us know how it went.

curlysue82 · Jan 3, 2008

I am going through the exact same situation. I have been working for the same attorney for the past three years. She has known my family for a long time and we have a very close relationship. I am now in my second year of pre-reqs and I am feeling so guilty about not telling her. There are times when she thinks I am not doing my best and I just want to blurt it out. I have so much on my plate (job, kids, and school) but I need this job. In the past when I have mentioned going back to school to employers they miraculously had no need for my position anymore:( No matter what relationship you think you have with your boss, business is business. I plan on keeping my mouth shut until I know I have been accepted into a program. Good luck with whatever you decide!!