Should I tell my prospective employer the truth?

[culpepkj]

Hi all,

I have a question about graduate school and veracity in my prospective job. I would like to become an AGAC-NP, but the state I live in does not have good offerings of programs. If I moved to a different state and worked for a year I would be eligible for in-state tuition which leads into the topic of my question. When applying for a job in the area that I also plan on attending school in, would it be better to be truthful and say "I'm only planning on working full time for less than 18 months" and risk not getting hired because they want someone they can keep or say I'll be long term then "decide" to go back to school after I've been there a while??

(None of my coworkers are going back to school and the only one I knew was already in school when they were hired)

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Sour Lemon]

A lot can change in 18 months and your plans are far from solid. I don't see any need to mention them at this point.

[JKL33]

Kudos for wanting to maintain integrity. I believe your personal situation and goals/plans are not relevant to your job search in the context you're concerned about. I most definitely would not tell them you'll be a long-term full-timer when that's not your intention, though. I just happen to feel that they don't get a say in this; it is NOTB.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I wouldn't mention it. If they ask you about future plans, be vague. Say that you have imagined lots of possibilities, but that you haven't committed to any one definite plan. You're focused on the "here and now" and on exploring opportunities in xxxx field in the immediate future. That's why you are interested in the job they have to offer: it fits your interest in xxxx field.

[caliotter3]

As stated before, the day before you are to start the program, a turn of events could occur that changes your plans for the future. Don't shoot yourself in the foot. When the time comes to resign, or cut back your hours, or whatever, you will know when to inform your employer.