Starting school in the fall - when should I tell my job?

[MiahMSN, MSN, RN]

I just got accepted to CSUDH direct-entry MEPN program for the fall cohort. It's a fulltime, 2 year program and they advise students not to work. My current job in marketing is demanding, with traditional 9-5+ hours, so I knew there would be no way I could keep this job when I start school in August. But when should I tell them I will be leaving mid-august? My thing is, Cali is an at-will state, so they could let me go at anytime without notice, so do I really have to give them time to prepare and look for my replacement or a consultant? Or would a 2-weeks notice suffice? I want to keep working up until school starts.

[caliotter3]

The only way to find out what they will do is to provide them with notice. Don't be surprised though if they immediately get rid of you. It happens. You might want to hold off if you want to insure you get as much work/pay as possible.

[MiahMSN, MSN, RN]

Caliotter3, that's what I'm thinking......to hold off as long as possible.

Some days I'm convinced that my boss works for the devil himself, so I'm going to have to exercise discipline and restraint on those days she's driving us up the walls and not yell out "Efff you, you condescending, overbearing, unprofessional turd, go stick this status report where the sun doesn't shine, then try and stick yourself up there after that, I'M GOING TO NURSING SCHOOL! HA!" :rolleyes: Oh, that would give me so much joy!

[caliotter3]

With today's employment climate, they probably would have no problem quickly replacing you, so I wouldn't worry about that. However, I would not put it past any employer to show someone the door who gives their notice. They don't like people hanging around whose days are numbered. The smiles disturb other workers.

[mammac5]

If you want/need to work right up until school starts then do NOT tell them ahead of time. Although you may have a hard time keeping your secret for months, it's wise if you need the job.

When the time comes, give only the notice required to get whatever benefits you are entitled to, write 'em a nice letter of appreciation for your job, etc. Sayonara!

[marley44]

I would wait until two weeks prior.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Give them whatever notice your contract requires you to give, usually a couple of weeks. You don't owe them anything beyond that. It is business. If work was down they would lay you off without giving the decison one tenth of the consideration you are giving them now.

Good luck with school!

[michigansapphire]

I agree that two weeks' notice is sufficient. Make sure that all your work is up to date before you give notice.

In my case, there were a number of procedures at my workplace that no one but me knew. I made sure to write up instructions for those before I left the job.

[newway]

It is unfortunate that too often after giving two weeks notice someone is let go. It is kind of like no good deed goes unpunished. Also ask yourself, how much notice did they give the last person they laid off, or let go? Employers want it both ways