I'm currently working in a job that just about pays the bills. But there's not much wiggle room. There's also no room to grow or get promoted. I'm thankful for it, cause when I got it the job market was AWFUL.
I need something that offers more room to grow, to use my skills, and pays better. I've started looking, updated my resume.
One thing that I think is holding me back a bit is leaving my boss in the lurch. I've had crappy bosses (OY), but this boss is really good. I respect the heck out of him, and he has a LOT on his plate, so I want to do my best to minimize the stress when I do find something.
I already have a "procedures" manual of the jobs that I do, and I'm tweaking and updating them so they are as informative and easy to follow as possible. What else can I do to minimize the transition stress all around?
I can't put the company first, I know, but I'll feel better knowing I'm doing everything possible to ease things and it'll make it easier for ME to concentrate harder on looking if I know I've done what I can.
Thanks.
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!
Wages have been frozen for a while at the company, so it's not just me. My boss doesn't have the ultimate say so re. that kind of thing, but he's the one I'm concerned about as he's been very understanding re. family time flexibility.
Thanks for the ideas and support! I really appreciate you!
That's nice of you.
You could type up a list of things that you did on a normal base to leave
for him.
You could set up alerts or reminders on the computer (if they are set
up that way or on a calendar if not) of upcoming events you took care
of, employee birthdays, when things are due etc.
One thing to do is give him enough notice so he can find a replacement.
P., whatever employer hires you is getting a great and loyal employee!
You're already doing the key thing by keeping your procedures updated. Beyond that, the minimization of stress on your current boss takes place AFTER you find another job, accept it and give formal notice. That's when you sit down with him and walk him through this updated manual as well as show him the improvements you've made and a schedule of upcoming deadlines etc. that will come up after you have left, so the next person can know what's ahead. If the boss is lucky, he'll have someone internally who can step in and you can teach that person the essentials before you go. It sounds like you would do a thorough and conscientious job of it.
While it's nice to give as much notice as possible, please be careful. Some employers have a strict policy of not letting folks work beyond a two-week notice period, so giving a month's notice may be very welcome, OR your boss may reluctantly have to keep you on only two weeks after you give notice (or less- some employers basically tell employees to leave the building the minute they give notice, which is short-sighted and dumb, but in a few places it's what's done). If your current company has an employee manual, check to see if there are any policies about employees having to leave the premises X days or weeks after handing in formal notice.
Please don't think you'd do the boss a favor by giving him an early, private heads-up on your departure, by the way. That can backfire badly and I've seen it happen. The hiring company could back out suddenly on you, even if they made you an offer; offers can get rescinded before a contract's in place. That would leave you having told your boss that you're probably going when you suddenly have no new job. Or the offer could be fine but boss could be constrained by policies (formal or informal) that compel him to tell his own boss and HR that you plan to leave though it's not official. It won't do him any favors to slip him a hint before you are giving formal notice, and it could backfire on you. Just a tip, in case you were thinking it would be nice to give him early warning if you do land another job.
I think it's very noble of you to have so much concern. Offer him three weeks if your next job will allow it but remember, the chances of them placing someone in 2 or 3 weeks is pretty slim. People leaving is a part of the job cycle. They can't offer you more - so move on. They will get along without you.
Also, one of the nicest things a person can do is say to call or email with any questions. Keep the door open. It's so appreciated.
The only thing I want to say, if you have any guilt at all about leaving, is that it's too bad that this wonderful boss and his company aren't willing to pay you a living wage for your excellent, conscientious service.
Don't feel bad -- if they were paying you enough for all your hard work you'd probably stay.
well, how wonderful are you?
sounds to me as if you're already doing way more than most would.
good luck on the job hunt!
khairete
S.
I second Mel's very well put response, P.. I'd also write your boss a letter telling him how much you appreciated working with him. Professional and thoughtful, with a "Sincerely yours" at the bottom. Don't make it syrupy, but letting him know what an effective leader he is. He can decide whether or not it would help his career to forward a copy of it to HR. And tell him privately at the end of your notice period how much you have appreciated him when you give him the letter.
Give your boss as much notice as possible. Have a schedule of when things need to be done and step-by-step procedure of how it's done. And If you know anyone who would be good in your position, give him their name and number.
Sometimes the job environment is what makes a job so precious. You could be in a job where everyone is competing for favor to the higher ups and lying and cheating and being mean.
Perhaps taking on a second part time job could help you have a bit more spending money.
Selling things on ebay isn't very productive because the hours it takes to manage the sales pages then the fees and stuff....well, a person is lucky to make $100 extra a week. My friend does this and she spends up to 18 hours per day on her sales items. It's not one of the good things to make extra money. BUT if you sew or do crafts on order then perhaps someplace like Etsy could be great for you.
Throwing a daily newspaper only takes a little while each day and it gives a steady extra income. Renting a booth in a local craft shop is not a bad idea. Going by once per month or so to dust/update the look of the booth is often all the maintenance it would need.
Editing papers for students, typing up papers for professionals, and other things you can do in the evening while relaxing after work.
I think if you have any happiness at all with this job that you need to consider what another job environment might be like. Again, sometimes the job isn't all that bad once you see what you might have instead.
If you truly want out and can't stand it anymore then get your resume out there and start going on interviews. Let your boss know before you send them out though. Here's how I'd handle it.
"Hi boss, can I talk to you a moment? I like working here and I like my job but I'm unable to make it on this income. I want to save money for retirement and build savings. I hate to leave but I want to let you know I'm updating my resume and am going to be sending it out. Just so you know what's going on if you get some inquiries as to my job history."
When you get an offer let the new employer know you will need a week or two to train your replacement at the old job. Also let your current boss know when you start interviewing for a new job. Assure your boss you will stay to train your replacement.
