How do I change jobs (and move cities) like a grown up?

May 17, 2015 8:31 AM

How do I time giving notice to current boss and finding a similar job in a different city? I'm worried that If I apply for similar jobs in a different city, potential new bosses may know current boss.

I'm planning on relocating within the next year for non-work-related reasons, and I don't know how to time the whole thing. I work in a creative industry that is project based, (interactive design) and since there is no specific time that I need to relocate, I'd like to do it in a way that allows me to wrap up some of the projects I'm currently working on.

I like my current boss and colleagues, and would like to give them as much notice as possible, and when I give notice, I'd love to keep the door open for future contract work (not sure if this will be feasible). I'm worried that if I warn them now, not knowing exactly when I'll be able to move, I will be given fewer opportunities while I'm here.

On the other hand, I would feel bad if they found out about my plans from someone other than me due to my networking and looking for opportunities in what is a fairly new and small field of employment. It kind of feels like a family where I work.

We are going to be doing one-on-one's with the boss soon, which is kind of rare, and I don't know if I should mention it or not.

On top of that, The job I have now feels like the first one I've ever cared about, and is certainly the first with any potential for growth, (and after 5 years I'm still feeling like an imposter). I'm pretty stressed about finding something similarly fulfilling. (I'd love to ask my boss for suggestions. Bad idea? )

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posted by anonymous to Work & Money (3 answers total)

Telling somebody that their employee is interviewing elsewhere is pretty unethical, and does not accomplish much other than potentially endangering the job seeker's employment. Most people are aware that job searching needs to take place with full confidentiality. In the long term pulling tricks like that just hurts people's reputations; why would anyone want to work with someone who might rat them out?

I think you need to keep this as confidential as possible from your side, which means NOT mentioning it to your boss or asking for advice, unless you are OK with potentially being let go before you have a new spot lined up.
posted by pravit at 8:45 AM on May 17, 2015 [6 favorites]

Professional people will not disclose that you're job seeking elsewhere, so you should apply without fear. Don't tell your boss that you're planning to relocate until the timing is clear. I don't think it's only because you might get let go, but because it is sort of unprofessional to look like a short timer.
posted by vunder at 8:57 AM on May 17, 2015 [1 favorite]

Professional people will not disclose that you're job seeking elsewhere, so you should apply without fear.

Within the last year several people I know were accidentally outed that way -- be prepared for people gossiping and how word can get around surprisingly fast. People don't just call listed references; they will sometimes call a person they know and trust to ask about you. (There were zero negative consequences for the people I know, but it is worth remembering that privacy is not guaranteed even when it should be.)
posted by Dip Flash at 10:19 AM on May 17, 2015