leaving my Job advice needed

[Jim B]

After some 12 years at my current position i have dicided to take a new job at another company. Im very excited about the opportunity but i never thought it would be so hard to actually resign and leave. I guess its gough because i have been here so long and have made a lot of great relationships. Im just not 100% sure how to approach it. Anyone got any advice or stories etc.

 

[Texas Transplant]

Just ask to have some time with your manager, and simply tell him that you've decided to take another opportunity, and your last day will be . . . .



You don't really owe them anything, other than courtesy to tell them.



Tex

 

[Edward Lea.]

Go to your Boss and just tell him/her straight up you have taken another position. If he/she is a good boss they will congrats you. By the way CONGRATS. If he/she tries to lay a guilt trip on you just tell he/she "sorry you feel that way" and leave their office. You have nothing to feel guilty about. The company would leave you in a minute if it needed to. Your boss would jump at a better opportunity if possible also. Move on with good feelings you need a change anyway..... again congrats.

 

[Mike Rogers]

I am not sure if your concern is the actual 'notice' or the emotional side of leaving something that has, in essence, because a part of your life. I will share a story from the latter of the two. I was a police officer in Tennessee for many years and moved to Michigan due to my wife's job transfer. It was extremely difficult to leave my co-workers who had became my friends; even my boss and I were very close. As time went by, I have somewhat adjusted to life in Michigan, but the friendships are different... not better, not worse; just different. I make it a priority to keep in touch with everyone and my advice is still solicited from time to time; it helps. If your concern is the first of the two above, then I agree with everyone else; they (the business world) would, in most cases, be more than willing to replace you if they needed or wanted to.



Just my thoughts.

 

[Tim King]

Jim,



Congrats on the new job!! We all need to take a different direction now and then and this is your chance. I agree that your boss should be happy for you, but he/she will probably be sad for the loss. If they have any cooth whatsoever they will congratulate you and wish you well.



Tim

 

[Marty Klein]

Get yourself brought up to speed on group dynamics. Focus on "new guy on the block" matters. How you fit into the new group early on will set the stage for long term relationship--good or bad. You want to test the waters of the new group like a dainty flower testing the water poolside vice entering the group like a bull in a china shop.



Leaving is hard-period. I did it roughly every two years for 28 years. It never got easier.

 

[Rick Hale]

Congrats Jim,



Put in your 2weeks notice and go for it.



Change will keep you young and good looken.



With the way the job market is today - you are the lucky one.



I was laid off last year for 12 wks.. Man that was rough.

Finally got a job at the VA hospital in IT. Best job I've ever had.

Making new friends at work take time. I freaked them out here by saying "HI" to everyone I pass in the halls.. Now 8 months later -- know lot lots of guys and gals here.



Good Luck



Rick

 

[Jim B]

Thansk guys, Mike you pretty much nailed it but its really its a little bit of both. I have been at this job for most of my adult life so its really all i know. The reason i want to leave is i feel my career has stalled and i dont want that to happen. The job im taking is an excellent opportunity and id be a fool not to take it. I did give me notice today and that wasnt easy. My manager was sad to hear i was leaving but did wish me well and told me the door is always open if i decided i made the wrong choice. I can tell my last day is going to be a little hard because ive been there so long and its really been such a huge part of my life. One thing that will make it a little easier is the place im goign to i will be working with someone i worked with for 7 years so at least i know somebody.

 

[David Butler]

Give notice leave on good terms and don't look back

 

[Eddie Payne]

Jim, I did the same thing last August. I had been back with a company for almost 6 years, and re-connected with a lot of old friends from the past. However an opportunity came along with a small company I had done contract for while on my own. Telling the boss was tough, but he was all for me bettering myself and for taking care of my family. I was asked if there was anything they could do to keep me, but I have always been of the opinion that once a person has made that decision, I just think you would be treated differently.



Mine has been great, good luck on your move and don't look back.

 

[TrepMan]

Jim - You are doing the right thing, you need to take your career in your hands. I've left 6 companies since I got out of school in 1988, and each time it was hard. But, as other's have said, and you did, its best to leave on positive terms so IF you need to go back, get a referrence or work with the same people at another company/situation its best for all.



Good luck, and a job comes and goes, friendships are for life!



Trep

 

[Marty Klein]

Which VA Rich?

 

[Mad Kayaker]

Hey Jim B - congrats on the new job. Are you staying out near your neck of the woods or will you be coming into Boston/Cambridge? If the latter, let me know and I will meet you after work.



I think everyone prety much hit the nai on the head about leaving behind your co-workers and friends at the old job. The only advice I'd give about moving onto a new job is that god gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen twice as much as you speak. This seems to always work out when you are the new person at a job. As you get to know the poeple and your boss you can loosen up and speak up a bit more.



Hope it all works out and hoping to see you on the water! Bill, the MadKayaker