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Did I do the right thing?

Home ▸ Archive ▸ Serious Business ▸ Did I do the right thing?
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 9, 2010 1:09 PM
Future Ms. Nate was looking for a new job. She stumbled across a few postings for a major software company around here. She said I should apply and see what I could get. So I applied, got a call for an interview within 3 days. Have not setup the interview yet.

Out of courtesy to my current employer, I report to someone who has become a close friend, I informed him that I was offered an interview elsewhere. I told him I was not actively looking for a new job and was just testing to see the opportunity. I feel as if there is more opportunity + more money for me at the other place. I love my current employer but the work is mindless and I usually spend 50% of my work day on here.

My friend/boss didn't seem happy one bit because he does not want to lose me/train someone else.

Was I in the wrong to let them know of the interview? I'm having mixed feelings for even telling them now. I know the process of higher and figured that it would be helpful for them ahead of time to know the situation instead of being caught completely off-guard by a 2 week notice.

The job may not pan out. But I figured it would be professional for me to tell them ahead of time.

Am I right?
Aug 9, 2010 1:09pm
LJ's avatar

LJ

Senior Member

16,351 posts
Aug 9, 2010 1:11 PM
You never notify your current employer until you have accepted another offer
Aug 9, 2010 1:11pm
gorocks99's avatar

gorocks99

Senior Member

10,760 posts
Aug 9, 2010 1:11 PM
I would've held off until you were further along in the interview process, preferably until you have the other job. You tried to do the nice thing, but in turn probably made your boss/friend think twice about your loyalty to the company and your commitment.
Aug 9, 2010 1:11pm
M

MontyBrunswick

Aug 9, 2010 1:15 PM
LJ;446267 wrote:You never notify your current employer until you have accepted another offer

This.
Aug 9, 2010 1:15pm
justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Aug 9, 2010 1:16 PM
LJ;446267 wrote:You never notify your current employer until you have accepted another offer

This, indeed.
Aug 9, 2010 1:16pm
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 9, 2010 1:18 PM
Yeah, I have been contemplating since Friday on what to do/say. I figured out of respect to him he would have wanted to know sooner than later. I don't see how he can think that I would be long term here. I'm overqualified (was told that during interviews), no room for promotion (only person above me is him) and the pay is average. He himself says he cannot see himself doing our job forever. I just don't think he realized that my term would come to an end so quickly.
Aug 9, 2010 1:18pm
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 9, 2010 1:19 PM
I probably thought about our friendship more than my employment and it probably wasn't the right call.
Aug 9, 2010 1:19pm
lhslep134's avatar

lhslep134

why so serious?

9,774 posts
Aug 9, 2010 1:23 PM
To answer the title in thread, no.
Aug 9, 2010 1:23pm
C

Con_Alma

Senior Member

12,198 posts
Aug 9, 2010 4:00 PM
This was a mistake.

As noted by others I would have only notified your current employer of a standing offer.

An interview appointment means nothing other than planting the seeds in your employers mind of the potential lack of stability in your employment.
Aug 9, 2010 4:00pm
thedynasty1998's avatar

thedynasty1998

Senior Member

6,844 posts
Aug 9, 2010 4:18 PM
I disagree about notifying until after you accept.

I say notify once offered, therefore you have some leverage if you are valuable enough for them to want to keep you.
Aug 9, 2010 4:18pm
C

Con_Alma

Senior Member

12,198 posts
Aug 9, 2010 4:20 PM
Yep.
Aug 9, 2010 4:20pm
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 9, 2010 4:55 PM
It has worked out into my favor so far and I'm in the drivers seat. They have offered me a management position, higher salary, and to pay towards my student loans that I have.
Aug 9, 2010 4:55pm
Apple's avatar

Apple

Prost!

2,620 posts
Aug 9, 2010 5:02 PM
As much as you want to give your employer a break, be nice by doing what seems to be the right thing, if the table ever gets turned, they will let you go in a second and even have a security officer walk you out if they have the ability to do that. They are your employer, not your friends. Sad yes, but that's life in the real world.

You need to look out for number 1... yourself, not your employer.

It looks like it has benefitted you this time. It won't always be the case.
Aug 9, 2010 5:02pm
J

johngrizzly

Senior Member

213 posts
Aug 9, 2010 5:25 PM
I love my current employer but the work is mindless and I usually spend 50% of my work day on here.

Nate,

Can I see you first thing tomorrow in my office? You may want to look into that interview more?

Sincerely,

The Boss
Aug 9, 2010 5:25pm
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 9, 2010 5:26 PM
johngrizzly;446612 wrote:I love my current employer but the work is mindless and I usually spend 50% of my work day on here.

Nate,

Can I see you first thing tomorrow in my office? You may want to look into that interview more?

Sincerely,

The Boss
Trust me. He knows I don't have anything to do. I ask him everyday if there is anything he needs me to do. You would think I would have 0 job security but I get everything done when asked so I'm not stocked up on work.
Aug 9, 2010 5:26pm
Q

queencitybuckeye

Senior Member

7,117 posts
Aug 9, 2010 5:28 PM
Nate;446577 wrote:It has worked out into my favor so far and I'm in the drivers seat. They have offered me a management position, higher salary, and to pay towards my student loans that I have.

That's great, but don't go with the false logic that a positive outcome is proof that the decision was correct. You can hit on 19 and win, but on balance, it's still a bad play.
Aug 9, 2010 5:28pm
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 9, 2010 5:33 PM
Yeah, I know. This is by far going to be the hardest decision if the interview goes well. The job I am going to interview is more of what I want to do in my career with plenty of room for advancement. My current employer is a mindless job and the only growth would be the management position they just offered me and no where else higher because I know nothing about finance.
Aug 9, 2010 5:33pm
Apple's avatar

Apple

Prost!

2,620 posts
Aug 9, 2010 7:25 PM
Maybe the next question Nate should ask the OC is whether or not he mentions to the new employer that he has been offered a management position at his current job... and if so, when does he mention it?
Aug 9, 2010 7:25pm
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 9, 2010 11:18 PM
Not going happen but thanks for being an asshole.
Aug 9, 2010 11:18pm
Apple's avatar

Apple

Prost!

2,620 posts
Aug 10, 2010 1:02 AM
Nate- I apologize if I came across as an asshole. It was not my intent to belittle you or come across as being derogatory towards you.

I seriously wonder whether mentioning that you have been offered a management position at your current job might position yourself to a better placement at the new job. If it could, then when is the best time to make that known to your potential new employer?

It's great that you have your current employer offering you more now that they know you are contemplating going elsewhere. Letting the right person know, and getting the response from the company that you did, shows you have a grasp on the game, and more importantly, they are willing to fork over extra incentives to get you to stay. You played that situation very nicely!

You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain if you can show this potential new employer that there are others who think as much of you, or not better, than they think you have.

That said, it ultimately comes down to whether you want a job that you know you have but has zero advancement or do you go to go to a new employer where you start fresh with a potentially brighter career?

If you are young, I would say move to a place where you can be challenged and not stay in a place many might describe as a dead end.

It's your choice and your life. Be happy with your decisions as you go through it... just don't forget future Mrs. Nate's anticipation of your employment status.
Aug 10, 2010 1:02am
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 10, 2010 9:30 AM
Thanks Apple. Sorry I got defensive. Yesterday was a very tough day. Future Mrs. Nate wants me to take the new opportunity and that's the way I am leaning if giving the right circumstances there. I just can't see myself at my current employer for 5+ years but I can at the potential employer. The new employer will challenge me and actually use the skill set I went to school for. The work I do now, I could have done after high school.
Aug 10, 2010 9:30am
thedynasty1998's avatar

thedynasty1998

Senior Member

6,844 posts
Aug 10, 2010 9:39 AM
I think you might be getting ahead of yourself. An interview really doesn't mean anything. If it's a big company, they are probably interviewing at least 10-15 people and then will have 2nd or 3rd round of interviews.
Aug 10, 2010 9:39am
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Aug 10, 2010 11:15 AM
I really don't think I am. I have experience with the product they make. I received a response within 2 days after sending my resume. They have LOTS of opening. I would be really shocked if I don't get offered the job. Usually I'm not that optimistic but I have a gut feeling that it will work out the way I want.
Aug 10, 2010 11:15am
J

jmog

Senior Member

6,567 posts
Aug 10, 2010 11:26 AM
You don't wait until you have accepted.

You notify when you have a standing offer with the new company.

Like was said above, at that point you have leverage, in the most professional way possible you can say that you have been offered another opportunity but you aren't sure if you are going to take it yet.

Your boss will ask questions, specifically about compensation. You can be specific or you can give generalities, it is up to you. That at least gives your current employer to match the offer.

Its what I did when i left my last place for my current one.

I was on great terms with my boss, loved the work, etc. The new place just offered me 30% more and had better benefits.
Aug 10, 2010 11:26am