Right way to quit a job

[tractorman1234]

I have never quit a job before. I have been working at the same place for 15 yrs. It is a small company, and I run everything. I am the only full time employee, and I only see the owner every other month or so (he lives 8 hrs away). To make a long story short I can see the company folding up if I leave.

As integral as I am to the company the owner refuse to allow me any type of ownership, or long term incentives. He is a good guy and I consider him a friend but I don't think he is being fair. Anyway I have been offered another job doing the same thing except I would be making twice as much, and instantly would be a part owner in the company.


I have made up my mind to leave but am not sure what is the proper way to break it to my current boss. Call him? Set up a meeting? Mail him a notice? From what I can tell 2 weeks is the the standard notice but I just have never been in this position before.

 

[Tig]

Meet with him and thank him for the years of employment. Tell him you have to move on. If you can give more than two weeks. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Kubotasrking]

Wow, you are in a tough spot. To answer your question directly, the standard is 2 weeks notice. However, you will probably find that your owner may be more inclined to negotiate now that "demand" has drained his "supply". I wouldn't be surprised if he countered the offer.

Also, I would ensure that the prospective employer's financial house was in very good order. I might even consider requesting some sort of business review that included his general ledger and credit report. While it is tempting to jump ship because the offer is awesome, I would want to know that the company/owner is solvent prior to committing. IE, a % of nothing is still nothing.

Best of luck.

I have never quit a job before. I have been working at the same place for 15 yrs. It is a small company, and I run everything. I am the only full time employee, and I only see the owner every other month or so (he lives 8 hrs away). To make a long story short I can see the company folding up if I leave.

As integral as I am to the company the owner refuse to allow me any type of ownership, or long term incentives. He is a good guy and I consider him a friend but I don't think he is being fair. Anyway I have been offered another job doing the same thing except I would be making twice as much, and instantly would be a part owner in the company.


I have made up my mind to leave but am not sure what is the proper way to break it to my current boss. Call him? Set up a meeting? Mail him a notice? From what I can tell 2 weeks is the the standard notice but I just have never been in this position before.

 

[txdon]

I agree with Tig. Do it in person, if your position is a professional position give a month's notice if not 2 weeks notice.

 

[ultrarunner]

Straight forward and to the point... Thank him for the 3 years and let him know that it is one of the hardest decisions that you've ever had to make...

I'm sure he will understand once you explain that you are not just thinking of yourself, but also about being better able to provide for your family.

Offer assistance where you can to make for a smooth transition. Also, in the back of your mind consider what it would take for you to be able to stay in the event it comes up...

Early on I had a similar situation and asked my boss what he would do in my shoes... in my case he said it was too good to pass up. My boss left the door open if I ever wanted to come back... We are still friends to this day...

 

[randy41]

what business are you in? if your present employer offered the same deal as your new one would you stay? I would give the traditional 2 weeks notice. Don't burn any bridges.

 

[browns40]

Hi tractorman,

Tough decision...

This guy has been your boss since Clinton took office... you have been "together" for a very long time. Talk straight up with him, about the new job offer, the pay increase, the concern you have regarding your company of the last 15 years folding up, and reasons you are making the switch (any businessman will see you are having to make a change).

He may try to match the offer, threaten to close down... prepare yourself for the possibilities, and know your position. If it's to move on, then thank him for supporting you these years, and wish him luck... recommend some applicvants to check with.

If there is nothing he can do, give him at least a 30 day notice, and explain to your new employer the need for the 30 day notice is predicated by your loyalty, and desire to have a seamless transition losing their "main guy". BOTH parties will respect that.

Change is hard but nevessary sometimes. GFood luck!

 

[riptides]

Face to face. Tell him your new option. Seek counter offer, partnership, etc. etc. Two weeks notice. 15 years dosn't mean squat. Nor does your opinion that his company may fold. And you have formulated yet another opinion on what a good guy is. Sorry to be harsh, but this is business and your life.

-Mike Z.

 

[Egon]

Rather than any help just more questions .

If you switch jobs would some of the present customers go with you? Could this be a factor in being offered a new job.

Also, do you have any type of contract with your present employer? Will you have a contract with the proposed employer?

It's never easy changing jobs.

 

[ToadHill]

All this is good advice. I had a similar situation a number of years ago and I recommend you give a lot of thought to what you will say if he offers to match the new offer. In my case I declined and when he asked my why, I told him I found it strange that I was now worth X$ to him and a week ago I wasn't. If he didn't realize my value to the company without someone outside needing to demonstrate to him how valuable I was, I knew advancement in the future would not be something he would do voluntarily.