Quitting after 4 months, with good reason

[Anonymous]

I need to know the best way to go about this. I started a job in February. They haven't really held up their end of how the position was supposed to work (I deal heavily with board members, and the board members are not doing their board duties, so I'm kind of stuck unable to do much). I am bored out of my mind, have enough work to maybe last me 2 hours a day, and generally unhappy.

So, I decided to go to graduate school 500 miles away. I thought I'd leave in August. Now, with the current work situation, I don't see a reason to stay and am actively interviewing in the new city this coming Friday and Monday with the expectation that I will be in the new city this time next month, making it 4 months at my present company. What is the best way to go about telling them that I am leaving? They really should just save their money and maybe get a part time person to replace me since half of my job duties never materialized. It's a nonprofit so they could even probably get away with just a volunteer.

Should I give them the full picture, including why I am unhappy at the company, or should I just play it off as I decided to go to graduate school and have to move, etc? And also, when should I do this? With moving expenses I really do need to keep working up til the end.

[Anonymous]

Your timeline makes no sense at all. Applying to most graduate programs is a long slog with tests, application deadlines and a big wait. You don't get it all done in 4 months. What's more if you leave your future job for school you will then have two very short stints on your resume.

[Anonymous]

If you have made up your mind to leave, pointing out what you don't like about the company will just burn bridges for no reason.

[Anonymous]

I don't know, I think it might be useful for the company to know that they don't need a full-time person in that position. When I leave positions, I try to give good feedback so they can improve. When I left my last job, I suggested that they should replace me with a more junior person because they could save some money and as a senior person, I was more frustrated in my job than the less-senior guy was in the same job. They did actually take my advice and hired someone with a similar background to the guy who stayed.

[Anonymous]

I am confused. You've decided since February to go to grad school in August and have applied and been accepted all in the span of 3 months?

And now you want to interview for a full-time job for while you're in grad school?

Are you SURE you were accepted into an accredited graduate program?

[Anonymous]

Why are you going to grad school? It's a hefty sum ($20-$50k) ...

[Anonymous]

It's the University of Tennessee Knoxville, so yes it is accredited. When you apply initially, you submit your goal statement and your unofficial transcripts online and your references are contacted by the school to submit their letters online. I took my GRE 3 years ago and got unofficial transcripts when I graduated, so that was all done. I submitted my application on April 9, received my conditional acceptance on April 29, and my official letter on May 18 after all my undergrad transcripts were sent. So yes, it is possible if you have all the pieces together.

Why am I going to grad school? Because I need a specialized degree for what I want to do.

The position I am interviewing for also does tuition reimbursement and is a company I have worked for before (it is global). I have worked full time since I was 17 and still graduated from college in 4 years with a 3.8 so am not worried about balancing the job and the school.

Either way, none of that is what I asked for advice on. What is the best way to let my current position know that i am leaving, and do I offer them my insight? My position came out of restructuring and was completely new when I started, so they really don't understand what to do with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's the University of Tennessee Knoxville, so yes it is accredited. When you apply initially, you submit your goal statement and your unofficial transcripts online and your references are contacted by the school to submit their letters online. I took my GRE 3 years ago and got unofficial transcripts when I graduated, so that was all done. I submitted my application on April 9, received my conditional acceptance on April 29, and my official letter on May 18 after all my undergrad transcripts were sent. So yes, it is possible if you have all the pieces together.

Why am I going to grad school? Because I need a specialized degree for what I want to do.

The position I am interviewing for also does tuition reimbursement and is a company I have worked for before (it is global). I have worked full time since I was 17 and still graduated from college in 4 years with a 3.8 so am not worried about balancing the job and the school.

Either way, none of that is what I asked for advice on. What is the best way to let my current position know that i am leaving, and do I offer them my insight? My position came out of restructuring and was completely new when I started, so they really don't understand what to do with it.

Just tell them it's not the right fit and that you are giving them X weeks notice. The end.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't volunteer the information unless you are asked in an exit interview.

[Anonymous]

Why do people feel obligated to share details at their departure? How can it help you?

Dear twatwaffles,

After not so careful consideration I have decided to pursue a graduate degree at some third tier Programme unlikely to provide adequate ROI, and must thus tender my resignation effective June 15th. I of course will be happy to carefully transition my responsibilities to other team members as you see fit and wish you and this non profit a mediocre future.

Regards,
Game of loans player #3,675,324