how did you quit your previous career?

[bigredterp]

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for those who made complete career changes into medicine...how did you quit work?

esp. interested in about how you let your boss know you decided to go back to school if you worked in the corporate world beforehand...

 

[Law2Doc]

for those who made complete career changes into medicine...how did you quit work?

esp. interested in about how you let your boss know you decided to go back to school if you worked in the corporate world beforehand...

Give lots of notice and offer to help them locate and train your replacement. It's best not to burn bridges and these folks often know you best and can write a good LOR if you don't leave them in the lurch and leave on solid terms. Some will likely think you are crazy, but at least they will consider it better than having you leave to go work for a competitor. But not everybody's bosses will see it the same way.

 

[Deepa100]

Hi,
I quit in Jan. I was contemplating quitting for a few months before that. I had done my M.S part time and it nearly killed me. So, i decided to go FT this time. I told my boss-
"I am not where I wanted to be in life and I need to find my path."\
They wouldn't accept my resignation but after 3 weeks of meetings and going back and forth, I left.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Give lots of notice and offer to help them locate and train your replacement. It's best not to burn bridges and these folks often know you best and can write a good LOR if you don't leave them in the lurch and leave on solid terms.

We've had this discussion before, but I absolutely 100% disagree with this. Give two weeks notice, finish up your immediate responsibilities, and leave things in good order. People quit all the time with 2 weeks notice and don't burn bridges.

I know lots of people that were immediately fired upon tendering their resignation (2 weeks notice.) It has happened to me personally. Why give up that extra pay by quitting early and taking that risk. How companies react is going to depend upon what industry you are in, and the specific company that you work for, but I, personally, wouldn't take that chance.

Be as honest as possible when quitting -- butter them up by saying how it was great working for them and that your quitting has nothing to do with the company, people, etc, but instead with following your dreams, etc. Quitting a job with people that have been good to you is always difficult, but you're just moving on.

 

[Law2Doc]

We've had this discussion before, but I absolutely 100% disagree with this. Give two weeks notice, finish up your immediate responsibilities, and leave things in good order. People quit all the time with 2 weeks notice and don't burn bridges.

I know lots of people that were immediately fired upon tendering their resignation (2 weeks notice.) It has happened to me personally. Why give up that extra pay by quitting early and taking that risk. How companies react is going to depend upon what industry you are in, and the specific company that you work for, but I, personally, wouldn't take that chance.

Be as honest as possible when quitting -- butter them up by saying how it was great working for them and that your quitting has nothing to do with the company, people, etc, but instead with following your dreams, etc. Quitting a job with people that have been good to you is always difficult, but you're just moving on.

Everybody has to gauge they employers individually I guess, and I agree that it depends on the job -- moreso than the industry -- as I too worked in an industry where the "clean out your desk" approach was a potential backfire risk if mishandled. But I wouldn't have gotten the glowing LORs and nice farewell lunch had I given just two weeks. It took a lot longer to get someone up to speed to fill my spot, and my bosses were appreciative, and I have been able to maintain good relation with them since then, and am still able to use them as references. They would have been annoyed had I left earlier. I personally would rather forego a little salary than ruin my rep and references. But I understand your point.

 

[little_late_MD]

We've had this discussion before, but I absolutely 100% disagree with this. Give two weeks notice, finish up your immediate responsibilities, and leave things in good order. People quit all the time with 2 weeks notice and don't burn bridges.

I know lots of people that were immediately fired upon tendering their resignation (2 weeks notice.) It has happened to me personally. Why give up that extra pay by quitting early and taking that risk. How companies react is going to depend upon what industry you are in, and the specific company that you work for, but I, personally, wouldn't take that chance.

Be as honest as possible when quitting -- butter them up by saying how it was great working for them and that your quitting has nothing to do with the company, people, etc, but instead with following your dreams, etc. Quitting a job with people that have been good to you is always difficult, but you're just moving on.

I would have to agree with you here. Unless you and your employer are buddy-buddy enough that they'll let you stay through until you begin school, I would give the standard two weeks. It's a huge risk giving longer than that, as you're pretty much payroll detritus after that point. I work in the financial services sector, and it's pretty much guaranteed that you'll be gone before your two week period is up. You just pose too much of a liability.

Judge your situation, and do what is right for you. Just remember to be polite, professional, and honest. If you've worked there for awhile, these people will be a great recommendation, and if medicine doesn't work out...

 

[Filibuster]

I haven't been accepted yet either. The problem is I've got eight interviews and I don't have enough vacation/personal/sick time available to go to the them and I will not turn down ANY interview until I get accepted. I had to tell my manager what I'm up to or be considered 'M.I.A.' at work. Talk about a sticky situation. There's a very good chance I may be let go as a result, but what is one to do?

 

[mshheaddoc]

I gave 2-3 weeks notice because I'm in a field where sometimes they let you go on the spot. Luckily I worked most of the time but they let me go early as it wasn't worth it to them to have me around.

It really depends on your "job" and industry. If you are in sales, you will be let go ASAP most likely. That is the industry standard so you don't have time to get client lists, etc. I'm sure most employers would understand you were going back to school. If you have a good repetoire with them I probably would tell them ahead of time or if you need to train someone for your position.

Its really specific to your relationships and job itself. But I'd go with the standard 2 weeks for most jobs.

 

[defboy]

I was in retail-bad career if you like holidays with family-anyhow I have been trying school and work. Was not working the pressure and money on the table to move up in the company was nice...but... That was all it was-MONEY-I can make it anywhere-so I gave them my 2 weeks and was told to leave when I wanted. I stayed 12 days and left on great terms. I worked hard for them and they treated me well and understood. SO it depends on relationships sometimes.

 

[Boxsterluv]

Obviously it depends on what industry you are in, but I'm putting in a vote for giving lots of notice. My work knew that when/if I got accepted, I was leaving, and they were all 100% behind me - we all celebrated when I got the letter. I left on great terms, and I know that if I ever, for some crazy reason, need a job, I've got one regardless. I think burning bridges is a bad idea, you never know when you're going to need a favor...