Leaving my job

[Apparition]

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Hi guys. It's my first post on the nontrad forum, it seemed like the most appropriate place.

When I started pre-med in my third year of undergrad, I had already done a couple of internships (in technology/business) that felt exactly like the movie "Office Space." Although it wasn't a major factor in my decision, these internships definitely motivated me to work harder towards a meaningful career (medicine).

Now I've been out of school for 2 years during which I worked full-time. Six months ago, I started a job that I now really enjoy. Last week I was accepted to medical school and I have 1 month to move my life to another city. I'm very excited (and lucky) to finally be working towards my dream, and at the same time I'm really sad about leaving work (and a little scared). It's not even that well paid just sort of fun, and it would be interesting to see where things would go.

I don't know exactly what this post is supposed to accomplish. I guess hearing about similar experiences would help. I've read about nontrads leaving behind well-paid jobs that they hate so my situation is a little different.

I also don't know how to tell my boss (the job in non-medical so he has no idea - at all). Of course it would be better to give longer notice but I just can't bring myself to quit.

So there's no question in this post...but what do you guys think? Am I crazy?

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Don't give more than 2 weeks notice -- it could backfire and you could be fired on the spot. Just be sincere when you give your notice. Say that you really enjoyed working there, but your lifelong dream was to go to medical school. You could throw in something like "The fact that you guys have been so good to me here has made my decision that much more difficult...."

Changing jobs is always tough. Changing careers and going to medical school is even tougher.

Best of luck to you,

Jota

 

[chrisjohn]

Be glad you had a cool, well paying, job. Some of us are leaving neither.

 

[Sporky]

Congrats on your tremendous success!!!!

Here's what you should tell your boss:

Your uncle, thrice removed, who was the wealthy inventor of that green grass-like substance which goes into the bottom of rodent cages, recently died in a terrible gardening accident and his last dying words were, "If only I knew someone who would someday be a doctorrrrrrrr......." and then he expired, clutching in his leather-gloved hand a crumpled note, which read: "To whom it may concern. Should the person bearing this note be accepted to medical school , and graduate before 2011, She or he may present this letter to the First Trust Bank of Grand Cayman, and thereby receive my entire estate."

After many late-night telephone calls, weeping and gnashing of teeth, the burden of attending medical school in order to secure your family's inheritance, fell upon you. You didn't want this burden, but in order to honor the memory of your departed uncle and his vast fortune, you will shoulder the burden and march onward. However, the only available space requires that you leave immediately, which doesn't even leave time for you to wax your car properly. You should, at this point, elicit a small tear and placing your hand upon your superior's shoulder, lean in and say, "Please tell me you can understand?"

Then, once you have your severance check in hand, skip off to the parking garage, and drive through the Starbuck on the way home!

(Don't worry, I usually charge for such advice, but on this forum - its free!)

 

[RxnMan]

Congrats on your tremendous success!!!!

Here's what you should tell your boss:

Your uncle, thrice removed, who was the wealthy inventor of that green grass-like substance which goes into the bottom of rodent cages, recently died in a terrible gardening accident and his last dying words were, "If only I knew someone who would someday be a doctorrrrrrrr......." and then he expired, clutching in his leather-gloved hand a crumpled note, which read: "To whom it may concern. Should the person bearing this note be accepted to medical school , and graduate before 2011, She or he may present this letter to the First Trust Bank of Grand Cayman, and thereby receive my entire estate."

After many late-night telephone calls, weeping and gnashing of teeth, the burden of attending medical school in order to secure your family's inheritance, fell upon you. You didn't want this burden, but in order to honor the memory of your departed uncle and his vast fortune, you will shoulder the burden and march onward. However, the only available space requires that you leave immediately, which doesn't even leave time for you to wax your car properly. You should, at this point, elicit a small tear and placing your hand upon your superior's shoulder, lean in and say, "Please tell me you can understand?"

Then, once you have your severance check in hand, skip off to the parking garage, and drive through the Starbuck on the way home!

(Don't worry, I usually charge for such advice, but on this forum - its free!)

I've been watching "The Avengers" lately and this post could have been lifted from one of John Steed's lines.

Anyways, OP, I told my boss from day one that I wanted to be a doc. He knew, all of my co-workers knew - they were supportive when I told them I'd be leaving for med school. What Jota said is good - you may get screwed. You also may get screwed by a boss when you leave sooner than expected. Granted, it may not be a big hit to your career if you're, say, a botanist. But if your current job is something in the medical field, (say, a research assistant at State University Hospital,) you might want to tell your boss now, especially if you want to come back to the state for residency.

 

[Learfan]

This is going to be cold but get used to it.

Your best course of action is to work until your last planned day when a paycheck will be handed out, get your check, clean out your desk that day and submit a simple letter of resignation with no explanation of any kind. Then quickly leave the premises with your stuff. If you give two weeks notice, they will most likely just terminate you on the spot cutting short your ability to get two more weeks of legitimate pay. Most employers treat employees who plan to leave like dirt. Sorry for the cold hard attitude but that is what happens in the real world.

Leave on your own terms with the most pay in your pocket possible.

Hi guys. It's my first post on the nontrad forum, it seemed like the most appropriate place.

When I started pre-med in my third year of undergrad, I had already done a couple of internships (in technology/business) that felt exactly like the movie "Office Space." Although it wasn't a major factor in my decision, these internships definitely motivated me to work harder towards a meaningful career (medicine).

Now I've been out of school for 2 years during which I worked full-time. Six months ago, I started a job that I now really enjoy. Last week I was accepted to medical school and I have 1 month to move my life to another city. I'm very excited (and lucky) to finally be working towards my dream, and at the same time I'm really sad about leaving work (and a little scared). It's not even that well paid just sort of fun, and it would be interesting to see where things would go.

I don't know exactly what this post is supposed to accomplish. I guess hearing about similar experiences would help. I've read about nontrads leaving behind well-paid jobs that they hate so my situation is a little different.

I also don't know how to tell my boss (the job in non-medical so he has no idea - at all). Of course it would be better to give longer notice but I just can't bring myself to quit.

So there's no question in this post...but what do you guys think? Am I crazy?

 

[Apparition]

This is going to be cold but get used to it.

Your best course of action is to work until your last planned day when a paycheck will be handed out, get your check, clean out your desk that day and submit a simple letter of resignation with no explanation of any kind. Then quickly leave the premises with your stuff. If you give two weeks notice, they will most likely just terminate you on the spot cutting short your ability to get two more weeks of legitimate pay. Most employers treat employees who plan to leave like dirt. Sorry for the cold hard attitude but that is what happens in the real world.

Leave on your own terms with the most pay in your pocket possible.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice! Learfan, you're probably right. Employees aren't given any notice when they are laid off. It's just that in this particular company/job, I feel like I'm sort of leaving them hanging. I am pretty sure that I won't get terminated on the spot because there are still a lot of things I have to finish here that they need. I'm actually thinking of asking to freelance a bit while I'm in med school. I don't mean to whine, I know that I'm lucky to be in this situation but it's just feels so weird and unnatural to quit a job you like.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I disagree and think you should really give your two weeks notice just because you don't want to burn bridges. You never know when you might need a reference, and it sounds like this job would be a good one. Some employers might fire you, but that's not the norm. Personally, I have a one month notice and was glad to do that. It made my life easier that people knew I was leaving -- I actually got away with doing less work. Believe me, if you're busy, your employer will not shoot themselves in the foot by firing you on the spot because they'd rather you work for those remaining two weeks. I'm not saying you owe your employer much of anything, but I do think you owe them the industry courtesy of two weeks, especially since you like the job and the people.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Thanks, everyone, for the advice! Learfan, you're probably right. Employees aren't given any notice when they are laid off. It's just that in this particular company/job, I feel like I'm sort of leaving them hanging. I am pretty sure that I won't get terminated on the spot because there are still a lot of things I have to finish here that they need. I'm actually thinking of asking to freelance a bit while I'm in med school. I don't mean to whine, I know that I'm lucky to be in this situation but it's just feels so weird and unnatural to quit a job you like.

While I don't necessarily disagree with anything that Learfan says (I've worked at a corporate job for 10+ years, and have seen more layoffs, firings, people quitting, etc that I can count,) I would give 2 weeks notice. Quitting without notice will surely burn bridges that you might want to take advantage of during med. school. Also, while getting walked after quitting definitely does happen (it has happened to me personally, but the company DID pay me for the 2 weeks) it is not THAT common, and depends upon the particular field that you work in.

Your feelings are normal, and the possibility of doing freelance/contract work while in or during breaks in medical school is an idea that I have also had. That's why, IMHO, it would be important to not burn bridges. Like I said before, when you quit, let them know how hard the decision was for you, and how you appreciated everything that they did for you. I maintain very good relations with nearly everyone from jobs that I quit (except for my former boss that walked me.) Most people will understand where you are coming from.

Best of Luck,

Jota

 

[chopstick1]

I disagree and think you should really give your two weeks notice just because you don't want to burn bridges. You never know when you might need a reference, and it sounds like this job would be a good one. Some employers might fire you, but that's not the norm. Personally, I have a one month notice and was glad to do that. It made my life easier that people knew I was leaving -- I actually got away with doing less work. Believe me, if you're busy, your employer will not shoot themselves in the foot by firing you on the spot because they'd rather you work for those remaining two weeks. I'm not saying you owe your employer much of anything, but I do think you owe them the industry courtesy of two weeks, especially since you like the job and the people.

she's right, if you have a good relationship with your boss you can say you're leaving for medical school and leave a 2 wks notice. that way they have a chance to get a replacement and you're leaving on good grounds. either way do it professionally, it covers your back (legally) and if they want to fire you early.....just reply "see ya, I am going to med school"

 

[barasch]

Most supervisors will recognize the two weeks notice as a courtesy and will not fire you on the spot.

Having said that, do NOT give more than two weeks notice. A guy I worked with once gave three months notice and then wouldn't do any more work after giving his notice.

I regret like hell not firing him immediately.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

While I don't necessarily disagree with anything that Learfan says (I've worked at a corporate job for 10+ years, and have seen more layoffs, firings, people quitting, etc that I can count,) I would give 2 weeks notice. Quitting without notice will surely burn bridges that you might want to take advantage of during med. school. Also, while getting walked after quitting definitely does happen (it has happened to me personally, but the company DID pay me for the 2 weeks) it is not THAT common, and depends upon the particular field that you work in.

I agree that you don't need to give more than two weeks. I did, but I also knew that my employer wouldn't sack me immediately. It worked for my individual situation, but it's probably not generally the right approach.

My sister had the same situation as you where she gave her two weeks notice, and they told her she could just quit working but that they'd continue to pay her for that period. That sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

 

[mshheaddoc]

It also depends on the type of job. Usually if you are in sales or a high turnover industry the moment you hand in your letter, you are done. Most will pay through the 2 weeks though. But I feel the OP's pain. I finally figured to give my 2 weeks notice and they let me work almost until the end of my 2 weeks. They paid me for up to the timeI said I was quitting though.


DO NOT just quit and give them a letter. That is VERY unprofessional and you might need the reference down the road. Usually employment references won't matter and since you didn't work for longer than a year I'm sure they don't know you too well but I guess I have more professional ethics for the two jobs that I had to quit.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

I agree that you don't need to give more than two weeks. I did, but I also knew that my employer wouldn't sack me immediately. It worked for my individual situation, but it's probably not generally the right approach.

My sister had the same situation as you where she gave her two weeks notice, and they told her she could just quit working but that they'd continue to pay her for that period. That sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

At the end of the day, it WAS a pretty sweet deal. I had the foresight to pack up and move out all of my personal belongings before giving notice (the companies that I have worked for lock up your office and send you your stuff months later after you quit.) Once I got over the embarrassment of being escorted out by security (which really didn't take that long,) I realized that they were paying me to sit around and do nothing for 2 weeks (+ my unused vacation.) My wife and I went on a last minute Alaskan cruise, because I wasn't set to start my next job for about a month (I had given myself 2 weeks off beyond my 2 weeks notice!) Sometimes you just have to love corporate logic.

 

[cfdavid]

Hi guys. It's my first post on the nontrad forum, it seemed like the most appropriate place.

When I started pre-med in my third year of undergrad, I had already done a couple of internships (in technology/business) that felt exactly like the movie "Office Space." Although it wasn't a major factor in my decision, these internships definitely motivated me to work harder towards a meaningful career (medicine).

Now I've been out of school for 2 years during which I worked full-time. Six months ago, I started a job that I now really enjoy. Last week I was accepted to medical school and I have 1 month to move my life to another city. I'm very excited (and lucky) to finally be working towards my dream, and at the same time I'm really sad about leaving work (and a little scared). It's not even that well paid just sort of fun, and it would be interesting to see where things would go.

I don't know exactly what this post is supposed to accomplish. I guess hearing about similar experiences would help. I've read about nontrads leaving behind well-paid jobs that they hate so my situation is a little different.

I also don't know how to tell my boss (the job in non-medical so he has no idea - at all). Of course it would be better to give longer notice but I just can't bring myself to quit.

So there's no question in this post...but what do you guys think? Am I crazy?

It's completely natural to feel conflicted about such things. It sounds like your employer has been good to you, and you mentioned liking your work.

I'd prepare a letter of resignation, and set an appointment with your immediate supervisor/boss (follow the chain of command). Explain to them in person, as you have in your letter which you will personally hand them, how much you enjoyed the job etc. etc. and that you appreciate your employment with the company etc.

Explain that you have to pursue your dreams, and that due to the competitive nature of getting in, you neither wanted to say anything to anyone (for lack of knowing for sure), as well as being a contributing factor for a less than ideal notice (since you found out at the last minute).

Go out with pride, and realize that leaving a job that you don't hate (or dislike your management) is always tough. Especially if you're a loyal person.

But, you have 1000 plus posts on the student DOCTOR network, and you know what you need to do. So, just do it. But, I empathize.

Also, congratulations on your acceptance!!!!!!!!!!! 👍

 

[kia ora]

giving two weeks' notice is the proper thing to do. give more if you feel it will be well received (and won't penalize you). I resigned my job recently and gave about five weeks' notice. my employers were glad to have that much notice. and they would've been completely receptive to having me continue to work for a few more months, knowing I was going to quit.

people leave jobs all the time. if your employer retaliates against you for leaving (terminates you on the spot) it reflects badly on your employer, not on you. and what difference does two weeks' pay make in the long run?

 

[Learfan]

Sorry to tell you this but the company does not care. They will just find a new peon to do the job while you are out on the street with two weeks less pay than you could have earned. I have been involved with several situations where employees were told upon arrival Monday morning that they no longer had a job, they had one hour to clean out their desks and then security escorted them off the premises. In some cases, employees were notified upon arrival on Monday morning that their desks had been cleaned out for them and they could pick up the box at personel as security escorted them off the premises.

Do what you feel is best but I can assure you that many people who try to leave a job under what they pervieve as honorable circumstances by giving two weeks notice wondered what happened as they were placed out on the street by security. You will not be burning any bridges since you are going into a new industry. I used that fact to my maximum advantage when I departed my last employer for med school.

Good luck.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice! Learfan, you're probably right. Employees aren't given any notice when they are laid off. It's just that in this particular company/job, I feel like I'm sort of leaving them hanging. I am pretty sure that I won't get terminated on the spot because there are still a lot of things I have to finish here that they need. I'm actually thinking of asking to freelance a bit while I'm in med school. I don't mean to whine, I know that I'm lucky to be in this situation but it's just feels so weird and unnatural to quit a job you like.

 

[cfdavid]

What you say may be true. But, two wrongs don't make a right. It's always best to go out with class and not to burn bridges. People remember stuff like that.

 

[Learfan]

Grow up and join the world of adult business. Its real ugly out there.

I left my previous job on terms that maximized the advantages to me. The people at my previous employer can all go pound sand as far as I am concerned. I was changing industries so burning bridges simply did not matter. It was going to happen anyway. My old job was slowly disappearing from the economy so I did what helped me the most. That is the right thing to do. Remember, always take care of number one. No one else will, least of all your employer who considers you only as an expendable commodity.

What you say may be true. But, two wrongs don't make a right. It's always best to go out with class and not to burn bridges. People remember stuff like that.

 

[Law2Doc]

Grow up and join the world of adult business. Its real ugly out there.

I left my previous job on terms that maximized the advantages to me. The people at my previous employer can all go pound sand as far as I am concerned. I was changing industries so burning bridges simply did not matter. It was going to happen anyway. My old job was slowly disappearing from the economy so I did what helped me the most. That is the right thing to do. Remember, always take care of number one. No one else will, least of all your employer who considers you only as an expendable commodity.

Giving notice is customary in a lot of industries, notwithstanding that it may sometimes result in you being out the door quicker than you'd like. You will find that you may need to get references from prior employers or utilize them as contacts, and they often remember it very negatively if you left them in the lurch. At my last job, I spent weeks putting things in order and training my replacement after giving notice, and have reaped significant benefits from the good impression I created. Don't burn bridges, at least not until you are sure you won't need to cross them again.

 

[cfdavid]

Grow up and join the world of adult business. Its real ugly out there.

I left my previous job on terms that maximized the advantages to me. The people at my previous employer can all go pound sand as far as I am concerned. I was changing industries so burning bridges simply did not matter. It was going to happen anyway. My old job was slowly disappearing from the economy so I did what helped me the most. That is the right thing to do. Remember, always take care of number one. No one else will, least of all your employer who considers you only as an expendable commodity.

I've got 10 years experience in the business world dude. So, careful what you say. But, thanks for exposing your insecurities.

I'm not going to spend any more time with you. It's obvious that you have a losing attitude. You've allowed one or two bad employment experiences to polarize your entire viewpoint. And I just don't have the time or energy to set you straight.

You'll quickly find yourself alienated on these boards with that kind of negativity, and frankly immaturity.

 

[cfdavid]

Giving notice is customary in a lot of industries, notwithstanding that it may sometimes result in you being out the door quicker than you'd like. You will find that you may need to get references from prior employers or utilize them as contacts, and they often remember it very negatively if you left them in the lurch. At my last job, I spent weeks putting things in order and training my replacement after giving notice, and have reaped significant benefits from the good impression I created. Don't burn bridges, at least not until you are sure you won't need to cross them again.

I agree 100%. I did the same. And regardless of the advantages of not burning bridges (The president of my company wrote me a really good LOR), it's always the way to go by taking the high road (as you know Law2Doc).

 

[jackieMD2007]

Hey Apparition!

I know how you feel. Quitting your job totally and completely feels like breaking up with a boyfriend. Whether it is "foolish" or not, you care about your job and your boss and don't want to leave them hanging. This is because you have a good heart.

Now. I would put in your 2 weeks when you can, explain that you have to move to a new city to go to medical school, etc. Make it short and sweet. Let them (sincerely) know how hard of a decision this was for you.

You can be a cynic about it and give no notice, but I don't think you are that way. And it sounds like you have at least an OK relationship with everyone at work. 🙂 Hang in there.

I can't wait to leave my job when I get an acceptance. I really need this cycle (my first) to work out! Woo.

 

[mich79]

Sporky you are something else. thats was funny. Of course severing ties at work etc is often times hard, you never wuie find the right thigs to say but in the end you gotta do what you gotta do for you and no one else.

Congrats on your tremendous success!!!!

Here's what you should tell your boss:

Your uncle, thrice removed, who was the wealthy inventor of that green grass-like substance which goes into the bottom of rodent cages, recently died in a terrible gardening accident and his last dying words were, "If only I knew someone who would someday be a doctorrrrrrrr......." and then he expired, clutching in his leather-gloved hand a crumpled note, which read: "To whom it may concern. Should the person bearing this note be accepted to medical school , and graduate before 2011, She or he may present this letter to the First Trust Bank of Grand Cayman, and thereby receive my entire estate."

After many late-night telephone calls, weeping and gnashing of teeth, the burden of attending medical school in order to secure your family's inheritance, fell upon you. You didn't want this burden, but in order to honor the memory of your departed uncle and his vast fortune, you will shoulder the burden and march onward. However, the only available space requires that you leave immediately, which doesn't even leave time for you to wax your car properly. You should, at this point, elicit a small tear and placing your hand upon your superior's shoulder, lean in and say, "Please tell me you can understand?"

Then, once you have your severance check in hand, skip off to the parking garage, and drive through the Starbuck on the way home!

(Don't worry, I usually charge for such advice, but on this forum - its free!)