Unethical?

[Leebo]

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I graduated in August. My time since then has largely been taken up by interviews/miscellaneous things that have needed to be done. I am now on the job trail and have a few very promising leads. In talking with some potential employers, I have taken the "don't ask, don't tell" approach in regards to my ultimate goal of beginning dental school in July/August. I feel bad though potentially starting a job which my employer probably anticipates me being at for some time. Disclosing my expectation to begin dental school would in my opinion likely result in the company looking in a different direction. On the other hand, I recognize that my acceptance to DS is by no means a guarantee and have to look out for myself in the event things don't work out. Should i feel bad about not disclosing my full plans or does this situation seem okay given the uncertainties of dental school acceptance and the difficulty finding a quality job in today's economy?

Sorry for rambling.

 

[DrDDSman]

Hmm, I'm assuming this is a real or semi-real full time job where there are certain expectations and responsibilities on your part? I know your dilemma but I was open and honest about my ultimate goals to my employer (who still hired me). The only thing different is that I was offered the job before graduating form college and I started in the early summer. Your situation, on the other hand, is more short term (since you don't have an offer or things) at some companies, processing paper work, training, etc etc can eat up a few months, so your time with the company will be short and that's not an investment many employers are willing to make these days. Good luck to you.

 

[FutureDent020]

I've applied and interviewed for about 5 jobs since I graduated. I told them I planned on dental school matriculation next fall. Didn't get any of the jobs because companies were hesitant to invest their time and money on me. I even told them if I didn't get in I would continue with the job and re-apply. I don't think its unethical, just a personal choice. People get screwed every day in the business world. But don't expect your employer to be happy if you get into school and drop the bomb on him.

 

[SuperTank]

I've had to deal with this problem too. I got back in May from Europe, where I had been living for a while, and had to find a job here in the good old USA. Nobody wanted to hire me because I was only going to be here for a year before moving to got o dental school. I searched craigslist and finally found a job that was supposed to last 4 months, maybe longer... well, I've been here a month and they told me yesterday they won't need me after next week... I'm being replaced by a computer. So that puts me back on the job trail. Temporary jobs are the only things I have been able to find... but I worry that that might not look good on an application if I don't get in this year and have to re-apply. Hurray for job hunting!

 

[The Anhedonia]

I was acutally in this very same situation last year. i was working as an engineer while my wife was finishing her degree, knowing full well that'd (a) we'd be leaving and (b) i'd be working towards dental school admissions back home (on the other side of the country.

it is an important ethical question to ask oneself. to me, it boils down to company utility - will they get their bang for their buck with you? are they going to have to 'train' you for up to a year for you to be viably profitable?

 

[Kneecoal]

only last week did i just start working, even though i went for my interview at the end of august! i'm working at a hospital where i was a 'seasonal' worker all through college, but now i'm in a different department. i was honest about it saying i wasn't planning on staying for very long, but they were ok with it because it was for a position that they don't expect people to make a career out of/stay forever. plus i felt i needed to tell them in case i ended up having to go on interviews and take time off of work. so if anything, if you don't tell them about your plans, think of the difficulty of trying to weasel your way out of time off to go on more interviews!

 

[FutureDent020]

ahhhh, very good point. Anyways its something you should be proud of and reflects your work ethic.

 

[porterhouse]

While I admire your sense of morality here you pretty much summed it all up in your post and this is a no brainer in my opinion. I would strongly advise you not to let a good opportunity slip away if it's within your grasp. As you stated, you can't count on the fact that you'll be going to dental school in a year. There's just no guarantee. By that rational, even if you weren't planning on going to dental school, you can't even count on the fact that you'd still be employed with this company next year. There's no loyalty, its business. Regardless of anything else you may hear or how you might feel about the situation, as an employee for any organization you are expendable. I speak from experience so trust me when I tell you to do whatever it takes to get the job. I can tell you without a doubt that if you disclose this to your potential employer your resume and application will be tossed like a bad habit.

 

[yuppers]

I can tell you without a doubt that if you disclose this to your potential employer your resume and application will be tossed like a bad habit.

Sad by probably true.