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Post Info TOPIC: A bit of a pickle. Advice welcome and appreciated.
Farrah


Marc Jacobs

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A bit of a pickle. Advice welcome and appreciated.
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As many of you already know I've been accepted to grad school for the fall semester.  I plan to go at night and stay with my company until I student teach in approximately two years.

Here is the issue:  How do I tell my boss? 

My situation: I am the Assistant to the CEO and an EVP of a consulting firm.  I really like them both a lot.  Of course my CEO boss is more of a boss and my EVP boss is more like my big brother that I do favors forwink.  When I applied to grad school I asked the EVP to write me a letter because I felt more comfortable explaining my desires to be a teacher to him and I knew he would understand because his wife quit her job as a Controller several years ago and went to the same school I will be attending to get her Masters in Education.  Him and I are also total buddies and he "gets" my desires to get out of corporate America.  He knows that it just isn't me.  My other boss seems like he wants to groom me to do more here and although I am grateful I do not know how to tell him that I love working for them and I love the company (I would seriously recommend it to anyone - it is an amazing place), but my heart is not in the business world.  I tried to fight my creative and poetic being for way to long and I know that if I continue to do it I will regret it.  EVP boss says that I am nuts and that he (CEO boss) will be happy for me, but I still can't get up the nerve to tell him that I was accepted to school and I plan to be a teacher.  EVP says that he (CEO) can't expect me to want to be an Admin for the rest of my life.

Am I nuts?  How do I tell him without making him think that I am ungrateful for the opportunity that they have given me here?  I also do not want to keep it a secret because it is a big step and I am proud that I am doing it.  (Not to mention I think it would be deceitful.)

Thoughts?  He is going on vacate for a week and I would like to tell him when he gets back.

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Suasoria


Chanel

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I'm not sure my boss has the right, nor the need, to know what my career plans may be two years from now. (Or two months, to be honest. She'll get two weeks but not likely more.) If you plan on staying there another two years, and school isn't going to affect your future schedule, do you have to tell the CEO anything just yet?

Is there any chance he'd decide to replace you sooner rather than later based on this? Or that it would cause tension between you?


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sephorablue


Marc Jacobs

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I think all you can really do is stress what you told us, namely that you really love working for them and the company, but that you're planning an eventual career change. Also obviously stress that it will in no way affect your work schedule or your commitment to your job. And then I think you just have to trust that he'll be okay with it! Since he obviously values you, I daresay he will.

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joy0302


Kate Spade

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I don't blame you for wanting to tell them the truth. This is a huge step for you and there is no reason you should have to hide anything. You should just explain it the same way you did to us, that you love the people and the opportunity, but you feel your life is not in the corporate world. He should respect your desires and want what is best for you. I am sure they will hate to lose you, but in the long run they should be happy you are trying to better yourself, regardless of the fact that it is taking you in a different direction than your current company.

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kittenheels


Coach

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It's wonderful that you have found what you want to do.  I would just be as honest and forthright as possible about your new direction, and it sounds like you can honestly say that you enjoyed working for him as well.  If you have a few months before your school starts, and you want to keep working (and you think he will be ok), I would let him know as soon as you feel comfortable.

Good luck and best wishes!



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jrhampt


Kenneth Cole

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I'm with Suasoria. Your boss doesn't need to know what you plan to do in two years.

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Hermes

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-- Edited by shopchicago33 at 17:18, 2007-04-27

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Hermes

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-- Edited by shopchicago33 at 17:17, 2007-04-27

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HeatherLynn


Gucci

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I would probably just try to bring it up in a casual meeting one morning.  This is definitely a tough situation and I hope for the best for you!  When talking to him do you HAVE to tell him what you are going back to school for?  I'm assuming he will ask, but maybe a white lie is order?  Not sure if this is even an option, but since it is a complete career change maybe telling him you are going to school for something related to your current career could ease tension.  Good luck!


-- Edited by HeatherLynn at 18:18, 2007-04-27

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littlebean


Kate Spade

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I think that if you tell him what you've written here, in a casual situation where you're comfortable, that it will go very well. He sounds like he is supportive of your professional development and will understand your reasons for moving on.

I did have the concern that Suasoria and others raised -- I would just want to make sure that your job over the next two years won't be in jeopardy by telling him that you plan to leave in two years.

Congratulations on this exciting change!

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