Is it unprofessional to quit a job at the beginning of a new project?
I've been working at my current position for almost 9 months now. About three months in, we started preparing for a new project which got final approval about three weeks ago. This project would make up the majority of my work through April and probably May.
I complete a couple job applications here and there, solely for similar internal positions, and have been offered an interview. Has anyone here left a job just as your workload increased? I feel terrible about the idea of leaving my coworkers unsupported, especially since getting someone new trained in and approved could take a few weeks after they start the job- so the majority of this busy period- but opportunity knocks.
I'm also not sure how detrimental for me it would be to leave before the initial part of the project is complete, especially in terms of learning experience/resume. I'm typically one for seeing things through.
Is bad timing incredibly rude? Would giving notice be any different than usual? Should I give up some idea of getting recommendations from this position?
Note: I might be overthinking things a bit. I have never quit a job before, and this is my first salary job.
Thanks.
Posted Mar 10, 2014, 12:44 AM UTC
That sort of loyalty and empathy for your team is admirable, but ultimately you've got to manage your own career.
There are ways to leave on a professional note, in particular by presenting a transition plan to your supervisor.
But let's be realistic: you haven't been offered a new job yet, so don't put the cart before the horse.
I agree. That's the mentality I've been gathering from my family's response, and have been getting a better grasp on.
I do get a bit ahead of myself. On the other hand, I do like to have a plan, and as someone who detests confrontation, the giving notice is a particularly difficult aspect of my attempt to move forward.
Think of it this way: if a manager loses someone from their team at a crucial time and it causes problems for the project, it doesn't mean that person who left did something wrong. Instead, it means the manager was not making sure to compensate their employees well enough to keep them from leaving.
If your coworkers are good people they'll be happy for you and bear you no grudge.