Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I am in full-time employment and on a permanent contract with a good (and large) employer working a standard working week. However, lately I have been thinking about starting my own business. I have done the sums and researched the market; the new business would be both viable and interesting.
The new business would be on the side and would work well in the evenings and weekends, ie when I’m not at my usual employment. The new business is in a different industry from my current employer’s.
My contract says I need to have my employer’s permission in writing, “which shall not be unreasonably withheld”. How should I go about seeking this permission? What am I risking by asking for this? I don’t know of anybody else at work who is also running their own business.
I am not yet ready to take the leap into becoming entirely self-employed, and even if the business goes well, it’s unlikely I’ll want to quit my day job for another couple of years.
How should I approach this?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
