Q: Should you tell co-workers that you plan to leave your job? Is it different if you don't have anything lined up versus having scored a job interview with another company?
As with most relationships in the office and in life, it all boils down to trust. Is your co-worker a colleague who has your back?
Your gut feeling can speak volumes. If you have any doubts, you're better off not sharing your plan.
Even if you've scored a job interview with another company, that's not the same as formally accepting a solid job offer. To be on the safe side, that's the point at which you should share the news, but only after you've given notice to your boss. Word can spread inadvertently, even among well-meaning colleagues.
Letting your co-workers know about a successful job interview can jeopardize your current position, references and even your reputation if you're not careful.
Keep in mind that even after you've received a formal offer, the negotiation process can break down. And then you may be in a lose-lose situation if you've broadcast your impending departure prematurely.
_ Lynn Taylor, human resources expert, speaker and author
It's never a good idea to tell your co-workers. Many of them will likely assume you're not going to do your fair share if you've already got one foot out the door.
It's best to keep that information to yourself until you've put in your notice.
For example, if the boss approaches your co-worker to talk about a project he wants the two of you to work on together, your co-worker may be put in a tough spot since there's a good chance you won't be employed long enough to see the project through.
And if you are in a rare situation where it would be acceptable to tell your boss you're looking for a new job, tell him or her first.
Besides, you never know what might happen. You might struggle to land a new job. Or, you might find that other organizations can't offer you enough money or perks to justify leaving.
_ Amy Morin, psychotherapist, speaker and author of "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do"
