Open Question: Loyalty And Transparency In The Workplace And Professional Relationship: How Far Should It Go?
Ask the collective
Dear Elsa,
I’m all for honesty and transparency — maybe a bit too much. Another company wants me to interview for a job later this month.
My present employer has been very accommodating about some recent health problems. Above and beyond.
Loyalty is a big deal to me so I feel obligated to tell my present employer that I am thinking of leaving & that I am looking around.
Wants To Do The Right Thing
United States
Dear Wants, If there is nothing they can do to make you stay, I would probably not say anything as everyone is going to be uncomfortable the minute you do. When you quit a job you become an outsider and though I would feel exactly as you do, I would consider the fact it may take me awhile to find another job and meanwhile the good relationship you have with your employer would probably be degrading because you are rejecting them, see?
As for their kind treatment, if you are considerate enough to think of this at all, I am sure you have expressed your gratitude and you can do this again, sincerely and effusively when you quit and give notice. Between now and then, just do a good a job.
I know this is a flawed answer. I really don’t think there is a clear right and wrong, but this is how I would (painfully) handle it as I think it is in everyone’s best interest because it condenses/limits the suffering for all where as telling them ahead… well it is just too open-ended.
What do others think…
12 Responses to “Open Question: Loyalty And Transparency In The Workplace And Professional Relationship: How Far Should It Go?”
Having worked in recruiting and human resources, I’d suggest not saying anything until you have a solid job offer (not just an interview opportunity) that you’re seriously considering accepting. While many companies pride themselves on their professionalism, they also understand that discontent employees are a liability — when you’re known to be looking for another job, it’s assumed that your work is going to suffer because you’re not happy there.
If you’re in a situation where you like your current employer but your current job position isn’t fitting you right, you might want to explore the discussion with them that you’d like to advance in the company…this gives them a heads up that you’re looking to improve your situation, but doesn’t scare them with the notice that you’re thinking about leaving.
I agree with you that loyalty is important, but if you announce too early (i.e. when you’re just thinking about leaving rather than when you have a solid opportunity in hand), I’m afraid it may backfire on you and they’ll perceive you as less than loyal.
Good luck.
I just looked at the chart of Ms. Wanting-To-Do-The-Right-Thing and noticed that she just had a New Moon conjunct her natal Moon in the 6th at 3° Gemini. She probably feels the new job coming her way, just like when you see a wave coming and its exciting and there is no turning back.
I just wanted to remind Ms.WTDTRT that her company and supervisor probably did not just have this New Moon transit on their natal Noon, so they are on a different page. In fact they might have Saturn on the Moon or Neptune on Mars or whatever and they are trying to get things to be different.
The reason I say this is so that Ms.WTDTRT can channel her natal and psychic Mercury in Scorpio conjunct Neptune about the depth of life, somehow not burning the bridge by really putting herself in their shoes, while conserving her resources. Its tricky, but she can do it, we can be sure.
I don’t believe it is an ethical violation to look for another job without mentioning it to the current employer. I think it is simply understood that it is the way things are done (for all of the reasons above). I doubt that your supervisors would mention it to their supervisors if they were looking for another job. While people may be sorry to see you go when you do go, they will probably understand and support you if you give them fair notice.
Don’t say a word until you’ve got the job offer in hand and plan to take it. Loyalty with jobs in this day and age only lasts so far and so long, and as other people have pointed out, you will no longer be the golden girl once you tell. Don’t do it!
I personally would not say a word until I had made a decision and was ready to give notice. I would, however, continue to do the best job I could and continue to express appreciation for your current company’s willingness to work with your health issues.
I don’t consider that disloyalty. You are in a business relationship; it’s not like you’re cheating on a lover or something. Maybe the moon in the 6th adds an emotional/familial feeling about your employer?
If your employer had decided, for business reasons, they needed to replace you or eliminate your position, they would not share the info with you until it was a done deal. It would disrupt the work environment. The same goes with giving notice. As soon as you do, it’s like you aren’t a part of the group anymore, and everything changes.
I’m like that about work, though. I feel like a person owes an employer job well-done, but not remaining longer than it’s mutually beneficial, and not an extended breakup…
Good luck!
Rather than tell your boss that you’re thinking about leaving, how about sitting down with him/her and sharing your concerns?
You don’t have to say that you’re thinking about moving on… if you share your concerns and give your boss a chance to respond, that’s all s/he can ask for.
Thanks everyone. I’ll keep my mouth shut. 
I have a job interview later this month - it’s in higher ed so it will last 2 days. Sheesh.
goddess — yes and I have moon / saturn so work is important to me because I get a lot out of it but yeah there is probably some muddying of the waters there too.
Good luck on your interview, BE!
Dear Right Thing:
Mars -X pure survival instict talking here: You have not some moral duty with your employer, except those of your job.
Your obligation is with yourself, your segurity integrity and the security of your family.
I forgot it:God Luck!!!!!
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I agree with Elsa on this.
I injured my foot while working retail and after a few months it became apparent that I wasn’t going to be able to go back to full-time because of the injury. I started looking for another job and told my managers so, expressing my regrets and letting them know that I would give them full notice before I left. From that day forward, although my work performance was the same (and had been praised before), my managers started picking apart my every move and effort. Finally I got tired of it, told them to shove it, and quit.
In hindsight, I should’ve just kept my mouth shut and will if the situation ever comes up again.