Need advice about leaving my current position. 2

[Tophinater]

Well, I plan on leaving my current job as an electromechanical engineer on a venture capital project and starting grad school this fall to eventually get my PhD. However, I'm having a lot of trouble leaving on good terms. I'm giving them written notice in person with my last date of employment two weeks in advance as any professional should do.

Some history:
So, Friday of last weak I talked with the company VP(its a small business), as my boss was out of town, and told him that I was leaving the company to pursue my graduate degree. After a long game of 50 questions, he said that he was upset with my decision and thought I should talk it over with my boss and that he would say nothing about it to him.

So today I go and tell my boss, I'm putting in my two weeks notice and told him of my plans. And.....well he wasn't happy. Long story short we had about an hour and half conversation about my goals and the project I have been involved in. He told me that me leaving would be a "major blow" to the project, as Im just about the only one working on it at this time. I offered that I would be willing to put in some time, probably around 10 hours a week, on the project as a couple experts have done that have worked on the project before. He told me that it wasn't good enough and said that I should continue working another year and delay my plans for graduate school. That by doing so it would be in my best interest and would be better in the long run for my career. He also basically stated that he would not accept my letter of resignation until I thought about it for at least a couple days.

Some details:
I work for a company that works for another company on a wind related venture capital project. In a nut shell, the project doesn't seem to really be going anywhere and of course funding is extremely difficult to get. While the job looks fantastic on a resume, especially for a ME strait out of school with a BSME, the project is just not what it was when I started and isn't really going anywhere. If I had confidence in the project it would be a different story but I just don't see a future in this. I would love to stay on the project and work part time but that just doesn't seem to be an option so I am forced to leave it in order further my education.

So, how do I go about leaving with out burning any bridges, or do you think thats even possible? Chances are a few years down the road while looking to do some research I am going to need this as a reference. While keeping in mind that I want to be as professional as possible, what would you suggest as a good solution to this dilemma?

 

[GregLocock]

Tricky one.

Does your boss think the project is going nowhere? Presumably not. Why is he unable to communicate this to you?

I actually sort of agree with the VP - another year makes some sense.

OTOH they WILL throw you to the wolves if push comes to shove, you have treated them professionally.





Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[MadMango]

Is this your first full-time employer?
How long have you worked there?

If you want to leave, leave. It will be one of the hardest things you will do, leaving a company that is depending on you. You have acted professionally, so no worries there. Sure there might be a few sore spots, and not finishing the project might adversely affect the company, but you have to look out for yourself. If you have been productive and a true asset, the bridge won't be burned though it may be singed around the edges.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[Tophinater]

My boss thinks this is the greatest project in the world and its going to change everything. I'm a bit skeptical obviously. Keep in mind, this project has gone on for over 25 years and not a single prototype built along with no major funding.

The reason I don't want to wait another year is that I plan on starting my career in research by the time I'm 27, I'm currently 22. I don't want to get married, have a family, and such while I'm in or just getting out of school. Not only that but assistantships are very hard to come by these days unless your a strait A student, which I am not. I worked very hard and jumped through a lot of hoops to get this opportunity. I don't want to throw it away now and just hope that perhaps I could get one in the future.

 

[Tophinater]

This is not my first full time employer and I have been there about 9 months. Why can't you edit posts on this forum?

 

[GregLocock]

Because engineers are supposed to think before they act? grins.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[MikeHalloran]

It's only been gestating for 25 years? Amateurs.

Look up "magnetohydrodynamic power generation". People have been milking _that_ cow for 50 years.

Some research projects seem to exist solely to provide a nice living for the chief researchers.

Yours may have run its course, since big outfits like GE are now seriously into wind power.

Take another look at your project, whatever it is. If you see serious money coming in within a year or two, and only one serious technological hurdle remains, _and_ you can deal yourself into the inner circle, then stay, and you can _buy_ a graduate school.

If there's more than one serious problem remaining to solve, odds are against the project's success, and you might as well continue with your transition.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[EddyC]

I wonder what would happen if they decided to lay you off and you countered that they should keep you for another year, because that would be the best for all parties involved? Think they would listen?

 

[melone]

You can afford to not work while you go back to school? Nice situation to be in.....

 

[oneintheeye]

i beleive they are pressurising you to suit their own position not yours. Do want you feel is best for yourself. I stayed around to long out of loyalty once and rgretted it. As people have said they will act in the comapnies interest because that is what they must do. When they are telling saying that your best off staying they are trying to 'sell' you something. Would you buy something thats not right for you?

 

[Tophinater]

Thanks for the advice. It seems pretty clear what I have to do. And no I cant afford to not work. I have an assistantship that gives me a monthly stipend.

Also, do you believe I should have given more than 2 weeks (willing to extend it to 3) notice? I feel a bit "unprofessional" about that even though its seems to be the standard around here.

 

[dgowans]

Tophinater,

Two weeks, three weeks - what's the real difference when compared to the year they're asking for? Nothing.

If you believe that leaving is the best move for you personally and you're being professional about the whole thing (I have no reason to believe you haven't), then you should move on and not look back. You may have a sticky situation in the future if you truly do require a reference from these people but you should easily be able to explain the situation to a prospective employer.

EddyC's point is excellent; I was going to make the same comment until I saw that post.

 

[SomptingGuy]

Burning bridges? I honestly don't think you can burn a bridge in this business. Unless it's a bridge back to somewhere you'd never want to return (like a private firm with a tyrannical owner).

Engineers move around. That's how we learn.

- Steve

 

[dvd]

With only nine months tenure one can't really expect that it should have much bearing five years from now. Lots of people have short stints at the front end of their résumé. If I were in your situation, I would leave to pursue my dreams.

 

[TheTick]

Imagine how fast you would be shown out the door if funding disappeared completely.

 

[apsix]

Unless there's some big money being offered I see no reason why you shouldn't follow the course that you have set. As you say, the opportunity may not arise again.

 

[COEngineeer]

It sounds like you need to get paid more to change your mind.

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[salmon2]

I recommend leave because your 9 monthes of experience would not count much, especially 5 years later when you got your PhD. 9-month is like an intern to me.

 

[pmover]

You are young and full of vim and vinegar. Trust me, the future will have plenty of other opportunities for you to explore.

While attending college, I had a fun and great job. I truly enjoyed the work and people; learned a lot too. I departed for more $. As time passed, I had other satisfying and enriching jobs/employers.

Only you can satisfy your thirst for happiness and change is good!

good Luck!
-pmover

 

[COEngineeer]

Although if I were you, I would have stayed at least more than a year before I quit. I would just suck it up and then move on after a year. 9 months, I wouldnt even put it on my resume.

Never, but never question engineer's judgement