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Ask HN: How to find a better job while being employed?

• dkarapetyan 12y ago
  Why don't you just tell your employer you are looking for another job? Is your fear that they would fire you on the spot? In my experience that is an unfounded fear and most employers want to know the reasons that led you to looking for a another job to begin with so that they can work with you to fix any issues that led to your decision to look for work elsewhere.
  • ishener 12y ago
    he may not fire me on the spot, but he will definitely look for a replacement. what id he finds a replacement before i find a new job?
    • dkarapetyan 12y ago
      That's a really weird set up. You should hold your cards to your chest then and do interviews secretly by making up excuses.
• ColinWright 12y ago
  I'm one of four directors in a company with 25 employees. If one of my colleagues wanted to look for another job, I'd want to help them. That might be by making them happier in their current work, or it might be by helping them find another position in our company, or, as a last resort, helping them find a position they're happier with in another company. Absolutely I'd want to keep them, but sometimes that's not possible. Even if they leave, I'd help them remain productive, plan their exit, and control the hand-over. If finding another job is the path they'd take, I'd find a way to let people take calls and attend interviews. Obviously we'd discuss either longer hours to make up the time, or a reduction in pay, but we'd find a way to agree how it would work. If you can't talk to your current boss, moving out is the best thing to do, but the least you can do it talk to them first and give them the chance to make things better, or help you transition to a job where you're happier.
  • S4M 12y ago
    I wish all employers could be like you...
    • Gustomaximus 12y ago
      I agree! IMO I would be hesitant to tell an employer I was looking to exit. Some egotistical people may react as though it is personal to them. Also it puts you in some pressure to get a job in a reasonable time, when really you might want to take six months to find the right company and renumeration. Job hunting is best when your not 100% sure you want to leave a company vs. desperate to change. And the employer is likely to mentally write you off and you don't know if new internal opportunities will open up. While I would chat to someone if I had a long close relationship, I would err on the side of caution. As for calls and interviews, this is what voicemail is for. Call back on your breaks. People understand the situation. Also interviews can usually be done before or after work. If the new employer is not understanding it might be a sign they're not a great company to work for.
  • ozuvedi 12y ago
    you can't be real !!! If you are, then ... I don't have words to explain ...
• MalcolmDiggs 12y ago
  You'd be surprised how accommodating a potential-employer can be. Just be truthful: "I can't interview 9-5 because I have a job." If anything, that will make you more attractive. If they're eager to fill the position they'll work with you; keep in mind you're probably not the only candidate who has a job already, so it's likely that they're planning to conduct some interviews during off-hours/weekends anyway.
  • Nicholas_C 12y ago
    >"I can't interview 9-5 because I have a job." This is a little dishonest, but why not tell your employer you have a doctor's appointment or jury duty? Or just say you'll be out of office for personal reasons. Or take a day off and interview one half of the day and use the rest to relax.
    • deleted 12y ago
      [deleted]
• munimkazia 12y ago
  Most interviewers/companies understand that you work during usual work hours. That said, you should be able to step out for 15 minutes to take a call during work. If you get questioned about it, just tell them that it was an important personal call. And you could try to schedule these calls around lunch or your usual afternoon break time. You can always schedule job interviews on Saturdays. Again, most interviewers understand the circumstances and usually do hiring on Saturdays to accommodate those who are working.
• loumf 12y ago
  Not only is it possible, but it's utterly normal. As others have said, tell interviewers your constraints. Hopefully, taking a vacation day (or half day) isn't impossible at your current job. Having appointments in the middle of the day isn't unusual. Make sure all phone calls are scheduled and step out to take them.