Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
(OP)
Hi everyone
I recently graduated with an MS. To keep my options open I applied to many jobs as well as some early applications to funded PhD programs. I got a good job offer and started working as an aerospace engineer. To be honest, I'm pretty grateful for this opportunity.
About a month into this job I received an offer/admissions to a funded PhD at a top program. I find the offer very appealing. It's important to note that I wouldn't enroll until over a year from today.
However, despite the appeal of this offer, I find this to be an ethically questionable maneuver. Is it poor form for a young engineer to work at a company for only 1 year then resign to pursue a PhD? It should also be noted that I would be interested in working for this company in the future, so offending them is not in my best interest.
I personally would be unimpressed if a young newly hired engineer left after one year to pursue a PhD. However, maybe the views of more experienced engineers here would be useful. Maybe I could give them a convincing argument.





RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Well how much does obtaining a phD mean to you, was always a goal and if you obtain one what are your plans, I mean what are you going to specialize in?
So I would sit down and write out the good and downside to going back to study and I would also include what you actually like doing and how going back to study might change that.
At the end of the day you are the only one who can decide.
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Did you tell your current employer you also applied to Ph.D. programs? That might make their acceptance of your decision better, if you have concerns about them.
Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
In the US from a legal viewpoint you're a 'at-will' employee, and the company or you can terminate your relationship at any time without notice, for just about any reason, or for no reason at all. The standard 2-week notice is more of a polite courtesy.
Since you're going back to school, you might consider giving your employer a longer notice. Good employers will appreciate it, and let you part with a glowing recommendation. However, I have seen bad employers that the moment you gave them an indication that you might be leaving, they've immediately escorted you to the door in as vindictive a manner as possible.
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
If you plan on staying with your employer for a year then I think that you AND your employer should be in on the secret. If you both can agree that it will be an acceptable arrangement, then, fine, stay and learn some, otherwise find something of a more temporary nature.
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
1 year is a tad short, but it is for good reasons.
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
I wouldn't be impressed if someone I'd just hired did this, but then, I'm an a$$hole sometimes.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Employers expect to see a high turnover of early-career employees. Obviously they do what they can to limit the turnover because it's not great for them, but it is reality. I'd talk to your boss and see if you can leave on speaking terms with him and with HR, especially if your PhD is in aerospace because you might want to go back there in a year or two.
I've left most jobs on pretty good terms and have been in a position where they'd have me back and I would consider going back. I've had one or two where they couldn't drag me back with a tow truck, and I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual. The former category is definitely the one to be in.
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Any company that would respond to you leaving to pursue a good educational opportunity with “well we would be sad to see you go but we understand you have to do what you feel is best for your career” is a company that you should be happy (and welcome) to return to. It shows that your happiness and professional development are important to them. You’re viewed as a person.
Simply put, if leaving to pursue a good opportunity would burn a bridge, it’s a bridge you should be happy to never cross again.
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Give the 2 weeks and roll. If this is what you really want to do.
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
TTFN
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RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Resigning from job after only one year? Bad idea?
Do what is in your best interest, no one is going to look after you or have your best interests at heart more than you will.