What's your situation at work?

Honestly, I'm a bit taken aback by the degree of professionalism they have shown me since I informed senior management of my intentions. Though in all fairness, I work at a small 25 man shop (err 21 man and 4 woman shop!), so the people are relatively close.

After a long review last May (2009), we decided that since I already did the work of a manager, I'd be promoted officially in 2 months. It never happened. And, what followed can best be described as the old cliche of when the seniors backtrack on their word due to unknown reasons and the young "go-getter", in some misguided sense of standing up against perceived injustice, reacts in a hurt and admittedly immature fashion. We were both wrong in that exchange. Perhaps I more so than them.

It did, however, push me to apply to B-School, for which I am very thankful. The position now:
1. Senior Management knows
2. It's a secret that everyone knows
3. There is a clear expectation that I'm leaving in June (once I collect 48 months for my CFA charter)
4. My 2nd bonus in May is up in the air
5. But most importantly, no one has acted negatively towards me in any way. In fact, they have volunteered recommendations on my behalf and we still joke about how absurd it is for me to only apply to H/S/W given my precarious position as a foreign national

So, while I will hopefully be admitted to my school of choice for fall and leave; I will be doing so with great respect for my colleagues, my friends.

EDIT: Damn it. If only I could have put that much emotion in to my essays.

WOW, cleaning out your desk is fun!!!

Yes it is! (Only if you quit)

man...i got into such a **** situation at work i almost quit this week.

i had to work on sunday. then i got sick sunday night and i had to come in monday morning to do some **** that absolutely had to get done. then took monday off but worked from home. felt super sick tuesday and still had to work almost 12 hrs straight from home. all of that just so i get an email on wednesday saying my work isn't up to quality (first time i ever got that) and that more is expected of me.

went thru all day wednesday being pissed. still worked until like 10. got home super angry about not being appreciated at work and the bullshit politics in the office. though seriously about quitting. but didn't have enough balls to do so lol.

still though, i'm seriously considering it now. just gonna try to sort out a few loose ends and get my financial situation sorted out for school and hopefully an internship lined up for a summer. then quit in like march and take a vacation.

also, being that i have a good relationship with my vp, i might just ask him to lay me off and so i can collect some unemployment insurance and a severance package. that'll be sweet.

Question for all of u:

What would you do if they wanted to promote you within the next month, tons of new responsibilities, more $, and great opportunity for more face time? (the job from your perspective sounds really cool, and you would enjoy it). Caveat: they don't know you're leaving for your MBA in about 6 months

Would you:

1. Take it, and give them the 2 weeks notice when the time comes.

2. Tell them you have to leave to pursue your MBA program (assume you haven't told them yet), and you can't take it.

3. Take it, and not go for your MBA (assume you already made it into one).

Hello, my fellow Torontonian ! Sorry to hear about the horrid time youve been having at work. At least you have a light at the end of the tunnel to look forward to.

Ive heard about a few others looking for summer internships; where are you looking for yours ? In Toronto, or elsewhere ? I would be interested in potentially doing the same too, but am not sure how to get started. Maybe you can PM me and take it offline.

My boss just said he would promote me, well that is what I deserve based on years hard working. So why not?

I was offered a promotion back in Nov, but my VP and CFO both knew I was applying for schools, so the offer was conditional upon the fact that I'd agree to stay with the company for another yr or two. I turned it down with no acceptances in hand, just cuz I didn't want to commit to something I'm not going to follow thru on.

To me, the most important thing is that my VP and CFO both were supportive for me in my time here, as well as my MBA apps/references, so I wanted to be up front with them in terms of my priorities. Therefore I didn't give them any false hope/ideas. I felt like, even if I didn't get in anywhere, I'd still be okay to get another promotion (within a yr most likely), so I wasn't risking much.

the choice here is between 2 and 3. you don't want to be burning any bridges by choosing #1, especially in this economic climate.

i guess 2 and 3 is a personal choice. did you get into your top choice school? if not, then i would take the promotion and re-apply the year after. the downside to this is if you reapply, maybe your manager won't want to write you a good rec. hard to give any advice without knowing your exact situation... but definitely not choice #1

whenever I see applicants only apply to H/S/W, I cringe a little bit, but then I saw "there is a clear expectation that I'm leaving in June", I don't know what to say.

please don't get offended, but I just have seen so many applicants only focused on the top3 and ended up disappointed. And I also heard horror stories of people getting laid off because of their applying to b-school status. But again I don't know your situation, maybe you are a super star applicant I hope you get in to your dream school! It might just be good to also think about back-up plan if things don't pan out. I was in a similar situation where everybody knows that I am applying to school, but I played it pretty low-key and kept saying I might not get into any this year. Thank god it worked out...for one thing, I knew people have already started contacting my boss for my position....

So you got an internship this summer? That's awecome! Care to share some experiences?

You make a very good point. I've been playing the "Dude, are you kidding? I'm not getting into these schools. I mean come on, come on." card for a month now. The fact that I've only applied to H/S/W makes my contention more plausible. Unfortunately, for some reason, they think I'm getting in (they're far more optimistic). And the fact that my visa ends in the fall (when school would start) just adds to the chaos

But the way I left it off with my boss is "Well, there's three options really. 1. I get in and I defer for another year so that I can do a combined JD/MBA and stick around for a year. (least likely) 2. I don't get in and stick around (most likely) 3. I get in and I leave (low likelihood)". He seems to have given all three equal weighting, as opposed to my 1/100, 97/100, 2/100. My promotion chances are dead though.

Oh and trust me, I am far from your "superstar" applicant. Just a guy with a story to tell.

I'm just chasing after something I want. Whether it's possible or not, no longer matters.

ya...I guess it's hard to manage peoples' expectations...but if they all think you can get into H/S/W, maybe you have a solid shot

best of luck to you! I know how being the whole visa thing adds more complication and headaches to the whole process~ so hopefully everything will work out in the best way!

Oh I don't have a shot at all. They're just supportive and in their own way think that things will work out. Here's to hoping they're right.

At the moment I'm on a bus, speeding away to HBS' campus for a class visit in the morning. A bit late but why not check it out.

Good luck to you as well dude!

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So, how are those of you who havent told work yet planning to break the news to your boss ? I've been thinking about this recently; I figure that Im probably going to work until June, take the month of July off and do some traveling.

I want to give work a good couple of months notice to be fair to them, so it will probably be around April when I do decide to tell them, and am just thinking of how to break the news now

I'm considering that too. PBateman, any advice? it seems pretty amazing to have gotten an intern offer this early, congrats!!

Basically, one of two things is gonna happen. Your boss/employer is either gonna be very professional about it (and happy for your bschool journey), or they are gonna be the complete opposite.

Many people I've met experienced one of the 2 scenarios mentioned above and regardless of how they react, the most important thing is to keep your cool and stay professional until the last day at work. It might be hard if your employer reacts negatively to the news, but never burn any bridge. It might hurt you one way or another in the future. After all, you got into a top bschool. (In general) You need to show the professionalism. You will now be forever associated with your bschool name. Just like you wouldn't want a fellow student to damage that reputation, it is important for you to take the high road.