How do I hide the fact that I am looking for jobs elsewhere?

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Been in my current job nearly 2 yrs, was a great back to work job as I'd been SAHP for nearly 5 yrs beforehand.

I love the work we do (small charity) but there is no chance of progression and my direct line manager is a really challenging individual to work for.

I had an interview on Tuesday with another charity. Didn't get the job but good feedback. I told a little untruth to my line manager and said I had 'an appointment' on the day of the interview and that I would make the hours up later in the week. She didn't seem that interested in any case as she had just returned to work herself after a fairly long absence (bit complicated)

I've just found out I have another interview at another charity next Tuesday, and it's going to look a bit suss if I have another 'appointment'

Can you not just book some annual leave?

Well just take the afternoon without pay off or just ask to have the interview after work or lunchtime. How can people expect you to take time of work in your current job to have an interview - seems unreasonable?

Try and have the interview at beginning or end of the day. If you're allowed to work through lunch or make up the hours that should be fine. You could take annual leave but from experience random days off also looks a bit suspicious! Plus you'd soon run out of annual leave.

Supposed to book leave 4 weeks in advance. She's not in work tomorrow, although I am.

Is it that much of a problem to tell them? "Boss, I love working here, but as there is no opportunities arising for progression I am having a look to see if I can make the next step with another company. Dont worry, I will still give it my all when I am here, but you may get a reference request or I may have to take a small amount of time off unpaid for an interview"

Legally you are permitted leave for interviews.

In pretty much every other place I've worked Hacked I've been happy to do that, just know she will be unpleasant about it.

Think I'm just feeling a bit down about it as I've been in the office with her for last couple of days. She was off before that for nearly 2 months and things were much calmer without her there.

Just say you have an unexpected appointment and have to book AL at short notice. Can't believe you have to book leave 4 weeks in advance. What about time in lieu?

I'm part time and do have TOIL owing, the only time I tend to take TOIL or leave is to cover school holidays (2 primary aged DC)

Next up, a thread from me about how to not look like a loon at interview who's desperate for a new job because she can't get on with her boss

Thanks for your responses, I just need to not be such a wuss about this!

I know it's frowned upon but I once called in sick just for the morning. Went to interview. Then on way into work (about 11ish) took all my make up off to look I'll.

Backfired though as my colleagues looked at me all pitiful and said I looked terrible. Haha

Legally you are permitted leave for interviews

ThinkIveBeenHacked, I'm not sure where you have got this from but it is not correct in this context. Perhaps you were thinking of a redundancy situation when employees are entitled to reasonable time off to look for work attend interviews etc once they have been given notice of redundancy dismissal by the employer?

Wish people wouldn't make statements about the legal position without the knowledge to back it up. There is no entitlement to time off for interviews unless the person is under notice of redundancy, as Nydj says.

OP does it actually matter hugely if your boss gets suspicious?

It might even help to tell her.

In my experience, hinting to my boss I was thinking of leaving was always a good staring point for a pay rise and promotion discussion.

If an employer doe snot respond to an employee saying they are looking for another job then that is a signal they are not interested whether you stay or go then I suggest that is a good signal to get another job anyway.

MoreBeta thing is the main reason I want to leave is because of my working relationship with her, and that's not going to change. I've lasted longer than my predecessor, who left after 9 months (boss had decided she was 'stupid' and wasn't shy about letting her know). One of my colleagues, who was on my interview panel, told me when I first started in the job that one of the reasons I was offered the job was because they thought I could 'stand up' to my boss, who is known for being difficult.

I have raised concerns about her behaviour several times in the last year and nothing has changed, that's just 'how she is'.

I spoke to boss's line manager today and have told her about the interview, she was supportive. She said that they would be sorry to lose me but understands my position. I have also sent a brief email to boss saying I will be on leave on Tuesday and apologising for short notice.

Phew, that was long.

This situation has been hanging over for me so long and I just feel rather exhausted. .

I think you've handled it really well. Good luck.

Thanks ilovesooty, trying to get into a calm frame of mind for tomorrow now

Good luck Rhinestone, I know from bitter experience that working with a difficult manager can make life very hard, and ruin an otherwise enjoyable workplace (managed to escape last year!!)

Interview done & dusted. Put all my energies into looking calm and relaxed

Good to know things worked out for you JellyQuivvers, shows there is hope!

When will you hear?

Today if good news I think.

Didn't get it

Back to the search...

So sorry to hear that - keep going, the right role is out there!

Thanks Timeforabiscuit I'm going to have a little weep and then go and get DC from school.

I have another thread going about doing Art Foundation course, maybe the universe is trying to tell me something...

Really sorry. Hope something good comes up for you. Onwards and upwards.