Should I tell them I'm planning to leave, even though I don't have anything sorted yet?

[hatemyjooob]

I have come to hate my job. Time for a change. I am actively looking and planning to leave at the end of the year. Haven't quite worked out what I'm going to do yet. I have a few options.

Boss just called me into her office and told me they want to start me on a big new project, starting in 3 weeks. It would mean taking me off my current project.

This is no way makes me want to stay. Project 2 is just more of the same.

but but BUT - our work supports young people and relies on building relationships. I am concerned that I would start on project 2 and then leave, and vulnerable person 2 would be adversely affected by losing me and having to rebuild trust with someone new.

If it weren't for this I would set up my plans and then put in my notice. But now I'm thinking I ought to tell boss to find someone new for project 2.

I know technically I don't have to say anything, but I have absolutely no wish to make any young person's life harder than it already is. But then.. I might not get organised and leave at the end of the year. Nothing is sorted yet!

What do you think I should do?

Nothing.

I think boss must already know something is up because
(a) it's interesting that after years working with project 1 they are planning to move me (truth is I'm burnt out),
and
(b) instead of having lots of opinions about the new project / the move I was a bit non-committal and just said I'd work wherever I was told to. Which is not like me. I was caught on the hop and am not very skilled at being untruthful.

Until you have a new job, or are actually leaving say nothing.

Can you just decline the project without giving future intentions away. Something like a domestic situation which is taking all your head space so you don't want to take on additional change at work too?

Hmm I don't know I think I would say something, even if it's not the entire truth. It would suit no one, young person or employer for you to start the project then leave. Could you say you have a lot on personally at the moment so don't want to start something new just now ?

I would normally advise to say nothing, but honestly that sounds like a situation that would be really damaging for the young person.

Is there a way to decline without putting all your cards on the table?

It's tricky isn't it.

I'm wondering if I might say that I've applied to do something and am waiting to hear if I get onto it.