For (future) cadet candidates with jobs

[gisginy]

Long story short, I was accepted to WP and decided to notify my manager of my eventual departure. We have a relatively small team and I really enjoy working with everyone, so I decided to tell her more than the standard 2 weeks in advance so she could take steps to plan or whatever to avoid scrambling to find someone. Trust me, it's not fun working long hours because your work is understaffed. And, frankly, I've worked there for a couple years and wanted to leave on good terms as much as possible.

Well, I feel like everyone is now turning on me and being sour, especially the manager. What was once an enjoyable job has become dreaded...to the point of crying after work. I don't regret my decision on the grounds that I did it out of consideration, but it's definitely not a pleasant feeling hating going into a job you once liked. If this was how I was going to be treated, hey maybe two weeks should've been my timing.

I've tried to look at the situation from my manager's perspective, but it's not like I'm leaving for another job. I'm leaving to attend school. I don't know what else I could've done to alleviate the consequences of my departure.

Perhaps some people might tell me I was the stupid one for putting myself in this situation. I don't know. Point being, if you're a cadet candidate with a job that you're going to leave, don't underestimate the importance of the timing of your leave notification.

 

[tug_boat]

Two things here:
1. Conflict resolution is a skill that must be mastered as an Officer. Do not let your emotions cloud your vision to be professional about your goals and intentions. When you leave, it will be their problem not yours. You gave them plenty of warning. Your goal is time sensitive better now to resolve this early than later.

2. You are not leaving to "school". You are leaving for your career. Embrace it. Remember your past lessons on conflict resolutions and not all out comes will be touchy feely fireworks going off kinda thing.


You've worked hard for your goals and won the opportunity to attend West Point. Think clearly, act decisively! If they don't understand your last day will be on this date then thats their issue isn't it.

Push Hard, Press Forward

 

[MilitaryMama]

OK - as a Mom, I'm going to chime in.

You've done your due diligence and acted incredibly responsibly and professionally. You can not control the emotions/reactions of other people, just YOUR response. Do NOT let this person ruin your joy during this time. It sounds like this manager has issues, and unfortunately not demonstrating what good leadership is.

So, what can you take from this? Keep your head high. Do what you said you are going to do. Do your job well and stay out of the drama - refuse to be brought in. Learn from this; as a leader, you build up your team even when there are challenges, and you celebrate a team member's success - even when they leave (which will happen often in the military). I would try your best to finish out your time there - but let's be honest. You will not be returning to this job, and this job will have relatively little impact on your future at USMA or what happens after you graduate from there. You know your limits; if it gets to the point where it is too much, leave. Inform them that this will be your last shift, and go. Their problem, not yours.

Best of luck to you. This should be an exciting time filled with joy, hope, and excitement mixed with a little healthy anxiety/fear of the unknown. Don't let someone else's misery ruin it for you.

 

[billyb]

Have you gone to the manager to ask why s/he is treating you poorly? You have done more than your part by giving greater than 2 weeks notice so as not to leave them in a pinch. You are trying to help them ease the transition. Sometimes a face-t0-face meeting does wonders. Open communication solves most problems. Good luck and good on you for looking out for your current work!

 

[catlover2]

I actually just finished my last day at my job yesterday and I can't believe they would give you crap about leaving. It's not your responsibility and they can't expect you to sacrifice your future. Rest up, workout, and have fun until R-day and get prepared for what you've always wanted to do. Just my thoughts

 

[bookreader]

Practice now learning how to let the emotions of others roll off your back. You'll need this skill in the military.

 

[mike6]

I haven't read everyone else's replies, but it is absurd that they are treating you that way.

You're a better person than me, because when things became hostile I would've turned my "two week" notice into a "right now" notice.

I also recently quit my FULL TIME job to go to USMAPS. I don't want to get too specific with where I work, but it isn't particularly easy to find a new full time hire. Even though there will be a massive burden, my colleagues were extremely supportive and excited for me. There was no hostility or Ill will from anyone. And I only gave them a two week notice.

As bad as it sounds, I really hope you say f*ck em and don't show up

Because really, f*ck them