Is telling your employer you're quitting to launch a startup a bad idea?
11 comments
Fortunately I was working for a startup that had a great exit when it was acquired. Since they were entrepreneurs themselves they were amazingly supportive and I still go to the founders for guidance from time to time.
For more on this topic - I wrote a post on how to break up with a girlfriend (or employer) that addresses how to not burn your bridges at:
http://blog.nanobeepers.com/2007/04/05/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do/
For more on this topic - I wrote a post on how to break up with a girlfriend (or employer) that addresses how to not burn your bridges at:
http://blog.nanobeepers.com/2007/04/05/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do/
Don't tell them jack. Really. If they have a "we own your brain" employment agreement, treat them as hostile.
Be polite, be friendly, but be very quiet about your plans.
Be polite, be friendly, but be very quiet about your plans.
If it's to pursue what you love and have a passion for, then telling your current employer your quitting to essentially pursue happiness should be absolutely no big deal. :P
I would keep pretty hush about it unless there's some real chance your employer is going to say "Wow that's cool -- why don't you partner with me and I'll invest $5M."
People can get petty and weird when they're jealous or angry.
People can get petty and weird when they're jealous or angry.
Imagine your reaction when your employee does that to you when you start your startup!
Even if the startup has nothing to do with your current work.
Why can't you launch it now?
i think the standard approach is that u
1.cannot work on ur idea, during work time 2.u cannot start an idea that is a direct competitor to ur companies business
if these two do not apply u shud be ok, but the laws are harsher here in the uk. with non compete clauses etc
1.cannot work on ur idea, during work time 2.u cannot start an idea that is a direct competitor to ur companies business
if these two do not apply u shud be ok, but the laws are harsher here in the uk. with non compete clauses etc
The first question that comes to my mind is: Do you really need to quit? Having an income while you moonlight is a huge advantage, as you can survive until your start-up is sustainable (and then quit your day job)
Second: Do you have enough savings to survive a year on your own? If not, keep your current job, build your savings and then quit.
Third: Are you in good terms with your immediate manager? If yes, then do tell him/her -- You might be able to even negotiate an alternative deal, like part-time, contracting or something else. If not, then tell him/her only if asked. In any case, it's certainly better to learn the news through you than through someone else.
Obviously, what I wrote in this post does not apply if you and your employer have a conflict of interests. If that's the case, I'd talk to a lawyer.