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bigboots
12-26-2007, 21:02
I have a problem...I have everything ready to go (gear wise) mostly travel logistics left. I am anxiously waiting to hit the trail. I really want to head out in 08 but I don't know what to tell my boss so that I can return after my hike. Oh by the way I really enjoy the job. Any thoughts???

Bigboots

neighbor dave
12-26-2007, 21:05
:-? you're goin' hikin' and will return when you're finished, if the boss doesn't go for it you don't wanna work there. then promptly fire your boss and go hikin'! simple:-?

rafe
12-26-2007, 21:06
Here's a start...

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/lowcarbscoop/Whattotelltheboss.jpg

cheeks
12-26-2007, 21:07
Take this job and shove it, these boots were made for walkin'

Montego
12-26-2007, 21:09
Just tell your boss you're going to take a hike. If he/she dosen't like it, tell him/her to take a hike :D

bigboots
12-26-2007, 21:21
I think I'll avoid using F*** :-? but you guys are probably on the right track, just go and see what happens. I plan on sitting down the first week of the new year with him.
These are pretty entertaining, any others:D

Bigboots

max patch
12-26-2007, 21:28
Explain how your work will get done when you are not there.

I'd mention that since you are going to do the trail "sometime" in your life, doing it now would be better for both you and the company than say 5 years from now when your responsibilities would be greater.

FWIW, I asked for a leave of absence and it was denied as I was quote unquote too important to be gone. So I quit and when I got back my old job was offered back to me. I turned them down.

Marta
12-26-2007, 21:34
FWIW, I told my boss I was going to quit in order to hike. I told him I liked the job, but the hike was something I'd been wanting to do for a long time, so I was reluctantly leaving the job.

He gave me a leave of absence.

If you really like the job, and are good at it, there is a strong possiblity they'll want you back later.

Good luck!

ChinMusic
12-26-2007, 21:36
As an employer I would wish you well on the hike and do what I could to make it work from my end. If your hike detracts from my business I gotta let you go, nothing personal.

Pedaling Fool
12-26-2007, 21:41
When's your start date? It would be nice if you gave him as much of a head's-up as possible.

wrongway_08
12-26-2007, 21:42
- Explain what you want to do.
- Let them know your looking for 6 months off, no pay.
- Let them know that you like the job and would like to keep working after you get back.
- Sit back and wait.

*** I did this with my job and they said it looks like they cant do 6 months off, so I am going hiking.

*** It'll be a little rough when I get back - finding a job and all - but well worth it. My last day at work will be Feb 15 - I start the trail on March 1st.

Sly
12-26-2007, 21:42
As an employer I would wish you well on the hike and do what I could to make it work from my end. If your hike detracts from my business I gotta let you go, nothing personal.

Sounds reasonable. I think after a few years of being a good employee that's all one can ask.

rafe
12-26-2007, 21:51
I asked for a leave of absence, and was told, "no can do." The job itself was so-so. (Very Dilbert-like setting, very chintzy management.) Getting a "no" was liberating in a way. When I got around to looking for work again it was near the end of '90 and the USA was in a recession. Took me about three months to find a new job. No big deal...

bigboots
12-26-2007, 21:53
When's your start date? It would be nice if you gave him as much of a head's-up as possible.

Late March/Early April.

Bigboots

Sly
12-26-2007, 21:55
If you feel comfortable and don't necessarily need the two weeks pay, I'd give your boss 1 months notice, just in case they fire you outright.

wrongway_08
12-26-2007, 22:04
If you feel comfortable and don't necessarily need the two weeks pay, I'd give your boss 1 months notice, just in case they fire you outright.


I have not heard of a boss doing this, not sayn they wouldnt but if he waits that late - they might not be able to find someone to cover him - that could cost him the 6 months off.

Also, if he wants to use them as a refrence later - they could hold it against him for waiting so long when since he knew it was going to happen a long time ago.




Just something to think about.

bigboots
12-26-2007, 22:25
If you feel comfortable and don't necessarily need the two weeks pay, I'd give your boss 1 months notice, just in case they fire you outright.

I don't like to screw people over like that (It's just not how I am). I don't think they will/can fire me on the spot. I have a lot of work and the newbee under me (who would most likely cover/replace me would need at least a month to get up to speed on everything. And like wrongway said, if they don't hire me back (for whatever reason) I would still like them as a refrence.

Bigboots

ChinMusic
12-26-2007, 22:36
I don't like to screw people over like that (It's just not how I am). I don't think they will/can fire me on the spot. I have a lot of work and the newbee under me (who would most likely cover/replace me would need at least a month to get up to speed on everything. And like wrongway said, if they don't hire me back (for whatever reason) I would still like them as a refrence.

Bigboots
Employers don't want a hassle. If you are honest with them I seriously doubt that they would fire you "on the spot". That would be silly.

There are times that you fire someone immediately, AND change the locks. This is NOT the case.

There is no need for a confrontation.

Jim Adams
12-26-2007, 22:45
Ask politely...if he says yes, then plan your hike.
If he says no...call and say goodbye from Springer.

geek

bigboots
12-26-2007, 22:54
If he says no...call and say goodbye from Springer.

Well thats an idea,:-? :-? :D and a surefire way not to get rehired or a good refrence. Maybe the ATC is looking for a new employee???

Bigboots

Jim Adams
12-26-2007, 22:57
seriously, I wouldn't quit w/o at least a 2 week notice but from my own personal experiences and it seems most on WB, you can probably get a leave of absence....never know until you ask!

geek

Kirby
12-26-2007, 23:00
I have been unemployed for 17 years as of March 13th, 2008(yes, birthday on the trail), makes it easy for me.

Kirby

bigboots
12-26-2007, 23:06
I have been unemployed for 17 years as of March 13th, 2008(yes, birthday on the trail), makes it easy for me.

Kirby

Thats too easy.:)
Although it probably took a lot of talking and work to get out of school for the spring.

Bigboots

A-Train
12-26-2007, 23:30
You're preaching to the choir. Keep the job. Enjoy the security and the comraderie of your felow employees. The trail isn't going anywhere, and anyway it's a selfish act. Who are you helping by taking a long walk thru the mountains? Be a responsible taxpayer and do your part*

*Total sarcasm

take-a-knee
12-26-2007, 23:34
If you feel comfortable and don't necessarily need the two weeks pay, I'd give your boss 1 months notice, just in case they fire you outright.

In most states that constitutes "relief without cause", or a layoff of sorts. That makes you eligible for Unemployment Insurance, at least until you hit the trail. You can't just fire a regular full-time employee without cause, if you do, he draws unemployment.

turtle fast
12-26-2007, 23:58
Chinmusic is right, if you work for a somewhat organized company the likelyhood of you being fired on the spot is unlikely. Just make sure that you give at least a month of notice so it gives your company options....put the ball into their court. They may offer you a leave of absence, or work with you somehow. I am also an employer for a large company.... in my experience they will more than likely have you train your understudy to learn your position. :(

ChinMusic
12-27-2007, 00:09
....put the ball into their court. They may offer you a leave of absence, or work with you somehow. I am also an employer for a large company.... in my experience they will more than likely have you train your understudy to learn your position. :(
AND, if they REALLY need you they may offer you a RAISE.....never know....;)

turtle fast
12-27-2007, 00:19
True, true , true!! Chinmusic...I gave ample notice and my company is on its third pay increase offer. So its not ALL doom and gloom. :)

Frosty
12-27-2007, 00:21
Employers don't want a hassle. If you are honest with them I seriously doubt that they would fire you "on the spot". That would be silly.Happens all the time. Employee gives two week notice, and is escorted out the door. The redeeming factor is that this is a company you DON"T want to work for anyway.

Rather than give a notice right off the back, talk to your boss. Explain what you are doing and ask for an unpaid leave of absence. If they refuse, you still have your job until you leave. You can tell them with a month or so to go that you are still considering it, and ask again for a leave of absence.

If they still say not, THEN you can give notice, making sure they understand you are dong it regretfully. Tell them you enjoy working for them (assuming that is true), that you understand you job will likely be filled while you are gone, but that you will check back on your return on the chance that there is an opening because you enjoy working for them.

The important thing is that you not give notice without asking a couple times for a leave of absence. They aren't stupid. If you just give them notice, 2 weeks or 2 months, how much do you really want to work for them? Requesting a leave of absence at least shows you want to keep working for them.

ed bell
12-27-2007, 00:25
I have been unemployed for 17 years as of March 13th, 2008(yes, birthday on the trail), makes it easy for me.

KirbyConsidering the thread topic, your comment seems to be a gloat. Easy is what you have. Talk to us in 17 more.:-?

JAK
12-27-2007, 00:44
Depends on the job, how much flexibility there may be or may not be there. If it is against the local 'culture', then you might be in for a rough ride.
You can explain the long term health benefits. That might help.
Explain that you really like working there. That might help.

Bear in mind we are heading for a recession. Could be a big one.
You might have a better opportunity to hike in a year or two. We all might. ;)

Pacific Tortuga
12-27-2007, 00:50
Move to Ill. and work for ChinMusic, he sounds like a fair boss maybe even sponser you. He seems to understand. :-?

ChinMusic
12-27-2007, 01:12
Move to Ill. and work for ChinMusic, he sounds like a fair boss maybe even sponser you. He seems to understand. :-?
I think you were joking but I actually would.......:D

Downunda
12-27-2007, 04:02
I sat down with my boss and told him what I wanted to do (he was unders..tanding and saw this as a life goal). I applied for 6 months leave, 3 months paid long service leave and 3 months unpaid leave.

HR (personnel) didn't want to approve it as they told my boss if he can do without me for 6 months then he didn't need me (HR would say that wouldn't they?). My boss dug his heels in and approved my leave. Eight years later the company is gone (Compaq Computer) but my boss and I are great mates. He certainly gained added loyalty from me after he supported my AT hike.

Sit down and talk it over with your boss, if the company doesn't support you then perhaps it's not the company for you anyway. If they do then they'll get your added loyalty wont' they

kayak karl
12-27-2007, 06:30
Bear in mind we are heading for a recession. Could be a big one.You might have a better opportunity to hike in a year or two. We all might. ;)
jak's right,
i was already layed off (new home mgmt). friend of mine is letting me work for him till i leave for AT. i use his shop for projects, even lets me set up hammock in back yard to test under quilts. its hard enoght to get family to back u, but work? i wish i hiked the trail at your age. u need to make a plus/minus list. then put on your pack on or hang it in the closet. hopefully u will get it out before you are 52.:D

BackTrack1
12-27-2007, 08:14
what everyone else said!!!!

sonic
12-27-2007, 09:42
I plan on doing my Thru-hike in 2010 and I have already starting talking about it with my boss (and staff as well). First I just started bringing in cool stuff, like the 2008 AT calendar, magnets with the AT logo, etc. Then I started reading AT related books at work on my lunch (my boss always interupts my lunch). After awhile he noticed and we started talking about my dream. It was a more gentle way to approach the subject, but now he is all for it and even talking letting me take a sabbatical rather than just up and quit and hope for the best. Only thing is I'm not sure I really want to come back here when I'm done, :-? but it leaves my options open anyway. Good luck!

Lone Wolf
12-27-2007, 12:06
I have a problem...I have everything ready to go (gear wise) mostly travel logistics left. I am anxiously waiting to hit the trail. I really want to head out in 08 but I don't know what to tell my boss so that I can return after my hike. Oh by the way I really enjoy the job. Any thoughts???

Bigboots

what's the problem? give them a few weeks notice then hit the trail. if you make it the whole way you'll probably not want to go back to the job

mudhead
12-27-2007, 12:20
In most states that constitutes "relief without cause", or a layoff of sorts. That makes you eligible for Unemployment Insurance, at least until you hit the trail. You can't just fire a regular full-time employee without cause, if you do, he draws unemployment.
Dang! Almost think you had a government job. If you can't find cause, you have never needed to...


Happens all the time. Employee gives two week notice, and is escorted out the door. The redeeming factor is that this is a company you DON"T want to work for anyway.

Rather than give a notice right off the back, talk to your boss. Explain what you are doing and ask for an unpaid leave of absence. If they refuse, you still have your job until you leave. You can tell them with a month or so to go that you are still considering it, and ask again for a leave of absence.

If they still say not, THEN you can give notice, making sure they understand you are dong it regretfully. Tell them you enjoy working for them (assuming that is true), that you understand you job will likely be filled while you are gone, but that you will check back on your return on the chance that there is an opening because you enjoy working for them.

The important thing is that you not give notice without asking a couple times for a leave of absence. They aren't stupid. If you just give them notice, 2 weeks or 2 months, how much do you really want to work for them? Requesting a leave of absence at least shows you want to keep working for them.

Requesting. Several times. Good idea. "Would it be possible..." gives you an idea if you would get whacked outright, or on the delivery of notice, or if you can discuss your last day now.

Never ruin the bridge, however you say it.

Employers like to hear "eligible for rehire," when they call. Covers alot of crap.

Dancer
12-27-2007, 15:31
One good thing about a LOA is that you can continue your insurance benefits if you pay the premiums. If you have your own insurance just quit(with a 2 week notice) and go. You can find a job when you get home.

bigboots
12-27-2007, 21:57
Ok I'm going to try to hit a little on everything. I really do enjoy the job, my coworkers and the bosses (all of them) and are all good people. If I am unable to return, I at least want to keep up good relations with them for refrence purposes. I will take a lot of the suggestions all of you brought up. I will talk to my boss the first week or two of January and get a feel for his reaction. I will continue to ask about leave if I am declined and also praise the company and all involved (not hard since its true). Then with a few weeks to go I will then give my notice if it comes to that.

I want to do this hike while I am still young. I want to do this before I am tied down with life (wife, kids,etc.). So I really want to do this in the next year or 2.

Oh and ATrain, I think I perfer the comraderie of those on the trail.

I will let you all know how it goes when I get the testicular fortitude to confront him.:rolleyes:

Bigboots

max patch
12-27-2007, 23:14
Happens all the time. Employee gives two week notice, and is escorted out the door. The redeeming factor is that this is a company you DON"T want to work for anyway.



Been my personal experience that when someone gives a two week notice and is escorted out the door that:

1. They have a sensitive job; i.e. bank tellers who count money or auditors who have access to all corporate info, and

2. They get paid for the two weeks even though they are not working.

I'd ask about about a LOA and if it is denied I'd give a months notice. Makes you look good. Want to leave on good terms for future references.

Spirit Walker
12-27-2007, 23:36
It really depends on the job and how paranoid they are. I know one person who was fired for having an interview at another company. Not a job offer, just an interview. Some jobs they will take all your work away from you, in anticipation of your leaving. That can mean a very boring couple of months. If they are worried about secrets, they may fire you on the spot so that you can't have access to the computer to either take information or sabotage the system.

OTOH, if you work for a reasonable company and they like the work you're doing, then give them reasonable notice. How reasonable depends on what needs to be done to take care of your position. How long will it take to hire someone to replace you? Will they even need to replace you while you're gone? When Jim went hiking, they kept his job open for about two months, assuming he'd give up and come back. After that, they filled the slot. I always quit outright, with no intention of coming back to the same job, but twice I ended up going back on a temporary basis after my hike.

Mad Hatter 08
12-28-2007, 00:19
Just tell the truth. most jobs don't give you six months personal leave unless it's workmans comp. but if you are a good employee and talk to your boss ahead of time (2-3 months out at least.) You should be rehireable, but don't expect them to hold your position for you. I told my boss about a year ago that i was planning on going this coming march. they are totally cool with it even though i do have to quit, I should be able to find a niche somewhere in the company.

oldfivetango
12-28-2007, 09:51
You might start by asking the boss if he has ever wanted to do
something like hike the AT.He may just surprise you.
But I would not expect them to hold your position.Excuse me
for sayn' but at the tender young age of 23 you probably don't
have much seniority etc to lose and if you ever want to do it then
now would be the time before other life responsibilities set in.
Also,wouldn't hurt to keep an online journal to say "hi"
to the folks at work.It could pay off later if you want to go back.
Oldfivetango

4eyedbuzzard
12-28-2007, 11:13
Excuse me
for sayn' but at the tender young age of 23 you probably don't
have much seniority etc to lose and if you ever want to do it then
now would be the time before other life responsibilities set in.


Yeah, for most young people it's pretty much a do-it-now or be prepared to wait 25 to 30 years situation.

mark.k.watson
12-28-2007, 11:30
I am shooting for 2009 and I have already told my boss to look into the possibility of a leave of absence. He seems favorable and wants updates. In my case I love my job too much to tell him adios if he determines it is a no-go.
If this happens I will keep bugging him untill I retire. If he still says no, then retirement it is.

The Cheat
12-28-2007, 15:07
Considering the thread topic, your comment seems to be a gloat. Easy is what you have. Talk to us in 17 more.:-?

That would be his 17th birthday. :)

AT-HITMAN2005
12-29-2007, 18:17
my first thru-hike wal-mart gave me a leave of absence for the 6 months. they had no problem with it. now that im planning another thru-hike, i'm going to have the same problem as you but as far as it all goes i'll be going regardless. i love the job but life is too short, other jobs will come a long. do it while your young and unencumbered with serious family responsibilities.

bigboots
12-30-2007, 16:26
Yeah, for most young people it's pretty much a do-it-now or be prepared to wait 25 to 30 years situation.


i love the job but life is too short

This is exactly why I want to do it now. I do have a pretty busy job and love it greatly. I will need a replacement which means lots of ???? about post hike employment. But its all worth it.

Bigboots

dessertrat
12-30-2007, 16:32
I love all this two weeks notice stuff. . . I've been laid off twice in my life, and never got the courtesy of a two week notice or two weeks extra pay when the axe fell. When employers start feeling obliged to give you notice, you should feel obliged to give them notice.

bigboots
12-30-2007, 17:08
I love all this two weeks notice stuff. . . I've been laid off twice in my life, and never got the courtesy of a two week notice or two weeks extra pay when the axe fell. When employers start feeling obliged to give you notice, you should feel obliged to give them notice.

Wouldn't that be nice! I still want to keep good relations with the company even if they don't hire me back. It's to bad companies and those who run then aren't as concerned about good relations.

Bigboots

trailfoot
12-30-2007, 22:46
Employers don't want a hassle. If you are honest with them I seriously doubt that they would fire you "on the spot". That would be silly.

I had a great job and got approval (from my new VP) for a leave for my 08 trip. Well the stocks have been down (50%) for my company for a year and the CEO is feeling the pressure from the stockholders. So my new VP (came from a diff. company) decided that our company had a lot of processes that slowed things down. So she was told to thin out the herd.

When I asked the VP for my leave of absence I gave her a list of my job duties and the people that were geing to take over for me while I was gone. I was the only person out of 150 that were let go to tell the company who can handle my duties while I was gone. I was an easy choice for her. I wouldn't have lost my job if I didn't ask for the time off. Something to keep in the back of your mind.

I have faith that things will be better after the hike in many aspects of my life.:sun

Venture
01-05-2008, 10:43
my coworkers and the bosses (all of them) and are all good people. If I am unable to return
Bigboots[/quote]

If they are all good people then there shouldnt be a problem returning to work for them in some capacity! Assuming you have been a good employee!!:) I have yet to tell my Boss either!! Will need to start making money again soon after finishing the trail! Hope all goes well!!

dmb658
01-06-2008, 00:40
it really depends on where you work, some employers will allow you to go and come back based on your training, and others will have a harder time allowing you back mainly because of the face that you will have to be replaced..

just keep yourself in good terms and hope that you'll be allowed back, maybe you'll be able to get a better job once you return

let your boss know when you will be returning, if a spot opens up again, it may be saved for YOU!

dmb658
01-06-2008, 00:49
Also scine i am working at rei, i am trying to get a map of the AT to put on display so they can keep track of my progress and promote the outdoors.

All of my managers and bosses are on my side, when i get back they want me to do a presentation of my thru-hike.

not to mention that i can keep my job on my return!

Del Q
01-06-2008, 08:01
As an employer, I would prefer an employee to be honest, let them know you have made this life decision; it is a huge, non-negotiable life goal, if you really, really like your job, ask if they will have that spot open for you when you get back. I think you will be more valuable then anyway.

Trading your life's hours for dollars is a relatively short term arrangement anyway, pursuing a dream is priceless.

GO!

Del Q

mudhead
01-06-2008, 10:09
I love all this two weeks notice stuff. . . I've been laid off twice in my life, and never got the courtesy of a two week notice or two weeks extra pay when the axe fell. When employers start feeling obliged to give you notice, you should feel obliged to give them notice.

Agreed. That changed for me when Bethlehem Steel was the first to screw employees.

But, never burn bridges.

boarstone
01-06-2008, 11:36
- Explain what you want to do.
- Let them know your looking for 6 months off, no pay.
- Let them know that you like the job and would like to keep working after you get back.
- Sit back and wait.

*** I did this with my job and they said it looks like they cant do 6 months off, so I am going hiking.

*** It'll be a little rough when I get back - finding a job and all - but well worth it. My last day at work will be Feb 15 - I start the trail on March 1st.

Way to go! Good luck...:banana

Venture
01-06-2008, 21:20
Well, told the boss today...come to find out he thru hiked in 1989! He was totally supportive and said that i should do it now that i have the support of family and friends! He also wants to have me back when im off the trail!! WHOOOHOOO great news!!! Kind of a relief!! Good luck to all you others out there waiting to break the news!!

Venture
01-06-2008, 21:22
Also scine i am working at rei, i am trying to get a map of the AT to put on display so they can keep track of my progress and promote the outdoors.

All of my managers and bosses are on my side, when i get back they want me to do a presentation of my thru-hike.

not to mention that i can keep my job on my return!

This sounds like a great idea, i may try this too! Hope to see you on the trail!!:)

walkingsmall
01-06-2008, 21:39
i am telling my boss tomorrow... Monday morning.. i am not sure how i am going to do it but i am excited. i am afraid that they will let me goo earlier than i want to but that is a chance i am more than willing to take. wish me luck everyone!! i was planning to quit my job. my husband did it in 05 and they let him come back after 6 months..

Cannibal
01-07-2008, 10:07
I handed in my resignation last week; first business day of the new year. CEO was totally cool about it and didn't/hasn't made me feel the least bit guilty. Took me golfing this weekend to find out more details about the hike. He may never admit to it, but I bet he reads my TrailJournal. :D

bigboots
01-07-2008, 21:27
Well sounds like everyone is having the same ups and downs I am.... Venture, I'm jealous. On that note, I started breaking the news throughout the office today, my immediate boss was on the road so I will talk to him when he gets back, and the pres. still needs to find out. From the sounds of it I can do it in 08 but would mean poor probability of reemployment, if I do 09, it sounds a little better.
I hate being in limbo.
Argh:rolleyes: ...

Bigboots

AT-HITMAN2005
01-07-2008, 22:27
well, i told my immediate supervisor today. he's pretty cool with it. i'm just hoping they'll let me work for the next 8 weeks. with the down turn in the housing market here in central florida thats not garunteed(i measure countertops), so the wife(walkingsmall, here on WB) and i may be leaving earlier than expected. which is most definitly not a bad thing.

Venture
01-07-2008, 22:52
Well sounds like everyone is having the same ups and downs I am.... Venture, I'm jealous. On that note, I started breaking the news throughout the office today, my immediate boss was on the road so I will talk to him when he gets back, and the pres. still needs to find out. From the sounds of it I can do it in 08 but would mean poor probability of reemployment, if I do 09, it sounds a little better.
I hate being in limbo.
Argh:rolleyes: ...

Bigboots

Hope it all works out for you to go this year. Is it what you really want to be doing when you get back? Keep us posted!:)

Alilalien
01-15-2008, 02:36
:-? you're goin' hikin' and will return when you're finished, if the boss doesn't go for it you don't wanna work there. then promptly fire your boss and go hikin'! simple:-?
I must agree! But thats why I keep simple jobs you know the one that will always be available.:)

Sly
01-15-2008, 02:57
I have a problem...I have everything ready to go (gear wise) mostly travel logistics left. I am anxiously waiting to hit the trail. I really want to head out in 08 but I don't know what to tell my boss so that I can return after my hike. Oh by the way I really enjoy the job. Any thoughts???

Bigboots

The boss? Just tell your wife you want to go hiking and hope she takes you back! ;)

Nest
01-15-2008, 03:23
I seem to have had it easy. I told my boss about a year ago, and gave my 2 months notice a couple weeks ago. I have a job waiting for me if I want it, and everyone at my work is jealous. Everyone from my coworkers, to the supervisors, the HR manager, even the branch and regional manager. I heard the regional manager talking to his boss about it as I was passing his office. He was saying how fun it sounded, and how he wished he could do something like it. So I guess I got lucky. Of course I won't go back there though, but I have great references now.

stranger
01-15-2008, 19:38
I just got a leave of absence from my employer, but then again I'm a union organiser so unions are a bit more sympathetic to their employees than say a corporate business.

I just said that wanted to stay with the organisation but needed to do this trip, and that while work may always be there...youth and opportunity may not be. My boss said she wished she had done more in her life and agreed to give me 7 months leave. Remember, the company needs you alot more than you need them...that's why THEY pay YOU.

Either way, just tell them like it is. There will always be another job, we'll all probably work until the day we die anyway!

chaosanth
02-06-2008, 23:19
I have a problem...I have everything ready to go (gear wise) mostly travel logistics left. I am anxiously waiting to hit the trail. I really want to head out in 08 but I don't know what to tell my boss so that I can return after my hike. Oh by the way I really enjoy the job. Any thoughts???

Bigboots
I just told my boss last week. I was pretty nervous and had been putting it off for weeks as I didn't know how he would react and I felt like he had invested a lot in me. I told him on a Friday just in case it turned out to be a blow out, but in reality he took it calmly. I phrased it as a request for an unpaid leave of absence/notice of resignation. I gave him a month and a half's notice too. He said he appreciated the way I approached him and he was very interested in the trip. He said although he can't guarantee me a job to return to, he said if there was an opening he would take me back.

So there's one story from someone who was expecting the worst and got a much better reaction than I was prepared for.

mosquito ninja
02-10-2008, 19:44
Gonna break the news to my boss tomorrow:eek:

not fun.

iamduesouth
02-10-2008, 22:53
Well lets see, I am planning a NOBO 09 hike, I gave my boss more than a years notice with my plans, no discussion as yet if I will return to my job.....but if they do not take me back, they will have to hire two people to take my place...!!
This is a 10 year goal...and I have a plan B ready to go .....so be it.....!!
PS, Good luck Iam