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[11159859]

When should I inform my current employer that I am considering another job? I am in a new TT position (since August) at small regional teaching university (SRTU) and may have a TT opportunity at big R1. I was going to wait another year to do a job search, so I'd be with SRTU 2 years before actively searching, but the one job I applied for this year is turning into a good fit and an actual possibility. I'm afraid SRTU has counted on me being here one more year at least, and I like and respect my colleagues, so I am feeling dishonest by not telling them. We just went through a job search and I feel badly that I was not forthcoming about this, since it might have made a difference in who we hired. Can I tell my closer colleagues, i.e. the ones who will really have to deal with it (e.g. one is planning on a semester sabbatical)? I will need to cancel a class, and am not sure what to say, if anything. Or should I wait until I have an offer, when I tell the Dean/Admin?

[ruralguy]

If you can get away with saying nothing about, then say nothing about it until you get an offer. Otherwise, just inform a very limited amount of people who need to know (letter writers). I don't think anyone else need to know. Simply interviewing doesn't obligate you to tell anyone anything.

[pandora]

A long time ago a mentor commented about the search process that the professional welfare of the individual (i.e., you) is more important than the welfare of any institution.  Departments lose people all the time, and they will find someone to fill your slated courses during the year that they have to conduct the search.  You have a right to protect your own job security, so I don't think you need to tell the Chair until you have signed a new job contract and dropped it in the mail.