What Will Happen if You Get Caught Job Searching While on the Job?

Your boss has just found out that you're looking for another job. What happens now? The answer depends on your boss and his attitude toward you.

An Honest Conversation

If you're lucky, you might have the opportunity to have an honest conversation with your boss. Expect to provide honest feedback about why you're looking for another job, but keep it positive. Instead of saying that you have been at the job for four years and haven't had a promotion, talk about seeing opportunities for growth in another company. If it's about money, again, say so. It may be an opportunity to discuss the possibility of getting a raise, particularly if you haven't had recently. Finally, you might talk about having to move for whatever reason. The honest conversation is possibly the best option, simply because it gives you a chance to raise issues about your job in a nonconfrontational way.

A Raise or a Promotion

In some cases, you might receive a raise or promotion. However, you do have to consider why your boss hasn't given you one recently. Is it because departmental budgets are strained? Or is it because you're in a toxic work environment where your boss is only motivated by threats of employees leaving? A raise or promotion may make you change your decision to look for another job, but you have to consider what's best for you. In some cases, getting a raise won't help your current situation.

You'll Be Under Scrutiny

Some bosses will place you under even more scrutiny because they don't like the idea of people leaving — instead, they have to be in the driving seat when it comes to hiring and firing. In this case, you simply have to keep doing your best and aim to produce quality work every time. Don't forget that your boss can legitimately check what sites you're visiting and your use of company email, so keep looking for another job when you're not working.

You'll Be Fired

In an extreme scenario, a boss might fire you for looking for another job. While this is an extreme tactic, it is technically permissible in most states, depending on your contract. It's not a good practice, of course, and it could be considered a wrongful termination, depending on the reasons that you're looking for another job. If you are fired, you do not have to sign any documents immediately. It's highly recommended that you run them by a lawyer before signing anything, particularly if they contain noncompete contracts.

Absolutely Nothing

In many cases, absolute nothing will happen. Most bosses understand that people move on, and sometimes, people just want a different opportunity. Alternatively, the boss just may not care. If any awkwardness arises, gently broach it as appropriate.

Finding out that your boss knows that you're looking for another job can be awkward, but in most cases, it will be dealt with professionally. However, you need to be ready just in case. Be prepared for a bit of awkwardness or an honest conversation, and ensure that even if you are let go, you do not burn your bridges.

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