Sudden job change
  • Dave
    Posts: 64
    In an unexpected turn of events, I have been offered a full-time job outside church music ministry within the past week. Currently, I have been serving a church as organist and music director for not quite a decate. Long story short, the demands that will be placed upon me at the new job, and the intense training on the job, will make it impossible for me to continue the church music position. I simply would not be able to manage the program by myself as I've been doing all along.

    This is a sad experience for me. I grew in musical and liturgical knowledge and had many edifying experiences of faith at this parish. The congregation and pastors were, and have been, largely appreciative and supportive. They appreciated good hymnody and chants.

    The new job is starting immediately (which is part of the unexpectedness of it), and I want to help the church in finding and installing a new organist. My question is, what kind of "notice" is good in this case? I am thinking that two months would be appropriate, with a pledge of my support to the pastor in helping to find a new organist, and filling up the Sundays before my "last day" with qualified substitutes. Your advice is appreciated!
  • matthewjmatthewj
    Posts: 2,700
    I would talk to him and see what he thinks is fair and come up with an agreement that works for both of you.
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  • Felipe Gasper
    Posts: 804
    Even one month, I think, is pretty generous. At least you’re not stepping out right before Christmas or anything!
    Thanked by 2Spriggo Gavin
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,509
    At the same time, your boss may have another plan that could take you out of the loop sooner rather than later.

    I would personally decide on my own optimal leave-date, and then give my notice in two weeks before that date. It can be a battle of nerves keeping the secret, but that's the most professional way to handle things.
  • PaixGioiaAmorPaixGioiaAmor
    Posts: 1,473
    At the same time, your boss may have another plan that could take you out of the loop sooner rather than later.

    I would personally decide on my own optimal leave-date, and then give my notice in two weeks before that date. It can be a battle of nerves keeping the secret, but that's the most professional way to handle things.


    So what? With his new full-time job, I'm not getting the vibe from him that money is an issue and that he needs to be paid as long as possible.

    I think a 2 week notice is fine for a stocker at Wal-Mart. In this type of work, I'd consider 2 week notice to be no notice at all.

    Several months notice is standard. I'm not sure why "keeping the secret" is the "most professional way to handle things."

    I couldn't stand my last job and I gave 2 months notice.
  • Dave
    Posts: 64
    I'd like to make the transition to a new music director as smooth as possible. The parish has been good to me, and I want to return the favor. If the pastor decides to take the search into his own hands, that is his right, but I want to put the offer out there.
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,611
    Dave,

    He may even try to match the offer, so it is good to be prepared with information just in case. Stranger things have happened. Congratulations on the new job, by the way!
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,509
    I understand your motivation, Dave. However, the boss will only feel obligated to keep you on/ pay you through two weeks. Maybe even 0 weeks. So I would at least make sure all your financial ducks are in a row first (retirement vesting, insurance coverage waiting period on the new job, first check in the bank, etc.) before even bringing it up.

    For various reasons pastors sometimes do not want any overlap.

    I probably sound jaded (and probably am), but the fact is, not everyone realizes this is a difficult job until someone is not magically making it all happen. A job transition is one of those times when you have to fight your corner. You can't necessarily count on a boss to even be fair.


    Thanked by 2CharlesW Gavin
  • Dave
    Posts: 64
    Perhaps it's a blessing, but this new job actually starts immediately, and offers benefits that the church position was forced to cut several years ago based on diocesan financial restructuring. So, if the pastor wants to end the professional relationship that much sooner, in honesty I won't be burned financially.

    I am paid per service, and not salaried. So, if I were to stay on just to help in the transition, while I stack up the weekends with other organists, I wouldn't be paid and I would accept that. Perhaps I should have mentioned this from the get-go, but this is the first time I'm encountering this situation.
    Thanked by 1Kathy
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,509
    The other question I would ask (nosey Nellie!) is whether there is any benefit to you to being employed a full decade rather than just less than a decade.

    This can make a difference in a retirement plan.

  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,509
    The red flags I have waving in front of me have to do with a kind of shifting of gears that I think is necessary whenever dealing with HR matters. In all other things, we're going for the win-win. But when it comes to HR, there is a naturally adversarial situation. Negotiation is adversarial. Quitting is a negotiation. It's hard, because the laudable generous bent is to keep serving above and beyond. But I firmly believe that the more professional way to handle HR matters is to be businesslike. Don't expect kindness, don't try to be kind. (This is really, really difficult.)
    Thanked by 1Gavin
  • Dave
    Posts: 64
    I see what you're saying, Kathy, and appreciate it. However, if I handled this in a strictly businesslike way and gave only a couple weeks' notice, the response would be (justified) anger from the pastor and congregation, at a minimum, and a serious blemish on my reputation. Long story short, two weeks isn't an option here.
    Thanked by 1noel jones, aago
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,509
    All I'm suggesting is that before you even mention leaving, be sure your own needs have been met. If you are financially and in every other way eager to leave now, then put in notice now. If you need any overlap, take care of that first.

    You are thinking of the parish's needs--as you've done for a decade. I'd only urge you to think of your needs first just for this brief time. There is a brief time frame between the time you mention quitting until the time you and your pastor agree on the details. During that time, be aware of your needs first.

    Many priests are pretty bad at HR. Some have their feelings hurt by perceived rejection, when a staff member quits for example. You don't know what will happen, so I truly believe the best idea is to have a "my side" and a "your side." Feelings are hurt less by this attitude than by trying to help.
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  • Dave
    Posts: 64
    Good point, about the perceived rejection. I intend to make it clear that my interaction with him didn't lead to this decision, and also ask for him to be a reference.
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,509
    Good thinking.

    You may end up doing the two months anyways. Just be prepared for a quick exit, in case that's what the pastor (or chancery) decides.

    Will you be staying in the parish as a parishioner?
  • Dave
    Posts: 64
    I live in the parish but moved into it only recently, having lived about 30 mins. away beforehand. Once the new organist is appointed, I intend to maintain friendships and connections, but I will go to another church to worship, and I am fortunate to have several good choices in the area.

    I don't want to create the perception that I will be monitoring whoever takes over. If the new person wants my help or advice, I'll be happy to give it from a distance or visit in the early days. Otherwise I'll be making a clean break.
    Thanked by 1Kathy
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