So, after much soul searching and difficult days, I've decided I really don't like my job enough to justify staying in it. I need a career change. I've been following the money for too long, I need to do what is right for me, and what I think will make me the happiest.

I am taking the necessary steps to go back to school to get an education degree, to teach English. This is going to be a multi-year process, likely a year of prereqs and about 2 years of masters classes, followed by a student teaching stint.

So the real question is, when do I tell my current boss? It's going to be about three years before I am ready to leave, but during most of that time, I will be taking classes. Work will only pay for school if it is for advancement within a related business area, so a CS degree or an MBA would fly, but I'll be paying for this myself, as well as still having to pay mortgage, etc, so I don't want to lose my job before I am ready.
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Can you get them to foot the bill with one of the degrees you mentioned...and minor in English...then get a masters in English and a teaching certificate?
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I'm just doing the masters. Already have an undergrad degree. The comp sci degree and the education degree have basically nothing in common at the masters level, not to mention I would be doing almost another full bachelors to get the prereqs for the comp sci degree. And, to be honest, it's not expensive enough to warrant the trouble. The classes are about 560/credit hour and I only need about 11-12 classes for the degree. So, at less than 20k total cost, I'd rather just pay for it myself.
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Congrats on following your heart and not the money! Provided that your new schooling will not interfere with your current job, I wouldn't tell the boss anything until 2 to 3 weeks before you are actually leaving. Regardless of how much your boss likes you, once they know you will be leaving and are no longer vested in the company long term, he/she will treat you different. If your new schooling will interfere with your current job, then I would only tell your boss on a need to know basis. In other words, I wouldn't tell them your entire plan.
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Classes in this program are all evening and weekends, so it shouldn't interfere at all.
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I would wait until leaving was imminent, things can change and I wouldn't want to tell them and then end up not leaving. I'd give them as much notice as possible, but only when I was 100% certain I was leaving, a lot can change in a couple years time. :-)
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I'm with everyone here. I wouldn't say anything until your ready to go. If they know that far in advance chances are they will either make your life miserable or find a reason to let you go no matter how good a relationship you may have with your boss. Just the way it usually works out.:-)
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2-4 Weeks Prior to leaving is adequate. Until then you are just trying to fill a dream of a Masters Degree.
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Look at this from the other side: if your boss or the company was going to do something, would they give you advance notice -- probably not. If they really would then you work in an open environment and I might be tempted to share the information with them.

Otherwise, go to school, do your work and keep quiet -- as it is none of their business.
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What age group are you planning on teaching to?

Do you need a master's to teach that age group?

As for giving your boss a heads up, that really depends on your situation. Are you close with him/her? Don't burn bridges because you have to keep in mind that things change over the course of months/years.




Best wishes on following your heart.
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In our state you need a master's to teach above the 3rd grade or so. Might depend on local law. Also helps the pay grade and possibility of getting hired. My wife wanted to teach K/1st so it wasn't an issue, but she went a different direction.


EDIT:: after searching online, I'm not finding any of the info I thought Oregon State was feeding us.. so I'm not really sure to be honest. :-)
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Looking to teach at the high school level. Yes, I will need a masters in CT. I think I can get a provisional certification before getting that, but need to complete the masters within a couple of years.

As far as my current boss, I am not that close, on a personal level, with him. I think you guys have the right of it. I will probably give a month or two of notice, but will not advertise before then.
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I'll put it to you like a good friend of mine put it to me brother. If they were going to lay you off / replace you / fire you etc. etc. How much time would they give you / how much notice etc.??? Yea that's right none. My advice keep to yourself, this is for you not them. So keep them out of it. When your ready to bail it's up to you on how you want to leave. But, until then I say keep it under wraps. With things the way they are now ( economy ) I wouldn't be surprised that if you let the cat out of the bag on this one, you might be out on your ass looking for a job in the field you hate.

I recently changed careers also. If you need someone to talk to please let me know. I was in your situation not that long ago...I might not be able to offer specific advise about your field, but the experience was worth a lot.
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Gotta agree with Seth, Frank and several of the others. :-)
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