How do I ask for time off to attend business classes? 1

[SkinnyT]

Hello All,
I have a concern at my current job. I'm interested in starting my own IT company and would like to pursue government contracts. I've found several classes in the DC/MD/VA areas that I'd like to attend. In order for me to attend some of these classes I'll miss work and have to make up the hours, no problem. My concern is how to address the time off to my boss. Should I lie about where I'm going, tell the truth or tell the partial truth. My supervisor is a pretty laid back kind of guy but at the same time we don't have a long history or established a strong work relationship yet either and I wouldn't want to eventually send up a red flag that might violate the companies non-compete clause. Any direction on how I should handle this would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Sr. System Support Analyst

 

[paterson]

Wow, tough one. How much time or days will you miss? If it is only a couple of days, why not use vacation time? If it is an ongoing course like 1-2 days per week, that would be tougher to hide. In this case, I would be more inclined to ask for my schedule to change to accomodate Family/Personal obligations. Not really a lie because you are doing this for you, but it may be seen as a bit misleading.

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Insert Witty Signature Here.

 

[SkinnyT]

Paterson, I couldn't agree with you more, yes this is a tough one. Just to give you some more insight I think the longest class is up to 4 hours. Since I'm still in my probationary period (6 weeks left) I'm unable to use leave. Since the classes are short I can make up the time fortunately. Just debating on whether I should have a cover story or not.

Sr. System Support Analyst

 

[paterson]

Well, I'm usually a pretty honest guy. That being said, I know when to keep somethings to myself and not offer information. This would be one of those cases. If you are still in your probation time, taking courses during business hours in an attempt to find other employment (working for yourself) would certainly be a good reason to dismiss you without compensation/recourse. Bottom line is that you need to feed yourself and family.

Have you considered either waiting until the probation time is done so you have some leave time? Or just quitting to take the courses and then find the contracts?

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Insert Witty Signature Here.

 

[SkinnyT]

For some of the longer courses I'll definitely wait until I have the leave to do so. I wouldn't want to quit just yet. I wouldn't be starting the company for at least 6-9 months plus taking on the job was a 25K pay bump from my last job! I agree with you though, I do have to feed myself and my family. Thanks again Paterson.

Sr. System Support Analyst

 

[gbaughma]

Are there any parts to the class that transfer to your current job? A lot easier to "sell" the boss if the knowledge transfers over.....

My job requires me to have a minimum of 20 hours of training a year. A couple of them (OSHA, Workplace harassment) are required, but pretty much I go up to my boss and say "Hey, there's a training I can go to on Bank Security, but a lot of it transfers over...." and he says "Go ahead."



Just my 2¢
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