You’re no longer in love with your current job and suddenly you hear about an irresistible opportunity. Making a change is a big step, whether it’s a job switch or a new company. Consider how your decisions may affect your employer, as well as yourself. Here’s how to handle a career move so you don’t jostle your current employer or future one.

Moving Out With a Solid Offer of Employment: Initiating the Breakup
If you are on a project that will end soon, stay and finish before starting a new job:

Confirm the delivery date of your current project with your current employer and inform your new employer that you need to delay your start date until the completion of your current project. The new company will appreciate your professionalism and loyalty. No one wants to employ someone who would abandon a project before its completion.

If you are on staff or your project’s completion is months away:

You build the best reputation by sticking to your commitments and completing a project so consider carefully before accepting a new job. If the new company wants you now, it’s likely that they will also want you in the future when your project is complete.

If conditions make it impossible to continue your current job, and the project’s completion is months away, it’s time to give your employer two weeks notice and a parting gift — a list of capable people, including phone numbers and email addresses, who you recommend as your replacements. One name on that list may be an assistant or co-worker you’ve been training to take over your job.

If the new company insists that you start sooner, you may be able to freelance for them while you wrap up your current project.

If your employer feels that your contribution to the project is finished and that you can leave before the delivery date, arrange to get a copy of the work you did on the project so you can add it to your portfolio.

Your employer may make you an offer to stay. If you decide to stay with your current employer, ask for their offer in writing and inform the new company that you have decided to decline their offer as soon as possible.

Moving Out Without a Place to Go, Moving on Without Resentment
You feel it’s time for a change, but you don’t have the time or energy to job hunt while employed.

Realize that employers tend to favor employees that are employed. Just as in dating, you seem more attractive if you are seen with someone else. If you start a job search while employed, make a plan and schedule time each week to carry it out. But don’t use the company’s stationery, email, phone or postage meter, and don’t job-hunt on company time.