I recently came across a report that said nearly 33% of employees admitted to job hunting on company time. If you signed an employee handbook, that could technically be grounds for termination since you’re using company resources for personal reasons. But even if your employer finds out through other means, this could be a great chance to have a conversation with your dentist or office manager to improve your work situation—or at the very least, make the workplace better for your coworkers.
Fortunately for dental professionals—including assistants, hygienists, and front office staff—finding a new job is easier than ever. The demand for dental talent continues to rise, and technology has made connecting with new opportunities faster than ever.
So, what happens if your employer finds out you’re job searching?
If they overreact and fire you on the spot, don’t panic. You can immediately start temping or applying for jobs through DirectDental. But if your doctor or office manager is reasonable, they’ll likely ask why you’re looking for a new job. That’s your chance to be honest and advocate for what you need while keeping the door open to staying with your current employer.
What Are You Looking For?
If you’re on the job hunt because you need:
- Better pay
- Benefits
- A schedule that better suits your life
- A resolution to workplace conflicts
These are all things a good employer should at least be willing to discuss—especially if you’re a key player in the practice. Now that they know you’re exploring other options, it’s a perfect time to say, “I wasn’t sure how to bring this up, but these are the things I need. I’d love to stay if we can make it work.”
From here, it can go one of two ways:
- They agree to meet your needs—great, problem solved!
- They explain why they can’t make the changes you’re asking for.
If they can’t meet your requests, you can express that you’d like to stay but will continue looking for a new job. Let them know you’re happy to provide a proper two-week notice and even help train your replacement. A reasonable employer will appreciate the professionalism.
When It’s Time to Walk Away
Sometimes, the things pushing you to leave aren’t easily fixed. If you’re struggling with:
- A long and exhausting commute
- A toxic work environment that’s draining your mental health
- Conflict with a coworker that can’t be resolved
Then it might be best to move on, even before securing another job. If your employer asks why you’re looking elsewhere, be honest (even if it’s a tough conversation). From there, you can either offer to stay while you job hunt or give notice on the spot—it depends on what feels right for you in the moment.
If You Get Fired for Job Searching
If your employer fires you immediately, you do have options. Legal action is one route, but it can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful. If you’d rather move forward and land a new job quickly, here’s how to make that happen.
Check out these helpful guides to jumpstart your job search:
- Write a Powerful Money-Making Dental Resume
- Master These Interviews to Make More Money as a Dental Professional
- Master Your Working Interview
- Find Dental Temp Success
- How to Dental Temp Like a Pro
- How to Negotiate Pay When Offered a Job
These resources will help you secure temp work immediately while finding the right long-term job that gives you the pay, hours, and work environment you deserve.
Smiles,
Holli Perez
DirectDental
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