What do I do: Waiting for a job offer/planning vacation

[Impossibles]

Been working at my job for 3.5+ years (mechanical drafter) and it's time for a change. I sent out some resumes and interviewed with a place that loved me, the job sounds like a step in the right direction (drafting manager), and it seems like a good company. They told me during the interview that they wanted me and were going to give me a job offer.

The next day they send me an unformal job offer. They talked about the duties and responsibilities, the employment policy etc, but not a firm offer.

2 weeks passed, no job offer yet. I call them today and they tell me they still want me, its just they have been very very busy and haven't gotten the final go-ahead from head office.

Now my dilema is I want to take holidays next month. The original plan was I'd quit my current job with 2 weeks notice, work for 4 weeks at the new place, take 1-2 weeks unpaid vacation and come back. They were ok with that.

But now I'm only 4 weeks away from when I want to take holidays. My current employer keeps asking when I want to book time off. I don't really want to book time off only to quit in 2 weeks, because I'd feel like a liar. It's a small company, so me quitting is going to cause them some hassle.

What should I do? Tell my employer I may be quitting in 4 weeks? Just book the time off? Do nothing and wait for the job offer?

[fly]

Your loyalty should be to with your current employer.. and you don't want to burn any bridges so try to leave in good terms.

I would instead tell the company you're interviewing with that you understand it may take some time for them to provide a formal offer so you'd prefer to start at a later date in order to give your current company time to plan your secession after you come back from vacation.

This shows several things:
1. You're a value add employee so the company needs to plan your secession
2. You're really leaving in good terms rather than jumping ship because you hate your current job that much
3. You're willing to do what's best for your current employer and they can expect that kind of loyalty when you decide to pursue other opportunities in the future

If they reject your proposal then it's clear you shouldn't work for that company.

[Impossibles]

I think that's what I will do, but I can't think of a good way to approach my potential employer on the subject. What would be a good way to start that discussion without sounding arrogant?

I need a formal offer of employment so I can resign at my current employer, but I will only start in 6 weeks.

[Impossibles]

This is so agravating.

It's been 4 weeks since they sent me the informal job offer. I keep calling them, and they keep saying that they should get the go-ahead in the next day or two from head office. I must have gotten this response 3 or 4 times now.

Last friday I left a message saying that if this can't be resolved by the end of next (now this) week, I would have to take a pass on the offer. Now today is friday, yesterday they told me they should have the offer for me today, but I have my doubts.

I do want the job, and I really want to quit my current job. But I'm wondering if this should be taken as a bad sign for this company, and I'm wondering if I should stay firm on my word of passing on the offer.

[napoleonz]

I hear ya! Hard to say whether it's the summer holiday season slowing things down or if they actually are waiting for a better candidate with you as the 2nd choice. You never know. Expect the worst. And keep us posted.

No matter what, I would handle my relationship with my current employer very professionally. You know how things could take a nose dive after you submit the resignation letter. Be extra careful!!