Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#1

Post by chidevguy » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:25 AM UTC

At work today I was remotely pair programming with a fellow dev on my team. During his screen share, he accidentally pulled up a browser window that had various tabs showing open developer positions. It happened quite quickly so I didn't say anything at the time, but now I'm wondering what to do.

He's a very likable guy and I consider him to be one of the top devs on our team and in our company, so I definitely don't want to see him leave. Unfortunately though, we aren't very close personally, so I'm not sure if I should bring it up to him. For all I know he wasn't even looking at jobs for himself...

I appreciate any advice you all have on whether or not I should bring it up to him, project manager, etc. And if so, how to go about doing it. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#2

Post by svisser » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:33 AM UTC

I don't think you know enough to take action. You might draw incorrect conclusions from what you saw and it may have unwanted results if you raise this with a project manager (or him).

Usually there are other signs as well when an employee is looking to leave (search online). When those confirm your suspicion you could consider talking about it. But from just a few open browser tabs I don't think you can draw conclusions (it may well have been recruiter spam that looked curious).

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#3

Post by zoowar » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:38 AM UTC

Mind your own business.

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#4

Post by sauravt » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 3:02 AM UTC

zoowar wrote: post #3

Mind your own business.

That's the best way to deal with this situation.

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#5

Post by jmspring » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 5:56 AM UTC

I had a few tabs open today, a colleague saw them, turns out they were positions a friend sent me and was asking my opinion on.

It happens, you don't know the back story.

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#6

Post by codeonfire » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 6:55 AM UTC

Hook that guy up with some job leads. There's nothing wrong with looking for a better opportunity. Why on earth would you bring it up with anyone. What exactly do you expect to happen by getting involved?

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#7

Post by sbank » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 7:55 AM UTC

You do nothing. It is frankly none of your business.

> For all I know he wasn't even looking at jobs for himself...

Or he could just be looking at what is out there. Keeping updated in case he wants to move on in the future. Smart move, if so.

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#8

Post by pontifexa » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 8:02 AM UTC

Do nothing.

Some companies are stupid enough to fire people the second they get sniff of them considering leaving.

You could get your colleague into serious trouble by reporting something that is neither your, nor your employer's business.

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#9

Post by mattwritescode » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 10:39 AM UTC

Do nothing unless he asks or talks to you.

I regularly take a look at what developer roles are on offer. It doesnt mean I want to leave my job.

I use it as a way to see what companies are using what technology.

Re: Ask HN: What to do if you see your coworker job searching?

#10

Post by pointilist » Sat, Feb 22, 2014, 10:15 PM UTC

Why would you do anything at all? What makes you think it is any business of yours? Rather than tell you to mind your own business, I would love to understand why you think it is something you should act upon?

Also, I hope I never work with you.