How to quit a barn job?

[heelsdownlibby]

I have been working for a lady at her small facility (4 of the lady’s horses and one boarder horse) every weekday morning since August. I come and feed/water, muck the stalls, blanket when necessary, all the basics. It’s a 30 minute drive, I’m here for a couple of hours (6:30-9), and I get paid $10/hr.
Sounds like the perfect set up for a young amateur (I’m 18) because I’m not riding and it’s not a working student position, so I get to keep my ammy status. Except the lady is kind of miserable to work for. For example, one time she asked me to dump the outside water troughs and refill. I did it, I even scrubbed with soap to make sure they were clean and filled them back up. That afternoon when she got home from work, she called me screaming because one of the mares’ tubs was empty. I asked if she could have pawed it and turned it over, because I’ve seen this horse do that before, so she went back on the cameras to see if I really filled it and it turns out the mare had done just that! Stuff like that happens al the time, but I know that if I want to be a pro eventually, I’m going to have o deal with a lot of people like her, so I’ve toughed it out.

But, the owners at the barn where my horses are now have asked me to work for them. Not my trainer, he’s separate from the owners. It pays more, it’s the same work, the schedule is three full days a week (8-4) rather than the early mornings 5 days a week so I get to sleep a little more. It’s obviously a better fit for my schedule and I’d be taking care of about 40 horses including my two, with a couple of guys who I’ve known forever. In addition, I’d also be our show groom since I’ll already be there competing at all of the shows. (A shows with my big mare, and the schooling shows with my greenie.)

So how do I cut it off with the other lady? Is there a way to avoid her biting my head off? Can I call her or do I need to do it in person? I was thinking I would tell her I have an opportunity where my horses are, and ask her how long she needed to find someone else. If she starts screaming at me than I would just thank her and tell her I’m sorry you’re upset, but I’ll just leave now then. Is that fair?

[Renn_aissance]

Do this in person. Plan to give her two weeks’ notice and grin and bear it for the next two weeks. This is the professional way to conduct yourself.

Say, “I have found another position and my last day with you will be X. Thank you for the opportunity.” You don’t owe her any more explanation than that.

[Spotless]

Sounds like working at your barn will get you a LOT more connections and experience. Good for you, OP!

It’s the beginning of February. I would put in your notice that you will be finished at the end of February and will begin your new job in March (or whenever you deem appropriate, but the end of the month gives her time to find someone else). Tell her that you loved taking care of her horses and that you will miss them, but you have an opportunity to grow as an equestrian and will no longer have time to give them the quality attention that they deserve. Thank her for allowing you to get the experience that you did and wish them well. Even if you hated every darned second of it, she was your employer and for all you know could make a great recommendation for you in the future.

[blondewithchrome]

Quitting a barn job is just like quitting any job. Ask to speak with her briefly and share that you’re submitting your two weeks notice and your last day is X. If she asks why, share that you have a new opportunity that’s better for your schedule. IME, it’s better to just be professional and keep the drama out of it. I second the earlier posters sharing you might need a recommendation so don’t burn your bridges good luck!

[mswillie]

Tell her, in person, that you have accepted another offer that is a better fit for you and that you’re giving her two weeks notice and your last day will be February xx. If you want to be a little more professional about it, you can also give her a short letter of resignation at the same time.

Dear Ms. Cranky pants.

I have accepted a position that more closely aligns with my future plans and xx/xx will be my last day. I’ve enjoyed working for you and have learned so much about [shoveling poo]. I wish you well in your [showing, trail, barrel racing] endeavors.

Sincerely

Heelsdownlibby

Whatever you do, do not give her an open ended date. Pick a day and stick to it. Your future employer is going to need you to start working, make a clean break and don’t worry about it. If she becomes abusive to you tell her that you’ve decided that a two week notice isn’t going to work and then leave.

I would try to time telling her so that she owes you the least amount of salary. If she does go off you may have a hard time collecting those wages. Also if you have any personal items at the barn (doesn’t sound like you’d have much there anyway) get it out ahead of time.

Hopefully she’ll be fine and everyone can behave professionally, you can give her notice, get paid, and she can find another employee. Good luck.

[Dubarry]

I would give your two weeks notice in writing.

[Wonders12]

I think @Spotless is right on. When people apply for jobs here, I always request that they give me 1 month’s notice if they’re planning to leave. I know it won’t always happen, but frankly, 2 weeks is not enough time to replace someone. (Posting the job or spreading the word that a job is open, collecting resumes/responding to calls, setting up and conducting phone/in person interviews, negotiating pay and start date, handling paperwork, beginning training…)

Tell her today/tomorrow or schedule a time to meet her in person this week. Keep your notice short and sweet. “Mrs. X, I hope you know how much I’ve enjoyed my time here caring for your horses. I’m very excited to share that I’ve been offered a new opportunity to improve my skills and resume, but unfortunately I won’t be able to work both jobs. I’ve requested to start March 1st to give you time to fill my position. I’d be happy to help train my successor if you’d like. (Only offer this if you feel like you can provide fair training without putting down your boss in front of the new person.) Thank you again for the opportunity. I’m going to really miss your horses.”

Set her up to give a professional response. Don’t assume start out defensive. Accept that she might be a little upset/caught off guard. It’s REALLY difficult to find good barn help, and there will likely be moment of panic when she receives the news. Don’t react to her reaction. You stay calm, cool, and collected.

Try your best to be the professional and stay for the month. Even if it means walking away from the conversation with, “I’m sorry that you feel that way. I need to end this conversation now, but I’ll be back tomorrow to care for the horses.” If it REALLY gets bad, you can certainly walk away with, “Thank you again for the experience, but it’s becoming to clear to me that we can’t maintain a professional relationship through the month. I will be resigning completely at the end of this shift. Please have my final paycheck by X time.” Try hard to avoid that. If she tells other barns you did that, it could really destroy your reputation.

[red_mares]

Give a written 2 weeks notice just like any other job. Keep it at ‘had a great time, thanks for the start, I’m moving on’. Don’t get into a discussion/argument because the there isn’t anything to discuss.

I would not give 4 weeks notice. That is excessive. She might be in a bind for a couple weeks, but that’s life.

[Monica67]

2 weeks is sufficient notice and is standard for most all industries. 30 days is excessive. You received good advice here regarding giving 2 weeks notice. Good luck with your new job.

[OneTwoMany]

BO chiming in here. It is common practice and common courtesy to give two weeks notice. As other posters suggested, do thank your soon to be former employer for her contribution. Even if you disliked working for your employer, keep things positive. You never know when you paths will cross again.

Also keep in mind that it is not unusual for a future employer to call former employers for a reference – even if you don’t have the former employer listed as a reference. I’ve had prospective employers call me 2-5 years after an employee left our employ seeking a reference. This is especially common if the new employer is conducting a background check.

IME it is very common for folks to resign from a barn job via letter or e-mail.

[findeight]

I’d go with two weeks. Tell her in person, do put it in writing and keep a copy. 50/50 she’ll throw you off the property earlier anyway and you might get stiffed wage wise. Get something in writing at the new job when you start as well.

So many of the " backyard" type barn jobs operate very casually…until you try to leave, then you get the old “how can you do this to me” song and dance. Seen thata million times, had it happen to me. Twice. Maybe she’s different so handle it professionally, give her a chance to also act like a Adult. But be prepared, just in case.

[joiedevie99]

Yes. Professional is the name of the game. “I appreciate the opportunity you have given me, and have enjoyed my time here. I have decided to pursue another opportunity and my last day will be xx (two weeks).” In person or by phone, immediately followed up in writing.

Re-read your employment contract to make sure you didn’t agree to anything different - like a longer notice period, etc.

[MCF1991]

It’s very important to remember that quitting a horse job is not at all like quitting a job in the corporate world. Horse employers take it very personally sometimes. I was a professional groom for about 4 years and had tons of jobs before that just like what you have now. Some people are harder than others, but no matter what don’t burn the bridge.

I have had to grin and bear it from a couple of my former employers. At the time it seemed like they thought I was the worst person ever for moving on and that they would never speak to me again. I did not once retaliate and I am actually still in touch with every single one. I even wound up going back to one long time (tough) employer and am currently boarding my horse with them with no issues.

Bottom line, be as polite and professional and gracious for the opportunity, but let them know you need to move on. You have good reasons so if it helps smooth it over let her know the other job is just a better fit and a great stepping stone in your career.

[enjoytheride]

But quitting a horse job should be like quitting any other job. It’s because we treat trainers and barn owners differently that we accept bad behavior.

If she leaves with 2 weeks notice and has been a good employee there should be no hard feelings.

[cherham]

I honestly think 30 days notice more appropriate just given the nature of this industry. 2 weeks is VERY short notice to find a replacement in the horse/farming industry. This is “not” the corporate world…and as a previous barn worker and now BO I would expect the 30 days advance notice myself.

[gottagrey]

Give her two weeks notice, she might tell you to get off the property. Say okay and continue to be pleasant.

[pologirl27]

@cherham

I honestly think 30 days notice more appropriate just given the nature of this industry. 2 weeks is VERY short notice to find a replacement in the horse/farming industry. This is “not” the corporate world…and as a previous barn worker and now BO I would expect the 30 days advance notice myself.

It is 5 horses, the BO can figure out alternatives in 2 weeks.

I agree with two weeks, in person, backed up with a short letter. “Thanks for the opportunity, I have found a job that is a better fit for my current needs and my last day is X” Depending on her level of crazy she will either want you for every second of those 2 weeks or she’ll kick you out that day.

[OTTB2]

I had a very similar situation and i’m also around your age. In my case I gave 2 weeks notice and it all went fine. I was caught a little off guard when she asked me if I knew another teen who would like my position, but it only took a few texts to find another teen with a car who was into horses to scoop the job up in a heartbeat. I was very close with this BO though, (She had an empty nest and I frequented her house for dinner) so depending on your relationship she might ask something like that.

[mvp]

@Renn/aissance

Do this in person. Plan to give her two weeks’ notice and grin and bear it for the next two weeks. This is the professional way to conduct yourself.

Say, “I have found another position and my last day with you will be X. Thank you for the opportunity.” You don’t owe her any more explanation than that.

Yup.

And if she does “bite your head off,” know these two things. 1. It will be short-lived and worth it. 2. Her behaving badly is none of your business. So you keep your side of the street clean and professional and let her do what she’s going to do for the 5 minutes it takes to have this conversation.

If you are quitting a boss because you think she treats you badly, while you are doing her job I don’t see how/why think there’s some way to quit without getting a ration of caca. You probably will. You know you will. That’s how she rolls. that’s why you are quitting. Just take it and move on.

If you want to establish a boundary about how you are being treated, and how things go for the next two weeks, you might try this, should she berate you for quitting: “look. I have been professional and courteous by giving you two weeks notice. If however, the next two weeks are going to go like this, I’ll just be done today. It’s up to you. I’m happy to finish out my time here if you can see your way clear to treating me professionally for the duration.”

[red_mares]

@cherham

I honestly think 30 days notice more appropriate just given the nature of this industry. 2 weeks is VERY short notice to find a replacement in the horse/farming industry. This is “not” the corporate world…and as a previous barn worker and now BO I would expect the 30 days advance notice myself.

Then be prepared to be disappointed.

2 weeks is standard pretty much every where, for most jobs, even shoveling sh!t.

This gal is quitting because she doesn’t like how she’s being treated. If your employees quit because you treat them like crap, you don’t get extra courtesies when they leave; doesn’t matter what business you’re in.