You asked:

When should I tell my boss that I’m quitting my summer job? If I let them know too early, will I just get fired?

Most managers who hire summer labor are aware they are hiring just that: summer labor. If you were hired in a seasonal capacity, mark your exit day on the calendar to be sure they know when you're leaving. Your boss will likely appreciate the heads-up so he or she can look for a replacement if necessary.

Even if you weren't expressly hired as summer help, it’s probably no big secret that you're a college student and will be leaving to go back to school. Nevertheless, it’s customary to give any employer the standard two weeks' notice, so be sure to do that -- especially if you plan to use this employer as a reference in future job searches.

It’s up to your discretion if you want to give earlier notice. If your employer is generally a decent person, it’s doubtful you’ll be fired for doing what should be considered a courtesy. You might even score extra points if you explain that you want to give enough notice so you’ll have time to train your replacement.

However, if you and your supervisor have a personality clash, try not to let things get ugly. Let him or her know you cannot work past a certain date so the person who does the scheduling doesn’t have to go to the extra trouble of finding someone to cover shifts that were assigned to you. Keep in mind that even if you fantasize about flipping off your boss and leaving him high and dry, that kind of behavior usually affects others in the workplace (your work buddy, for example, who might have to cover for you last-minute).

Whatever your relationship with your co-workers and managers, let them know you appreciated having the job -- you might be glad you left a door open for working there again next summer, particularly in this tough job market. As long as you don't casually mention on your last day that you won't be coming in tomorrow, you shouldn’t have any worries.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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