Going back to school after 16 years.

<p>I graduated High School in 1997 and I decided that I am going to go back to school this fall. I am planning on going full time. So I will have to quit my full time job in order to do so. Fall Semester starts in 90 days and I am wondering when I should tell my employer about my plans.
I have worked for the company since 2001 and have climbed the ranks from the very bottom, to the very top. My position (outside sales) will most likely be filled from within the company, but it will still be a stressful decision for the owner/boss. He is an awesome person and he is the only reason why I have continued to work for the company. I want to leave on the best terms possible. I want to give him more than the standard 2-3 week notice, but I don't know if 3 months is too long.
Another dilemma is that some of the scholarships I am applying for ask for letters of recommendation. The deadlines for these are soon. I really need him to write one for me in order to apply for the scholarships.
Any feedback on this would be helpful!
Thanks.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t be so quick to quit a well paying job with a great boss without taking an evening class at the local community college to see if I am comfortable back in the classroom.
This may not be the time for you to quit, maybe work a few more years, have money saved up and not have to rely on merit money.
What are your major/goals?
Is this community college or a 4 year?</p>

<p>The decision wasn’t quick but it has been made. I will start in August. I’m sure I will have no problem in the classroom. I will be working on a BFA in graphic design.
I just want to get feedback on when to talk to the boss. Pros and cons for telling him now vs. later.</p>

<p>If you want your boss to write a letter of recommendation for scholarships, there’s no getting around notifying him this early in the game. And if you’re on good terms with him, he’ll understand why you’re returning to school and won’t hold it against you. At least with a 3-months notice, it’s more than enough time to train your replacement.</p>

<p>You need to get all your medical, dental, vision checkups soon, well before you lose your company health insurance.
Stock up on meds, contacts all you need to tide you over until your next health care plan kicks in.
Tell your boss that the decision to return to school was difficult and that you appreciate the job and having him as a boss.
If you need a LOR then you have to tell him soon.</p>

<p>Thank you for your comments!</p>