Dear Cheryl:

Between the two choices: telling your employer you intend to look for another job and then looking or looking for another job before telling them, I would choose the second. I would look for a job first, at least start the search. At one point in the search you may want to reconsider telling your current employers, but for now start the search.

When overwhelmed, better take smaller steps, avoid all-or-nothing thinking and behaving. By starting the search, making one search attempt, you will be starting small.

Two years is a long time to be .. loyal and unhappy, loyal to your employers, that is. Being loyal to yourself would mean trying to better your well-being.

anita