Should I apply for this job or not?

In My Humble Opinion
1

So, to make a long story short, I’ve been keeping an eye out for any good jobs opening up in my area because I’ve just about reached the end of my rope with my current employer.

This wonderful job ad just came up, and it looks right up my alley. From what I hear about the position, it’d be a good fit.

How do I know this? Because the reason that job is vacant is because the guy who had it is coming to work with us, and he’s basically going to be another me. I mean, he’s being hired to do the same position.

Here’s my conundrum: dude doesn’t look like he wants to burn any bridges, and he’s actually giving a lot more notice to them than the usual 2 weeks. I have a gut feeling that since he’s the only person who does his position there and he wants to leave on a good note, he’s going to be the guy who looks over the resumes to assist them in finding a good replacement.

To complicate things more, he’s a friend of my boss/business owner. Some people might be willing to look over the fact that one of their future coworkers just applied for another job, but he’ll probably want to work in the best interests of his friend and inform him his employee is looking elsewhere.

Both of these companies are small businesses in a small city where word gets around.

2

I think you should apply if you really are on the end of your rope with your current employer. Yes, there is a risk that you won’t get the new job AND your boss will get wind of the fact that you’re applying elsewhere. But, if you’re really unhappy, you shouldn’t let a good opportunity pass you by. It is possible, but pretty unlikely, that your boss will fire you just for applying at another company. This isn’t firing for cause and you’d be eligible for unemployment at least. Further, firing without cause, while not illegal, can often bolster a claim of being fired for an illegal cause (such as discrimination).

All in all, you don’t want to work for your existing employer anymore. From the way that the new co-worker is leaving (giving extra notice, etc.) one can presume that they’re leaving on good terms and don’t hate the company. I understand that it’s worrisome, but it’s also a promising sign!

If I were in the other guy’s shoes, I wouldn’t be thinking “Hey, I can take this info to my new boss and he’ll like me more!” I’d be thinking, “Gee, this guy’s applying for my old job. Is there something bad about this new company?”