This article originally appeared in USA Today's Ask HR on May 11, 2021.

Question: I am employed and currently job hunting. Should I inform my boss that I’m looking? I should also mention I’m looking because my role offers no promotion or growth potential. What do you recommend? – Trying to Grow

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.: Truth be told, it’s common for people to leave their jobs when there’s no perceived opportunity for growth. But to answer your question, it depends on your company culture and the relationship you have with your people manager.

Usually, employees look for another job without their current employer’s knowledge, but this approach doesn’t apply to everyone.

I’ll ask this: Have you had a conversation with your people manager about growth opportunities within the organization? Have you actively sought them out? Whether it’s training, mentorships, or even online courses, many companies provide professional development opportunities for employees to grow and advance in the workplace.

If you’ve had previous conversations with your boss about your desire to take on more responsibilities and move up in the organization, telling him or her about your job search might not come as a surprise. Your boss may even be supportive of your efforts and could even provide a positive reference. 

On the other hand, if you haven’t spoken to your supervisor, I recommend having an honest, but respectful, conversation before taking any action. Be specific with your boss about your desire to take on more projects or “stretch assignments” that will lead to more learning opportunities and connect you with different parts of the organization. 

I also want to emphasize job growth doesn’t always mean a promotion. It could also mean learning new skills, collaborating with new departments, or making a career change via a lateral move. 

I also encourage you to review your company’s policies or employment agreements related to terminations and giving a specific amount of notice. Think about past practices, too. Have your co-workers shared they are job hunting? If so, how were they treated? Think about whether sharing this information early could put your current or pending job in jeopardy.

This is not an easy decision. At the end of the day, you need to consider yourself, your company’s culture and your relationship with your people manager to make the decision you feel is best for you.