Asking for recommendation letter from my new manager when I just recently started?

Question

So I am in a relatively awkward spot. 2 months and a half ago I joined a company.

However I only did so because I did not get accepted to grad school, which is my n1 priority in life.

The period to apply to grad school starts again and I need recommendation letters. It is usually good that if you are in industry, one such letter comes from your manager.

And so I would need to ask this new manager, whose team I literally just joined "hey, I may be leaving in one year, wanna write me a letter that will increase the probability that I leave your team?"

I am worried about the multiple conflict of interests, first there's the fact that from a pure game theory perspective, it's better for my manager if I don't get accepted, as that will ensure I stay in the company. There's also the worry that even if he does write me the best letter he can, this could sour the professional relationship as I recently joined and almost immediately after, I am thinking of leaving.

I am unsure as to how to navigate this landscape.

Answer 1

I am unsure as to how to navigate this landscape.

Last time you attempted to enter grad school you surely included a recommendation letter, and at that time you weren't at this company.

Do that. Obtain letters from other sources as you did before.

As stated in comments, you've been here for less than 3 months, so any recommendation letter you obtain from your current manager will not have much weight or strength for your application; it's best if you obtain one from someone that knows you better and for a longer time (your previous manager for example).