In NY most employers are somewhat aware of some basic jewish laws and customs like leaving early on Fridays in the winter and all the jewish holidays (Succoth and Shavouth) however out of town they are not. Go to employers in Cleveland and ask them about Shavouth and many will look at you funny.
When you try to leave early on Friday or take off for Shmini Atzert, it will be alot harder (Yes its Illegal to fire someone for leaving work early on Friday, but there are ways around it)