Ethics of less than two weeks notice

Question

I am waiting on a job offer. Assuming I get this offer and accept (I’ve been assured by the hiring manager I am getting a good offer by the end of the week) how obligated am I to provide a full two weeks notice? A few factors - the hiring manager wants me to start ASAP and I would like to take a week’s break in between jobs. However, I’m involved in a big, complicated regulatory project with an ETA of the end of the year. I would really like to give them just one week, but don’t want to screw my coworkers/manager, whom I like. I am fed up with the company as a whole, though, and would never seek employment here again. Any thoughts?

Barb Hansen · Answer

Lots of good advice above. Be open with your boss and your team as to not  burn bridges:

1. Create a  project plan or punch list for your exit and give that documented plan to your boss. 
2. transfer work
3.  document anything that's outstanding (even if you have transferred the work to someone else) 
4. leave your work-space organized - not your actual desk but your electronic footprint, and the intellectual space your hold in the company.  
5. offer to be available via email or phone over the next few weeks to answer any questions that come up. Generally companies won't ever call you after you leave but it's a very professional thing to say.

MJ · Answer

A company that would pressure you to screw over your current employer will do the same to you.  Tell the potential employer you must give fair notice.  If they can't respect that, then ask yourself if they are worth leaving a decent employer

Annetta Moses · Answer

Let's be mindful that two weeks notice is a courtesy and only an obligation if you signed an employment contract and agreed to give two weeks or more notice. What is important when you leave a position is to set the stage for a smooth transition. Document your work so that you can train someone to do your job after you leave.
While you new company wants you to start as soon as possible,  you can negotiate a start date. For someone to start a new job three weeks after you accept the offer. That allows you to give two weeks notice and take a week break.
I am aware of when a company wanted someone to start soon, the company offered a very attractive hiring bonus. I  am also aware on a company who wanted someone to start by a certain date that didn't allow for a break. The company gave her an extra week of vacation that she took 4 weeks after starting the new job.
Congrats on your upcoming offer. Please remember to keep you current job until you have the new job offer in writing and if it is a contingency of employment your references checked and your background check completed.

Natalie Dunbar · Answer

Not much else to add to all the other congrats and good advice shared here.

I do try to honor the practice of giving two weeks notice, but I also balance that with the notion that most (non-contract) employment is 'at-will' so either party can separate without any notice if they choose. I have rarely 'quit' a job this way as an adult, but admit to having done so as a teenager/young adult.

I will say that in similar circumstances where the new hiring manager wanted me to start ASAP, I explained that as my soon-to-be new employer, it was important to me that they continued to see me as a consummate professional - that if the tables were turned, I'd want to be sure to honor the best practice of giving two weeks to ensure that they were not left in a lurch.

I later learned that the ASAP tactic was used so that I would not be wooed away by other offers, and that there was no real pressing or urgent need for me to start right away.

Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

I think the work you do to hand-off your work is more important than the days on the calendar. Do what you can to help them out in the time that's best for you. Congratulations on your new job.

Jackie Ruka · Answer

If you are moving on, then move on, delegate the work out to team mates, take your vacation time and begin to cut the ties. Work will continue with or without you. Your job is to look to the future. You will know when it is the right time to tell your manager you are leaving. Most companies do not expect 2 weeks, in fact many rather you leave and not hang around to be involved in their intellectual property only to move on to another company. I would out of respect give them 2 weeks with one of them being your holiday time. Good luck and congratulations!

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you to everyone who responded- I am the original poster and wanted to give a follow up. I was given an offer last week, and the offer letter actually had a January start date. I had a call with company’s recruiter to go over questions and brought him up that the hiring manager wanted me to start sooner. The recruiter said that he will talk to the manager, but that I should go with the date I’m comfortable with - all managers want everyone to start ASAP, but it’s also the slowest time of year (for us) and I should take a break for myself. So it looks like I will get the timeline I want, and can give two weeks. Thanks again to everyone who helped me think this through.

Ruzana Glaeser · Answer

I strongly recommend not burning bridges with your current employees, however, that doesn't mean that you have to compromise on something.
Here is what I would do:
1. Inform your current employer that you need to leave with less than 2 week notice (once you have the offer signed) and explain why. If you explain the situation, people are less likely to be resentful. 
2. Take a week or two weeks off for yourself. I took 6 weeks off between my last employment and current one, and let me tell you this - it was absolute magic. Take time to unwind from previous job and be refreshed for the new one. Again, explain to your new employer that you are very excited to start the job, and as soon as possible for you would be after a week (or two).

Good luck!

LEANNE TOBIAS · Answer

My inclination would be to give the current employer 2 weeks notice and to take a week off between jobs to clear my head.

If you wish, you could ask the new employer if you could review background documents or take other actions to ready you for the new job.

I agree with the view that the new employer should be thoughtful of your need to tie up your affairs and transition comfortably to your new job, rather than to insist that you come on board immediately.

Betsy Walters, CALC · Answer

That is an awesome outcome!

Ethics of less than two weeks notice

You're invited.

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