Thoughts on leaving a part-time retail position.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 5,2025 at 3:11PM UTC

   No reason to give notice. Notice is a courtesy and given that they have treated you poorly I would not bother. Respect is a two way street.

2. AnonymousSeptember 5,2025 at 5:27PM UTC

   Always offer 2 weeks. This is the most professional way of ending it. Remember, it doesn't matter what happened inside the walls, it matters how you leave your dust behind. That's what people will remember. You never know if you will cross paths again so do the right thing. Whether they say thank you or not, you my friend, will leave on your high note.

3. AnonymousSeptember 5,2025 at 5:50PM UTC

   I usually roll the dice and give a 2 weeks notice 3 days before the new job starts. That way, if they walk you, you are only missing a couple days pay. One time I had to go back to the old job and say “ they really really want me to start tomorrow so today is going to be my last day. Sorry.” I feel like it’s a legit question to ask in the interview about flexible start date. When they make you the offer, you can say “I would love to give my current employer two weeks notice, but they might choose to terminate me on the spot. If that happens, could I start sooner with you?”

   As a manager, I have also moved heaven and earth to move up a start date on someone who got fired when they gave notice. That’s the kind of above and beyond that an employee remembers. I would just tell HR that I was really afraid I would lose them to a company that could start them sooner.

4. AnonymousSeptember 5,2025 at 7:08PM UTC

   Always give 2 weeks notice. You never know when you need a reference and burning a bridge just because the employer was bad is not good for you. Good luck in your new role.

5. AnonymousSeptember 5,2025 at 7:36PM UTC

   mark your calendar and communicate with your manager before she completes her schedule. Or talk to her about your hours of availability. Retail stores do require flexibility for scheduling but if they value you, they will work with you! Quitting without a discussion or without having another job in line - can reflect badly on you. Work it out!

6. Diane DavisSeptember 6,2025 at 6:23PM UTC

   Always give notice. Don't.

   burn bridges.

7. AnonymousSeptember 7,2025 at 8:48AM UTC

   On this platform we are supposed to be authentic and not just bolster the status quo. All this good faith advice saying that giving 2 weeks notice is always professional makes me believe that some women are still mentally imprisoned.

   Here's the reality after working for more than 3 decades...when the company decides that they are done with you, they might tell you to pack your things and go the same day. In addition, if you live in an at will state, either you or the company can decide that today is your last day.

   Most companies are dysfunctional spin doctors regardless of how you perform or conduct yourself, very little integrity. They have no right to demand respect from workers. You have to do what works for you as long as you're willing to deal with the consequences.

8. Sheri GreenSeptember 7,2025 at 3:14PM UTC

   All states are "at will" but Montana does not fully follow the at will doctrine. After one year of employment, the employer has to have a reason to fire you.

9. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 12:36PM UTC

   While Sheri Green may be right that every state is "at will," almost every state has its own nuances. Where I live, a company can block you from receiving unemployment if you were written up, so it won't affect their unemployment insurance premiums, and then you are fired for not complying with the PIP (personal experience). Before you decide, check your state's unemployment eligibility requirements and see if there is a "for cause" clause. Consider this: Only you know what is best for you and what you can live with. If retail isn't your "dream job," it makes a difference, as someone else stated.

10. AnonymousSeptember 7,2025 at 2:38PM UTC

    Do you intend to keep working in retail? If not, quit. If yes, give notice.

11. Sheri GreenSeptember 7,2025 at 3:12PM UTC

    Don't give 2 weeks notice. They would not give any notice if they were firing you.

12. AnonymousSeptember 8,2025 at 7:34PM UTC

    Do you have another job lined up? Otherwise, give notice on the day you are planning to be your last. If they walk you, you are no worse for wear. If not, you get two more weeks of pay. No notice is grounds for no rehire at my company. You may think you never want to go back to this retailer, but you never know.

13. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 1:32AM UTC

    It is a courtesy to give 2 weeks notice. You would not get paid for hours you don't work. I left my second to last job with no notice (turned in my resignation letter at the end of my day along with my keys and ID badge). My boss was a witch with a b, so I did not feel bad at all for not giving more notice.