Notice of Resignation - Is it still 2 weeks?

68 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 6:46PM UTC

   Congrats on your new job! I have quit a job similar to this and gave them like a week's notice because my new job started a week from when I was hired. Don't feel like you will burn any bridges just let them know as soon as possible but I wouldn't feel bad, especially if you are not leaving anything unfinished work wise.

2. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 6:55PM UTC

   Honestly, depending where you're located, most U.S. states are "at-will" anyway, so technically, you're not even obligated to give a reason or notice. Your employer has the same "at-will" rights too.

   I'd say some notice is better than none. Put in the 1 week notice and be on your way. Good luck and congrats on the new endeavor!

3. Lynda StevensSeptember 27,2022 at 7:03PM UTC

   I think you can give a letter of resignation without stating a reason. Your company may very well walk you out the door so don't be surprised. Just keep your head high and your vibe cool.

4. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 7:15PM UTC

   I would offer 2 weeks if you can. Otherwise offer what you can. Giving notice is still a "thing".

5. KatSeptember 27,2022 at 7:23PM UTC

   Two weeks is a courtesy, not a requirement. Give as much notice as you can or want to give. If you think they'll march you out the door as soon as you give notice, then don't worry about it. Put in your notice and be prepared to pack up and go immediately. (Or start cleaning out your work area a little at a time so there's less to carry out on the final day. ) As others have pointed out, "at will" employment (which is most states) means just that - you can be fired at any time for any (or no) reason. Good luck with finding a job that meets your needs.

6. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 7:42PM UTC

   2 weeks is the norm, but if you're unhappy give as much notice as you can.

7. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 7:44PM UTC

   Read your company’s policy on resignation, if they have one, and follow it. If you have to give 2 weeks for rehire consideration, do so and see if you can use PTO for part of it. Don’t tell them you need to start another job, tell them you are not contributing and want to save everyone from unproductive time. Since you are def quitting your boss not the company, try to leave the door open.

8. AnonymousSeptember 28,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

   I have never seen a resignation policy as another poster suggested you look at. No company can tell you how you resign unless they are planning to give you a two week notice if they are letting you go. Two weeks is a professional courtesy and considered the norm. I just gave a 2.5 weeks notice to help get past the quarter end, but typically I offer a 2 week notice as a professional courtesy/norm. I have certainly had employees who have given less for a number of reasons. If you already have another position, I would offer the notice and if they waive the notice and ask you to leave and pay you for it, then enjoy the break.

9. Julia KongSeptember 28,2022 at 11:58PM UTC

   This is usually addressed in your employee handbook or something similar under termination/resignation section which will indicate the notice period expected. If your company does not have one or is silent, I think 2 weeks is still a good practice to follow.

10. Crystal HowellSeptember 29,2022 at 2:18PM UTC

    You always give two weeks notice in writing, I want to thank you for the opportunity, I have decided to pursue other business interests.

    It's up to them to say no, you can leave, put the resignation notice in an email copy HR

11. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:07PM UTC

    If you do not want to burn bridges, then put in a notice, 2 weeks at least. You should look in the employee handbook, so you’ll know the actual amount of time they require for a notice.

12. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:09PM UTC

    Just tell them the date you need to leave and that’s your end date.

    I recently had to give a 1.5 weeks notice that also backed into my vacation time. So it was actually only 2 day notice. They ended up not paying out the 80 hours of PTO I had in my bank.

    But my new job pays almost double what I was making before so I didn’t really care.

    No bridges were burned I added my managers on LinkedIn and Facebook and they said they would give me a reference if I ever asked.

    So really do what’s best for you. Sometimes that’s just how the cookie crumbles.

13. Amy ConwaySeptember 30,2022 at 12:39PM UTC

    Why would they not pay out your pto? Did it say in a policy handbook pto is not paid out? You should have at least been paid for the time you were planning on taking that was part of your notice period. I can’t sometimes with these companies!

14. jane miliciSeptember 30,2022 at 12:20PM UTC

    I always found this 'tradition' interesting because the employee is expected to be courteous and give two weeks notice but if an employer decides to fire you, it's expected you leave that day.

15. Lisa Kronmueller YoderSeptember 30,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    I was going to say this exact thing! Why is it 'normal' when the worker has to 'surprise' a company (who will be FINE when you are gone), to give them time to find a replacement, but they can fire you and you have to be gone immediately, while still having all of your bills due, and have to find a new job (while missing AT LEAST one paycheck in the interim) with a recent firing on your record?

    I say we need to either lose the 2 week norm or have it work both ways, with PTO given to the fired employee to be able to pursue a new opportunity without suffering any unpaid time.

16. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:32PM UTC

    Totally agree! Don't mean to sound morbid but if I passed away today, my job would be posted before my obit was written.

17. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:26PM UTC

    How a company lets people go speaks to their values. How you as an employee left, speaks to yours. I don't give two weeks' notice because it's expected or traditional, I do it because it's the right thing to do and my integrity and reputation are important to me.

18. Shelby CSeptember 30,2022 at 12:26PM UTC

    If you don't want to burn any bridges you should have stuck with the standard two weeks; however, since that it not an option I would offer them an alternative. I would say something to the effect of the following:

    I have enjoyed my time at XYZ Widget Company. I knew opportunity has been presented to me and I have accepted the position. I regret to inform you that I am unable to give two full weeks notice. My last day of full-time employment will be on [insert date], one week from today. In order to make the transition more seamless, I am willing to come back at my current hourly rate for twenty hours in order to train any staff within thirty days of my departure.

    Chances are that they will not have it filled and it won't be perceived that you have left them without resources. If they call after the month, your rate doubles because you have become a consultant instead of a part-time employee.

    CONGRATULATIONS on your new job!!!

19. Diane McDevittSeptember 30,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

    I think this courtesy is over stressed as a 'rule'. We are not required to give a 2 week notice. It's not a rule, it's not a contingency, it is a 'courtesy' that is not - in many businesses - reciprocated by the employer. If you want to be a considerate person and give that notice so that you can update your teams with your work load - since they will be shouldering that, to hand off projects, etc. But you don't have to do anything more than send that email to your direct report and HR stating you are leaving as of DATE. Be nice to your co-workers, if that's warranted. Be kind, but don't take a 2 week notice requirement as a law. It's a courtesy that will not be extended to you if they decide to term you.

20. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:40PM UTC

    If your job is remote, you could give two weeks notice but start the new job immediately. It’s a bit risky but I’ve seen many people do it.

21. Carol SardinhaSeptember 30,2022 at 12:40PM UTC

    First, get a written recommendation from anyone before you leave. If you can't get the recommendation prior to your exit, get contact info so you can possibly get the recommendation in the near future. (You might not get it AFTER you leave, but you can still try.) At the same time you ask for the recommendation, put in your notice. Apologize for not being able to give 2 weeks, but explain that unfortunately, the new position wants you to start on whatever date it is. I know people that have given notice and were told to leave the day they gave notice. Do not regret not being able to give 2 weeks notice. Most companies don't give ANY notice that you are being let go. Congratulations on the new position and good luck.

22. Amy ConwaySeptember 30,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

    I would give the two weeks. It’s just a professional courtesy. You never know who you run into along the way in your career.

23. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    Two weeks has always been the standard in an office. In the Trades, often when you give notice, they tell you you are out immediately. Some people give 4-6 weeks notice. If you have used all your available sick/vacation days, and have something already lined up, then give one week notice. Or one day.

24. Maggie StoneSeptember 30,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    Sometimes, even though it doesn’t feel good, you have to step on toes and burn bridges to get what you want. If you can’t negotiate your start date with your new position, give as much notice as possible and be cooperative and proactive about closing out tasks and assisting with training others or providing procedures.

25. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

    The notion of a 2 weeks notice is to provide enough time to transition over your assignments to another person and to provide for a smooth transition. In doing so, you don’t burn bridges. You may not have liked your manager, but the way you handle things on your exit will leave a lasting impression on your current employer. If you give notice for less than 2 weeks and explain your plan for transitioning work off your plate, I honestly think you should be fine. I work in HR and have seen people give notice 1.5 weeks before departure and I’m sure it was just timing. We’d hire them back in a heartbeat if they decided to come back. Either way, congratulations to you on your new role, I’m sure it is very well deserved!

26. susiedraegerSeptember 30,2022 at 1:01PM UTC

    As someone who has employees and a technical recruiter, I totally disagree with this. However, it can be negotiable. You can say to your employer, "I am about to give notice, I am happy to give two weeks; however, if it is going to be sooner, please let me know. This will allow me to minimize wage loss as I transition." I always think being the bigger person is better and assisting your employer with the transition as well reflects positively on you.

27. TaniaSeptember 30,2022 at 1:20PM UTC

    I really like this considered response. Though it is also true that they will likely pull the rug out from under OP, so they should *absolutely* have a job lined up before giving notice.

28. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    Do what’s best for you! No bridge will be burned unless it already was. Reasonable people would understand. It’s not like they’ll find your replacement in 2 weeks and like you said you have no loose end to tie at this place! You are okay! Congrats on the new job

29. GirlBossanova934974September 30,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    You should give the 2 week notice. Be sure before you do that you ask around for email addresses and references after you do. Once you have those email addresses, you can always write later on for future references. For those who say it is not fair that employers can throw you out the same day vs. you giving a 2 week notice, step back and think about that one for a minute or 2. What is going to happen to that company when it tries to hire the next high caliber employee? Think that stuff is not going to end up on social media??!! It sure is. The minute future employees see discussions about job offers being reneged upon, mass firings by Zoom calls, chaos, etc, what do you think that perspective employee is going to do? RUN as fast as they can. This stuff is going to follow some companies around for years to come. Do you want that sort of stuff following you around?

30. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 1:06PM UTC

    When I last changed jobs I was in a similar position. I was leaving to go work for a "competitor" and the last 4 people before me that I had left to go to the same company were walked out and told not to work their 2 weeks' notice. So knowing this, I gave myself 2 weeks' notice to transition some of my work, get my files in order, put together work instructions, etc and told my new job what my 2 weeks would be. I gave my "2 weeks' notice" to my boss on my last day and as expected I was walked out. Not the best situation, but since I was prepared for it I left in the best way I could.

31. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 1:19PM UTC

    I once gave 2 weeks notice to a company, and worked weekends for an additional 3 weeks after I started my new job, to leave on the best terms possible with them. Within a few months, I realized the new job was a mistake. I had ended up in a den of viper women who were bullies, and was already miserable. I reached out to my former employer to see if my position was still open. It wasn’t, but a similar role was. They had to think about it then decided not to hire me back because I had left, despite having left on good terms by working 3 weeks beyond my notice. You should do what is best for you. Every company is different but ultimately they are there to run their business, not to look out for your interests. Don’t give them more than you can afford to give them out of loyalty or fear they’ll give you a bad reference. Many companies don’t check references and if you’re fleeing a bad boss, chances are they aren’t going to be your best reference anyway.

32. surfnwriteSeptember 30,2022 at 1:33PM UTC

    They didn't hire you back because you worked an additional three weeks, which you did as a courtesy to them? That's awful. You can't win!

33. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 1:24PM UTC

    If you don’t have two weeks, then you don’t have it!
    Don’t stress yourself out about something you can’t change. I’ve had employees that gave more like 4 days because of a planned vacation or something. It might have mildly annoyed me but it didn’t change my appreciation for their work. Shorter notice is unlikely to really change the reference you’re getting. Just walk into your next job feeling as relaxed as you can! Congrats on the new position, I hope it’s fulfilling!!

34. G C HesseSeptember 30,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

    NO you do not!!! Took me awhile to realize this....a company does not give you a 2 weeks notice ...it's usually a TODAY notice.

    Take care of you!!!!

35. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 1:50PM UTC

    In 2022, its complete bs to empathize with a company that wouldn’t hesitate to fire you for bs which is why many are turning a new leaf in regard to corporate America.
    Fuck those bridges, I was told the bs as well, toxic companies should not continue to get away with abusing workers and then get mad when you give the same energy. The entire reason we as a younger generation are even dealing with this is because the lazy attempt to stand for human rights of boomers, do what you want. Your references should already be ready and set, not until your 2 week mark. Make it work for you.

36. Dagney TaggartSeptember 30,2022 at 6:05PM UTC

    Your comment about “lazy attempt” and “boomers” is unattractive and incorrect. You sound angry and bitter. See a counselor.

37. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    In my book when an employee realizes it is time to go it is better for both sides to be upfront about it. For resignation when it is without notice I have 72 hours to produce final pay. When given any notice say a two week notice I know that with todays job market it will take longer to replace the person and more often the employee has already closed out most tasks. So I am left mapping out the expectations for the time of notice and asking does the company need to for this person to do the work? In my state we must honor the length of notice given and if we want to shorten say a two week notice we are required to payout the full 2 week notice.

    My suggestion? Go to HR let them know you are leaving negotiate your departure and ask for an exit interview or survey. I say negotiate departure because often the 2 week period is risky for both parties especially when there is possible/probable issues with a Supervisors performance. Ultimately do what is best for you right now the market favors the employee.

    As for references here the employer can only verify employment status and nothing more.

38. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 2:17PM UTC

    Would the company give you a 2 week notice if they terminated you? No? Don't give them 2 weeks. Give greedy corporations the same energy they give employees.

39. Fabienne ThrashSeptember 30,2022 at 2:25PM UTC

    I still follow two weeks ' notice. However, if you don't feel as if you are a part of the team? You may luck out and will be allowed to leave immediately. Then you can either start your new job ASAP, or take some time off for yourself. Good luck.

40. tamara hurwitzSeptember 30,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

    You should give 2 weeks notice. It's always a good practice. I have seen a company resign an offer when they found out the candidate didn't give 2 weeks to the former employer.

    The basic rule is always act with integrity and unless there is stealing or something illegal going on, that means bearing through the 2 weeks.

41. Teresa SoleckiSeptember 30,2022 at 2:42PM UTC

    Two weeks is a courtesy not a requirement. In the US we’re employed at will unless in a union and can be walked out the door at any time with no notice and vice versa. Give what you can.

42. Erin A.September 30,2022 at 4:11PM UTC

    This exactly. Is it nice to give 2 weeks+? Yes. But a company will throw you out with no notice. If you feel there might be hard feelings, you can say "I wish I could have given 2 weeks, but unfortunately the new job requires that I start earlier, so my last day will be ____ ." I think if you give any notice at all, it's a courtesy,

43. Rosa GoesSeptember 30,2022 at 2:49PM UTC

    I wouldn't say that I can't give 2 weeks notice. I think giving an actual date will work. Let them figure out how long that is. You can say something like 'I accepted another position that is more suited to my (enter reason). My last day is (date).' If asked why you can't give 2 weeks, then be honest.

44. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

    The first thing I'd do is check the company policy on vacation/PTO payout. If it says you have to give X amount of notice in order to receive payout of your unused time, then give that amount of notice and if your supervisor let's you go as suspected, all's well. If not, then you have to consider how much time you're losing in order to leave immediately.

45. AnonymousOctober 2,2022 at 1:09AM UTC

    Depending on the state unused PTO is considered "wages" and an employer cannot refuse to cash you out regardless as to whether you gave adequate notice.

46. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 3:32PM UTC

    I've always followed this so-called golden rule of resigning.....give 2-4 wks notice. However, after gaining experience over the years I've come to realize that most companies, not all but most, don't show the same courtesy to their employees. I'm over all the Corporate level managers making all the decisions and the lack of transparency shown to those who work for them. They make decisions and changes without notice, so I think employees should be allowed to do the same. They aren't required to share info or include employees in on their plans, so why should workers be required to?? Makes no sense. The reason I think it's good to give notice is so you don't leave your coworkers, staff, and customers/patients hanging. It's just a job! And after reading other posts on here, it's obvious that companies won't hesitate to fill your position when you leave and even refuse to rehire you after you left on good terms. You have to look out for yourself because nobody else will!! Good luck!

47. Rachel WeisbergSeptember 30,2022 at 3:39PM UTC

    100% this.

48. AnonymousSeptember 30,2022 at 3:54PM UTC

    This is definitely not the standard in the tech industry these days. I’ve seen people give as short as a 3-day notice LOL.

49. Angela Day DentonSeptember 30,2022 at 4:05PM UTC

    Give as much notice as you can. I would just state that my last day of work is _____.

50. Diane ReidSeptember 30,2022 at 4:34PM UTC

    Offering two weeks notice if you can is ideal, but if you can’t there’s no reason to worry about burning bridges

51. Nina BarnhartSeptember 30,2022 at 4:35PM UTC

    I was in the military for eleven years so I did not have much of a choice in the matter... but... In my first post-military role I gave a two weeks notice. I took about a week of it and my boss came to me and said they would still offer pay for the weekend if I wanted to leave early. Worked for both of us because I had a nice long break between jobs.

52. Dorothy DuncanSeptember 30,2022 at 4:50PM UTC

    Two weeks is still a nice courtesy, even in tech. You also don't have to share where you are going. If you are going to a competitor though, don't be surprised if asked to leave sooner.

    That being said, if you don't have a full two weeks, I'd discuss this with your company and offer to stay and work a few hours a week for week 2 or whatever you can do to smooth it over. I'm a fan of not burning bridges and trying to leave on a good note. Your reputation and acting with integrity is so important and will always serve you well.

53. Sarah LarsonSeptember 30,2022 at 5:45PM UTC

    As many others have said, two-weeks is still the common courtesy but you don't have to give that. In that, most states are right-to-work and at-will. Meaning you can quit anytime without notice. That said, some organizations have requirements for rehire eligibility, like two-weeks notice, so check your employee handbook for guidance.

54. Audrey KirschSeptember 30,2022 at 6:13PM UTC

    Just give your last available work day. No need to explain unless you are asked. Many companies will have you leave on the spot which sounds like it would be a good thing in your case. It's always nice to have a few days off prior to starting a new job. If your current boss is a control freak, any amount of notice will be annoying to her/him as they will be thinking about themselves and the extra work you're making for them, so don't worry about the 2 week thing.

55. Carolyn FieldsSeptember 30,2022 at 6:52PM UTC

    I think that 2 weeks is "still a thing." It's mainly a courtesy - so your immediate boss can adjust the workload when you leave, and should need some time to plan. In your case, you don't like your control freak boss, but there may be ramifications for your coworkers - so consider them. Also, it's good for your professional reputation. Your boss isn't being professional, but that doesn't give you a reason to not be professional yourself. Just my two cents worth.

56. Nicolette ThompsonSeptember 30,2022 at 6:59PM UTC

    My last employer, I had to give a full month to be able to have my full paid time off bank paid out. I offered the full month but requested to exit at 3 weeks, and my boss agreed to that. I provided a very detailed roster with transition suggestions that took into account remaining team members aptitudes and workloads, so my boss didn’t have to do much for the transition. (Make it easy for her = more likely to be open to my request)

    in your shoes, offer the two weeks but request less with a plan.

57. AnonymousOctober 2,2022 at 1:07AM UTC

    Depending on the state your employer must pay out your unused PTO regardless of whether you gave adequate notice.

58. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPSeptember 30,2022 at 7:31PM UTC

    Give notice as soon as you can - since it sounds like you have less than 2 weeks anyways. It's a professional courtesy. If they decide to cut you sooner, then it'll work in your favor since it sounds like you want to get out as soon as possible.

59. Ulrike HSeptember 30,2022 at 8:58PM UTC

    Check your employment records- it may state it in there. Otherwise, let yhem know as soon as possible as many here have stated.

60. AnonymousOctober 2,2022 at 1:06AM UTC

    Employment records do not contain a requirement to give notice nor is there any law by which an employer could enforce this.

61. AnonymousOctober 2,2022 at 1:01AM UTC

    I have a question to anybody who can answer it. How come the employee has to give notice and employee does not?

62. Janet ParkhurstOctober 3,2022 at 3:45AM UTC

    I think you meant "employer" in the last part of your sentence. I know--it seems unfair and I wouldn't honor it if I really hated my job and the company. They (employer) can tell you to clean out your desk and parade you out the door in less than two minutes in front of everybody (it happened to me and I felt like an effing criminal). But the employee is questioned or bad mouthed if he or she gives less than two weeks' notice. I have applauded people who took their lunch breaks and never went back. What's the point of staying? Life's too short. In my opinion, most employers don't deserve the advance notice.

63. RiaOctober 2,2022 at 1:10AM UTC

    Why aren't you able to give 2 weeks notice? I would hope that a new employer would understand and respect the common courtesy of a departing employee giving 2 weeks notice.

64. Annetta MosesOctober 3,2022 at 3:24AM UTC

    If you signed an employment contract, check that document and see if advance notice is covered. If not, then give as much notice as you can. Note that giving less than two weeks' notice may put you on the list of people not to hire back. This should not matter if this is a company to which you don't want to return.

    Look forward and good luck.

65. Robert VanloonOctober 5,2022 at 9:36PM UTC

    She could care less. I never even get a thank you, condo painter here. I always go up and over. Never get nothing except you got some paint on the windows. Then have to get nasty to get paid. For half of what I'm worth. So do as you will. Robert

66. Bernadette M MartinezOctober 9,2022 at 3:30PM UTC

    Torch it and go. Companies don't give you two weeks before letting you go, so I don't see a reason you should if you have a better thing lined up. Give the notice you can/want and call it done. Especially if you're not contributing. It's not like you're in the middle of a huge project.

67. Kathryn L. BuerOctober 12,2022 at 5:53PM UTC

    The notice is not just for the employer. It also impacts directly on your co-workers - some of whom you may want in the future for networking purposes. It also shows professionalism to your next employer as they would not want you to just up and out on them either. I suggest you give two weeks notice and tell your current boss you would like to leave earlier if possible. If she says no, let your new employer know that you can't start until after that and consider it a red flag if they can't/won't work with that.

68. Nancy MaceOctober 14,2022 at 8:05PM UTC

    Thanks Kathryn. I did give 2 weeks but I don't have any co-workers. The two that were there left before me.