I am planning to leave my current job (been here 20 years!) effective July 1.

Anonymous

May 18,2022 at 1:01PM UTC

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I am planning to leave my current job (been here 20 years!) effective July 1. Because I've been here so long, I'm planning to give notice on June 1 so they will have plenty of time to find coverage for my responsibilities. However, they have been very forceful about insisting I accept a new account, that I don't have time to manage effectively. I had no choice and the account was added to my roster 2 weeks ago. I'm struggling to keep up with the work load. Is it crazy to move my timetable so I can resign now and get this off my plate? The July date was set originally so I can cover my 401K contributions for the year - I'll hit that target by June 15.

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Crystal JamesMay 18,2022 at 1:32PM UTC
I don't think it's crazy to move your timetable and resign now. Don't get burnt out at the end of the long haul. Maybe you will have some vacation time that they have to pay you for when you leave that can cover the 401k contribution. As a 20yr employee, they should be grateful for your loyalty and understand that now is your time to put you first!!
AnonymousMay 18,2022 at 3:05PM UTC
Not crazy to do, but I do caution you. Depending on where you live, if the laws allow it, they could decide to fire you instead of letting you work the remaining time of your notice. They might not, but if you give notice before June 15th that is a risk you are taking.
You might look into the difference it will make on your 401K if you were to resign now. Also, as Crystal pointed out, unless you have already factored in the vacation payout, that could be enough to cover it. Just something to think about.
Be prepared that if they do have you work during your notice, the workload will actually get worse for that last month. You will most likely be required to maintain the accounts and then get people up to speed and transition them. If you haven't started yet, get organized on where things are at and what deadlines are coming up between now and either August 1 or September 1. That will help with the transition.
Good luck in the transition! :)
JJMay 18,2022 at 5:13PM UTC
Yes! I learned the hard way that giving notice does not mean you will stay until your departure date. Once I gave notice and the company came back and basically said leave now. I would hope that the company would never do that to a loyal employee of 20 years, but you never know.
JJMay 18,2022 at 5:10PM UTC
June 16 sounds like a great day to resign.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:35PM UTC
I do the same-give ample notice to resignation but I will tell you up front. In some situations it is not worth it. I will not do that. I gave one and then ended up staying. They have expected that same notice again. Fortunately it’s not the law and 2 weeks is probably set in place for a solid reason. Just saying. Im learning that.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 12:46PM UTC
Leave
Ellen Smith FaganMay 20,2022 at 2:47PM UTC
NO....shows NO skill in work ethics, and poor respect to "Leave". I would stay till the 401 contribution is done, and then announce farewell and leave, with an offer to complete on that new account, to leave your company smiling and the client happy and then you leave that job on a happy note - fun to remember later on.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:10PM UTC
Can you speak to your manager about the workload and not resign until you are ready? I would also caution against giving too much notice for risk of them letting you go. I personally think it's worth it to stick it out until after June 15 because the contributions will definitely be worth it - just try to keep the end goal in mind on a day to day basis... and let the countdown begin. You can do it! Best of luck.
DeBorah S. WalkerMay 20,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
Exactly. I would plan to get out of there as soon as possible; whatever you have to do. Because you giving them notice professionally; and, you've been there 20 years, you don't want them to end up firing you. Certain areas you may have to sacrifice just to go. 20 years is a nice solid career, and excellent on the books, so don't let them ruin it.
GlennMay 20,2022 at 12:16PM UTC
The only other thing that might help you (and go over well with management so you reduce any risk of being fired) is to line up a go-getter colleague who would think having that account would be a feather in their cap, and start giving them some of the responsibility & say you’ll share commissions, etc. Then approach management to announce your notice AND the person who’d be eager to take the account. Then you show you’re a team player. If you handle it right, you don’t need to clue the colleague prematurely that you’ll be resigning.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:27PM UTC
Why care so much?
Do what suits you! Xx
Ellen Smith FaganMay 20,2022 at 2:44PM UTC
Caring is what it's all about, is why! :-D. If they were good enough to keep this woman's engagement for 20 years - they care - as much as one should at work, at least.
Tom ReulandMay 20,2022 at 12:35PM UTC
Very tough place you are at. Are you planning on retiring? If so with the new account you were assigned. Then if it were me it’s going to be the companies problem after you leave not yours. Sounds like to me they maybe trying to get you to possible quit early so they can save money. Not uncommon in these times. Thoughts readers?
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
This is why “being considerate” to the company that you’re leaving isn’t worth the sentiment it carries: they do not care about you enough to be considerate in return.
Melissa BridgesMay 20,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
20 years and they treated you like that? They don’t deserve you.
Ellen Smith FaganMay 20,2022 at 2:43PM UTC
Your company is fine in their giving the new account - they had no way of knowing you were leaving, and, in fact, it's normal reaction in humans to run after your work to try to keep you fully engaged with them. It's a funny thing that HAPPENS in the work environment equation.
GirlBossanova934974May 20,2022 at 12:40PM UTC
Consider yourself fortunate to be leaving this place. Who gives new accounts to people leaving the organization? Crazy! I would just smile and say thank you for the next 40 days. 40 days on a 20 year career is not much. Hit the 401k contribution by 15 June and be gone on 1 July.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:22PM UTC
I read her post as having not given notice yet—she said she plans to on June 1. Which means they do not know she’s leaving.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:40PM UTC
Just tell them your plans. My coworker had to tell them earlier than she planned since I quit and she didn't want all of my work dumped on her.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
Thanks for all the notes and advice.
I'm going to try to stick it out, and, honestly, if they do tell me to leave on June 1, I'll be fine (I'm counting down the days!). I have vacation pay coming, so that would cover the additional I'd need for the 401K. I feel zero obligation to the company, but I do love, respect and care about my colleagues and clients so want to do the best by all of them.
Ellen Smith FaganMay 20,2022 at 2:40PM UTC
no .... hang in for the tiny two weeks more till the 401 condition is satisfied. Avoid abrupt and be receptive to a very charming farewell moment - if your company was nice enough to work with all these years, they may make a lovely farewell for you! You earned it.
Susan Sims-PrittsMay 20,2022 at 3:52PM UTC
I believe that you'll be glad you were true to your personal sense of commitment and honor.
This isn't about anything except you being able to live with yourself and your decision after all is said and done. Doing the 'right' thing, whether they do or not, will pay off, if not immediately, then in time, in your conscience, etc....
Tamara MillsMay 20,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
Give notice June 15, then. There's no reason to delay now that the decision has been made.
They've got nothing on you. You don't owe them anything. The idea that women should "be nice" is part of what gets us overworked and undercompensated compared to our male counterparts.
Victoria BigelowMay 20,2022 at 12:53PM UTC
She doesn't say how large the firm is or what the impact would be on her current coworkers. This company has employed her for 20 years and there are others who will have to take up her load until someone else can be hired. It seems at least a little consideration should be given. It's not always all one sided.
Leader146885May 20,2022 at 1:04PM UTC
She owes them nothing, this company has benefited from her skills for 20 years. When is time to go is time to go. Nobody is indispensable, they will manage and move on. She is not the first to go nor the last, there are always backup plans.
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 2:19PM UTC
Small companies or teams don't always have the luxury of backup plans or funds. If she was treated well, she owes her company and her team the same consideration. I'd rather have "a damn good worker/person" on my tombstone (as someone suggested above), than selfish, self-centered, and inconsiderate.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 2:05PM UTC
Sometimes being (too) nice and considerate gets one overworked, sick, then dismissed when you need to move on.
Loyalty needs to be two-way but often is not.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
Sure, but keep in mind that when you give your notice if you are in a right to work state your employer could choose to walk you out the door immediately. If you can't leave before June 15 because of your 401K contribution timeline, then I personally would turn in my 2 week notice on June 16. If you're not contractually obligated to give more than 2 weeks, don't feel obligated to do so. Finding coverage for your workload is not your problem to figure out.
Ilene GlantzMay 20,2022 at 12:44PM UTC
You didn't mention if you are retiring or moving to a new job after 20 years with this employer.
If you are retiring- yes, you have the option of leaving on June 15th after your 401k contribution.
If you are going to a new job- do not burn your bridges. Manage as best you can and be grateful that you are moving on. Good luck!
Victoria BigelowMay 20,2022 at 12:51PM UTC
Why not tell them you are leaving and when?
Ellen Smith FaganMay 20,2022 at 2:36PM UTC
Although this statement is correct, and the law is on your side, the climate in some places is testy re: hiring/firing/severance. Wait till the 401 stipulation is satisfied.
Angela UrbistondoMay 20,2022 at 1:23PM UTC
Either revise your resignation letter for Jun 15 or stick it out and just do what you can without killing yourself. I don't know what kind of job you do, but if you cannot keep up with the workload, then some things will slip.
Kim RaperMay 20,2022 at 1:39PM UTC
I would never give notice too far in advance. If June 15 is a critical date, dont give your notice prior to that. Are you going to another job or stepping back for a period of time? I understand the long notice, and I have did it myself before.... 1 month was a long time to endure passive aggressive things until my departure date, trust me. It nearly broke me.
Focused721350May 20,2022 at 1:45PM UTC
Good Morning,
You need to do you!!!! Your health is the most important! 20 yrs!!!! Bless your HEART.......Go with your GUT! Is it worth it to stay longer??? Personally! I'd get out now before they start adding more and then you really stuck! Like my Dr. said to me! THERE"S NO JOB! WORTH YOUR HEALTH OR WELL BEING!!!!!
Good Luck and God Bless, Ms.T ;)
Stephanie RamseyMay 20,2022 at 1:46PM UTC
You have to do what is right for you. Why are you giving a month notice? Finding someone to replace you is not your problem. If your main goal is to cover your 401K contributions by 6/15, then give your notice on 6/16 and be done with them by 7/1. Don’t stress it. Do what you can until you leave. Good Luck!!!
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:56PM UTC
Two weeks' notice is all that is needed. Once they know you're leaving, you're no longer part of the tribe, so one month is too long. Do what you need to do to ensure your financial matters are okay, give notice on June 16, and leave with a smile and no regrets on June 30.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 10:12PM UTC
Yeah, by all means, screw your colleagues over. Our recently departed team member asked us to pay for an expensive project management certification program (we did), used two weeks of extra remote days to job hunt and travel, gave a few weeks notice, then cashed her vacation days (which are paid for by project money), and left. Her largest project was a mess. Her colleagues had to take on extra work until we could hire a replacement. We were super good to her, would not have penalized her for wanting to move on, and now feel like suckers.
AnonymousMay 23,2022 at 2:26PM UTC
That is certainly a shame that your colleague took advantage of the company that way for her own gain. Her actions say more about her own standard of professional ethics, in my opinion. Nothing about my post suggests screwing anyone over. The OP states that she'd planned to give ample notice, and her tone implies that she is genuinely concerned about leaving her work in order for her replacement or others to handle it. I just know from experience on both sides of the matter that when someone is preparing to leave, the colleagues often "cancel" that person long before they turn in their keys.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 1:58PM UTC
Be careful. In today's employment climate, if they get wind of your plan to leave, they may just let you go. If you have a severance plan, you may lose it.
Some employers are becoming vindictive.
If you give them a four-week heads up, they may show you the door early before your four weeks is up, unless you have a mutually-respectful employment environment, it may not be a problem.
KorinneMay 20,2022 at 3:00PM UTC
Not knocking your post. I think you are right on the money, but any employer that does that in this labor market is a fool.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 10:05PM UTC
I don’t know.
I had an employee threaten to leave if we didn’t let her go full remote. Ours is a brick and mortar university environment, and we work with students who want to be in person. She left for a remote job and I immediately got 28 great applications- all people willing to work in person. Our new hire is great. . Win-win. The labor market is not all worker driven.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 2:08PM UTC
I was a lifer. I gave my heart and soul to that company. 2 months and 8 days prior to being pension eligible they gave me the 2 month notice. I worked there for over 21 years. I was heartbroken.
Do not feel compelled to do anything other than taking care of yourself.
’best of luck.
Jenny AdamMay 20,2022 at 3:36PM UTC
I worked for a company for over 28 years and they fired me for someone "cheaper & less experienced" After experiencing this I hate to say, do what's best for you.
AnonymousDecember 28,2022 at 2:28PM UTC
How did you emotionally recover from that? My situation is a little different but a lot the same in that I am - I cannot even find the right word, upset doesn’t begin to cover it - after 15 years at my company and over 30 in my career, treated like absolute trash for resigning from my position. Absolutely shocking that our small company who always professed we were family, has now turned into a true corporate greed machine where money matters more than people. Very disturbing and disgusting.
Linda Grace SolisMay 20,2022 at 2:10PM UTC
My dad used to say, "The place you work won't be loyal to you if push comes to shove; why should you feel like you have t be loyal to them."
Also, to the OP: What they do with your position after you leave isn't your problem. Trust me, if the company decided they had to lay you off, you'd be out the front door with your box in a heartbeat.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 2:12PM UTC
My Mom used to say (and she was a conscientious, caring administrative professional who many hourly employees valued), that bad management ruins good employees.
I have seen that point played out MANY times in various work settings, including my most current job which I left.
Once you give away all your apples, your basket is empty and you have nothing more to give.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 2:36PM UTC
you don't share alot of details here. ..but suffice it to say that I would work every angle to NOT jeopardize your 401K situation, benefits, PTO, etc....you can hold off and do anything tough for a couple more weeks, right? Yes. you can
Coach Nancie Kay ShumanMay 20,2022 at 2:49PM UTC
If you want to give a month’s notice, wait until June 16th. If you have any vacation or sick days, take those, unless you know that the company will pay them out.
As for the accounts, can you start pulling in other employees to assist? After 20 years, I am sure you have wisdom to share.
Janice KallMay 20,2022 at 3:06PM UTC
Do not give notice until after June 16th. I have seen too many situations where companies terminate employees upon notice. It happened to a sales team member here 3 days after giving notice. Companies do hot have loyalty and you need to take care of yourself. Pat yourself on the back for 20 years though!
Joanna PoeMay 20,2022 at 3:26PM UTC
This will sound sort of flippant, but if you're about to retire, don't worry about letting some work slide, especially if they put it on you after you made it clear to them that you couldn't manage it in the time available.
Manage your mental health, do just as much as you need to, and don't give notice until your 401k coverage date has passed after June 16. You can make it, and you don't have to worry a pin about them.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 3:55PM UTC
I recently quit my own job after 20 year congrats on your long tenure! It's not easy to stay with a company that long. I gave them 3 months notice, as I was not worried about them just firing me, what I learned from that was I wasn't taken seriously about leaving. I still want to work - but at the time did not have another job in hand when I left. I had saved enough money though to not work for at least a year, so I still felt safe leaving. Unfortunately, the company did not pro-actively work to find my replacement until 2 weeks before I left, filling the role 2 days before my last day. Leaving really no time for my replacement to get a solid hand off. IF you trust your boss have a conversation with them about your thoughts on leaving at the 20 year mark. See what they say - don't give notice per all the other comments about companies just firing people - but brain storm. See if there are ways to improve your work life balance before you leave. Good luck! And Hang in there!!
AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 2:17PM UTC
I know I'm late, but in case you haven't put in your notice yet, I upvoted this post because of the comment "they didn't take my leaving seriously".
I've had this happen to me several times. I even had two jobs that gave me more responsibilities during my notice period. My point is, them putting that account on you even though you clearly let them know it was too much concerns me. And frankly if you're retiring, you should consider your time served. Like many of the other posts said, sadly when everything gets real many companies don't have any loyalty and don't care about you at all. In fact the best advice someone ever gave me is "the reality is, work is like relationships. When you leave them they might struggle, they might have a tough time. But regardless they will recover and the company will continue to function without you. So ask yourself, 'is the sacrifice you're about to make going to worth it to YOU later?' "
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 4:18PM UTC
Two weeks is standard. I wouldn't give more than that. Just have your exit plan ready when you give notice.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 6:03PM UTC
Exactly- and they may tell you to leave right then (even though they would have to scramble to figure out how to do your work.) if they match contributions to your 401k, then wait until 6/16 to resign.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 4:21PM UTC
Now is the perfect opportunity for you. DO NOT give notice until Your 401K is where you want it to be. If that means notice on July 1st and just two weeks, then so be it. Honestly. If you think they might let you go immediately when you give notice, then obviously they are not too concerned about replacing you. Keep quiet, do what you can in 8 hours and if anyone says something about you being beind, be honest and say that you are doing the best you can given all the accounts you are managing.
Have they historically been cranky when people retire/leave? And yes, take your vacation time. I work for the state and typically when anyone retires, they calculate their leave balance and take it. So if you want to not work anymore after June 30, and you have 45 days leave on the books, you would put in for annual leave , then half way through your leave time off, you would turn in your retirement papers, effective July 1st. Most states are right to work so while it is "nice" to give notice, you are not obligated to.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 8:13PM UTC
Since June 1 is literally 10-11 days away, I would notify them next Monday.
Why put yourself through all that extra work if training someone else would lighten the load and give you a peaceful transition. Its not like they are going to fire you instantly because if it involves alot of work, clearly they need you. The sooner you let them know the better for you and them.
Joanne RosenMay 20,2022 at 9:15PM UTC
Mental health . . . worth more than a 401K
AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 12:44PM UTC
I disagree when the end is so near - totally worth it in my opinion!
DeBorah S. WalkerMay 26,2022 at 6:20PM UTC
EXACTLY!
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 1:57AM UTC
Thats funny.
I guess there could be a lonely person or a comic that would put that instruction in their will.
Hardly normal though.
Teri GibsonMay 21,2022 at 2:14AM UTC
I quit my job after 23 years for a new job. I did not want to leave, hoping I would retire there. But with a new CEO, COVID and office politics, I could not take it anymore and it was affecting my health. I gave four weeks. I work in a State where the employer is required to cash out accrued PTO. I had almost 250 hours, yet told I take too much time off! My last day was the end of November and my new job started Jan. 3 - which by the way I love! My PTO covered the month of the December and I was able to recharge, get things done, enjoy the holidays and my 401K contributions were covered. Best of all, I was refreshed for my new job. If you can do that, it is the way to go. Best of luck to you!
DeBorah S. WalkerMay 23,2022 at 6:07PM UTC
You were quite fortunate!
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 12:17PM UTC
Give the minimum required notice was required by company policy. It’s not your responsibility to train your replacement nor is it your responsibility to make your transition plan.
Take care of yourself first
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 2:13PM UTC
I'm downvoting this big time. It's a rotten thing to do to colleagues, especially a small team. It's a rotten thing to do to a small business.
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 3:15PM UTC
it’s a business, it exists to make money, it doesn’t have feelings.
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 6:32PM UTC
The business is an entity, it owes you nothing but a paycheck and you owe it an honest days work and when you choose to exit, you owe it NO more notice than is required by policy.
AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 7:12PM UTC
I worked for a very small company, less than 10 people.
I can tell you that being conscientious of workload at end of my service, the manager did not care about the added burden of work on my colleagues after my departure. All that mattered was the control the control-obsessed manager had to lord over the department.
Really unfortunate. I had to worry about myself and my health that was impacted by unrelenting stress at work.
AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 7:24PM UTC
This is not her responsibility. If the company isn't respecting workloads and overloading their folks and not adding enough yeah members, that is the company doing that to everyone, not hey doing that to the team.
Eloisa JacintoMay 23,2022 at 1:28AM UTC
Hi. Can you discuss your plans to leave by July 1 with your manager without hurting your 401k? If the transition worries you then that will give the Company enough time to work on a transition plan. Unless you feel that they will not care about you and terminate as soon as you let them know. God bless.
Shelley Maley, Career Coach (PHR, GCDF)May 23,2022 at 12:20PM UTC
What does the company request in terms of notice before resignation? If they only request a two week notice, then I would suggest giving them that amount of time. While it's commendable that you'd like to give them enough time to cover your responsibilities, it's up to them to make it happen and you don't need to add that pressure to yourself.
All the best to you on your next chapter!!
AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 6:56PM UTC
Would love an update on this to see where you landed and how it's going :)
I think you can give notice toward the end of next week, so it's around the time of the start of the project and you will be able to give 2 weeks notice for the end date of June 17 so you can get your 401K benefits.
AnonymousMay 26,2022 at 10:00PM UTC
thank you! I've stuck it out this far and plan to give notice after the holiday weekend. I know it would be a tremendous burden for my co-workers if I gave only 2 weeks notice, so I will offer to stay until July. If they tell me to leave earlier, it will be with great pleasure! I don't need to take another position immediately, but I'm very well known & respected in my field and have more than one standing offer ('if you ever leave them - we'd love to have you!') so I'm all set no matter what. Thank you to everyone for all the notes & suggestions!