to think I will be trapped in my job forever?

[BlondeHairedGirl]

I'm not happy but have stuck it out longer than planned. I am looking at alternatives, but recruiters have told me I need to try and negotiate my notice period as it's too long for what I'm looking for.

I have a two month notice period, but I'm only on £21k. The jobs I'm looking for are £25k and under, and positions with these salaries are not expecting to wait over two months for a new employee. Most will only wait a month.

Am I trapped? Is my only option to quit so I don't have this long notice period?

Hey! You are definitely not trapped please don’t feel like that. The positive is you’re being proactive in searching for a new job which will hopefully help you feel happier in employment.

Do you have any remaining holidays? You can definitely take these once you’ve given your notice.

How long have you been at your current company for? I wouldn’t necessarily just quit as Depending on the company you work for some can be very funny about it.

I’d just tell interviewers that my notice period was 4 weeks, get a formal offer with references given, and then leave.

Calculate how much holiday you’re owed and leave the requisite amount of time before the end of the month.

Don’t just walk out - try to negotiate the shorter notice but if they are awkward agree the 8 week date and then leave on your calculated date.

You won’t owe them, they won’t owe you and they will not sue you for breach of contract.

That’s what I would do in your position. I’m not advising you to do it.