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Original poster

To not work notice period

39 replies

8e88e · 11/04/2023 11:43

I am having a dilemma.

I have been in my current job almost two years, it's okay but not what I actually want to do and I wouldn't say I'm happy here. I have been trying to get into HR for some time now but not getting anywhere because I don't have experience which most places want for even the most junior roles. I decided to keep applying to things and plan to complete my CIPD in the future when I can afford it.

However I went for an interview last week and they have offered me the job! This job is more pay, closer to home, and in the industry that I want to be in. At first I declined the offer because they want me to start next Monday but my contract states a 6 week notice period. They said this wouldn't work for them anyway as the situation at the moment is that there is only one person on this job and they want to hire another. However due to the current employees circumstances she is going to be off work for the next few weeks so they need someone who can start ASAP so that they aren't left with no one doing the job. I declined as I don't want to do that to my current employer and plus I know that they could take legal action.

I felt extremely miserable watching my one and so far only opportunity of the job I want pass me by. My partner is getting annoyed with me telling me to just take it! But I feel so guilty and worried, it is less than a weeks notice! I would not be happy at all if I was my employer and I just feel so much guilt. Also worried about how that will affect my pay etc. Just so many things to think about and consider.

I have asked them if they could possibly allow me to start in 2 weeks, as even though it's still a breach of my contract at least it gives me time to train and write up process guides etc for the things that someone else will have to take over from me at work. I would be completely leaving them in the lurch and it's not fair.

I feel so unhappy about turning the job down as that was my chance to get myself started on my new career path with more pay off the bat. My partner keeps telling me to just think of myself right now as I'm not happy in my current job.

What would you do in this situation? I feel rather stressed out and upset

OP posts:
flipent · 11/04/2023 11:46

Any company saying that you can't have the job if you don't start immediately is a huge red flag.
I'd also be really worried about being brand new and doing a role like this with no experience.
If they wanted you, they would wait. It sounds like they want a warm body - as hard as it is, I would wait for the right opportunity. This isn't that.

Igmum · 11/04/2023 11:46

Take the new job. If you're feeling generous you can always write the guides after you finish. Employers almost never sue over lack of notice and are generally very cooperative in reducing notice in my field (3m to 6m notices are standard).

Congratulations and good luck

madnessitellyou · 11/04/2023 11:49

Ask to be released early. It's that simple.

rubyslippers · 11/04/2023 11:49

flipent · 11/04/2023 11:46

Any company saying that you can't have the job if you don't start immediately is a huge red flag.
I'd also be really worried about being brand new and doing a role like this with no experience.
If they wanted you, they would wait. It sounds like they want a warm body - as hard as it is, I would wait for the right opportunity. This isn't that.

This! And it’s an HR role
I think that’s ridiculous of them
most people in work are not in a position to start immediately

TriggeredByGravy · 11/04/2023 11:51

Hugely unprofessional of them!

Hoppinggreen · 11/04/2023 11:52

I am involved in Recruitment at work and we employ the best person not the most available one so I think them ruling you out due to the fact that you can’t start in a week is a huge red flag.
While I do agree with putting yourself first your existing employer MAY take action against you so it’s a bit risky. You could ask them

Viviennemary · 11/04/2023 11:55

The prospective new employer doesnt soind very flexible or sympathetic to your situation. Most employed people are on a months notice. That would be a red flag for me. Doesn't sound like a very reputable firm to me.

DanielRicciardosSmile · 11/04/2023 11:58

I'd be very wary of this position. Sounds almost as though their staff member has gone off with stress and they don't want to pay agency fees for a temporary replacement.

HelpsHeal · 11/04/2023 12:00

Either they'll wait until you're available after giving proper notice or you don't want to work for them. It would be usual for them
to prefer you to start earlier or even to encourage you to try and negotiate an earlier release with current employer, but if they're really threatening to withdraw the offer, it's no loss.

Shoelacesundone · 11/04/2023 12:01

Please do not take a job from an employer who has no respect for you, a legal contract you've signed, your reputation and future career prospects (a future employer may want your current boss as reference).

They are showing they are bullies with no regard to your situation...did they state they required an immediate start in the application process?

Do not work for people like this.

Original poster
8e88e · 11/04/2023 12:03

So the reason why they need someone to start ASAP is due to a death of a close family member for the current employer and she will need to take some time off. They have been very apologetic and said that usually it wouldn't be like this but given the situation at the minute they now need someone who can start sooner rather than later. I do feel the same way that it's a red flag but then my partner just keeps saying it's a foot in the door and will give me the experience I need to then move on to some place better and a higher role etc as this is a HR administrator.

But still... I do feel wary. I just don't know what to do.

OP posts:
CornishTiger · 11/04/2023 12:03

Like other posters are saying huge red flag ms with this new company. If they are willing to expect you to treat your current employer badly then they will treat you badly!

Apocalypticdays · 11/04/2023 12:04

You don't want to work for a company like that. Encouraging you to leave without working your notice could end up with a bad reference in the future for starters, plus it makes you look unprofessional. They sound desperate and that's never a good sign. You could hate it, be out in the door in no time then have no decent reference from your current employer. I'd keep looking personally.

CornishTiger · 11/04/2023 12:05

8e88e · 11/04/2023 12:03

So the reason why they need someone to start ASAP is due to a death of a close family member for the current employer and she will need to take some time off. They have been very apologetic and said that usually it wouldn't be like this but given the situation at the minute they now need someone who can start sooner rather than later. I do feel the same way that it's a red flag but then my partner just keeps saying it's a foot in the door and will give me the experience I need to then move on to some place better and a higher role etc as this is a HR administrator.

But still... I do feel wary. I just don't know what to do.

Sad about the bereavement but they should have contingency and adequate staffing so not just one person is irreplaceable

Original poster
8e88e · 11/04/2023 12:06

Some really good points here, thank you everyone! I think I will leave it then and stick with my current job. Hopefully something else will come up soon. My partner is going to be mad at me which I cant handle and will probably lead to an argument but.. oh well

OP posts:
Albiboba · 11/04/2023 12:07

It’s definitely a red flag that they aren’t prepared to wait a normal notice period and therefore will rescind the job offer. The only person who can start immediately would be unemployed.

CatOnTheChair · 11/04/2023 12:08

I'd be really worried about a place that say "start on Monday or there is no job"

icelolly12 · 11/04/2023 12:09

A HR role should understand the basics of a notice period. If they're that desperate they can get a temp in until you work your notice period.

Apocalypticdays · 11/04/2023 12:09

It's not your partners life, it's not his decision. If he can't respect your decisions then you have a problem.

Skybluepinky · 11/04/2023 12:10

is it a temp contract to cover someone whilst they r off?
every employer knows that most people have at least a months notice to leave a job they r in. Also they have to allow time for references etc, lots of red flags.

TokyoSushi · 11/04/2023 12:10

Agree with the red flags.

Are you saying they want you to start because the current person doing the job is off? But you have no experience so would really struggle to fill in anyway! The grass isn't greener here OP...

HelpsHeal · 11/04/2023 12:13

You don't have experience in the role so how useful would you be to them if the person who could train you is off anyway?

What's their induction/training plan for you? I don't think you want to start until she's back anyway.

I employ someone in what sounds like a similar role. It's perfectly normal to have a gap. The new person almost always has to give similar notice to the departing person, so there'll naturally be a gap. You cover that by employing a temp or by sharing workload between those people already employed who know a bit about the role. Some of the work just has to wait a bit.

What will they do if you refuse to let down your current employer? They're going to be in the same boat with anyone else they try to employ.

drpet49 · 11/04/2023 12:14

Apocalypticdays · 11/04/2023 12:04

You don't want to work for a company like that. Encouraging you to leave without working your notice could end up with a bad reference in the future for starters, plus it makes you look unprofessional. They sound desperate and that's never a good sign. You could hate it, be out in the door in no time then have no decent reference from your current employer. I'd keep looking personally.

I agree. So many red flags here.

Original poster
8e88e · 11/04/2023 12:16

No the job isn't temp. They said they have been looking for the right person for a while when I was at my interview. At first they wanted someone with HR experience but didn't feel like any of the people they interviewed were right for the role or the team so they changed it to say no HR experience needed as they will train all of that but they do need someone with strong admin skills.

When I got to my interview I was met by a guy who was very apologetic and said there has been a change in plan. The lady who was supposed to interview me had some very sad news and now needs to take some time off so he will be conducting the interview instead. I don't think they would be saying all this about me needing to start Monday if the family emergency didn't happen but now they are desperate to have someone there. I do agree that I'm not really going to be much help in the role when I don't know what I'm doing but he said I will get the training from him until the other person is back.

However he has a different job role and isn't in HR or administration so he can only teach me so much. I'm not sure about a job where my training is rocky from the start, but then she can't help what's happened I don't know.

OP posts:
flipent · 11/04/2023 12:21

Please do not put yourself through this.
You will be in a position where you don't know what you're doing with virtually no support.
When this person returns (having not interviewed you themselves) they may well not agree that you're a good fit.
So you would still have no experience and potentially a very short role on your CV - which is likely to be a red flag to any future employers in this field.