To not work notice period

[8e88e]

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

I absolutely agree about the red flags, in fact I'm not sure whether I would believe the family emergency story either. If your partner makes a fuss, tell them it would be much worse to start out and find the company is dodgy or is unbearable to work for.

@flipent this is so true, very good point. Thank you, I really appreciate all of the answers. I should just wait for the right role. It's very disheartening when you have been applying for things for months and not getting anywhere, and then when you finally do you have to turn it down. I have such a heavy heart, I was really excited because I felt that the interview went so well and I knew I was in with a shot from what he was saying. But now I just feel so let down. But ultimately it's the right thing to do

I agree with PPs - you’ve got zero experience in HR but they want you to take on a role with no-one to train you. Don’t do it. Also big red flag regarding the notice period.

And what right does your partner have to be annoyed at you for not taking a role that isn’t right for you? You need to shut him down immediately if he starts up.

Well done on getting the offer, if you can get this then you can get another one.
I agree with PPs that this is not a good sign, I appreciate that they want someone immediately but to employ someone with zero HR experience in a role with no support or training provided is asking for trouble. You could be out of your depth on day 1.

You were understandably excited to have the offer - but - honestly it sounds like the new place is going to be a nightmare.....

Even if it is as it sounds, this situation is exactly what agencies are for, sounds like they are too tight to spend the money to give them time to recruit properly. They are prepared to employ just anyone ( no offence intended to yourself) who can start straight away, with no handover period for a job you have no experience in, they are happy to take on someone who would leave their current employer in the lurch. And it’s HR! shows how little they value their current staff. Honestly I think you would be a bum on a seat to do some admin and I doubt if a proper HR job would ever materialise. If you didn’t have a current job I would say you could give it a go but I wouldn’t leave a secure job for this opportunity It is possible to move into HR from another field I did it myself, this is not the way though.

Forget about what your DH thinks right now.

I know everyone is saying there are red f flags and I agree but you’re not that happy in your current job and this one is closer, more money and in the area you want.

I would actually go for it because what have you got to lose really.

I would try and persuade them to start in a couple of weeks time though.

If it was me I would also use some of my own time to do work that will benefit your current workplace.

You are leaving your workplace in a bad situation but if you explain then they’ll understand more.
Ultimately you have to put yourself and your needs first.

Exactly this. Do not take this job.

I am sorry but this is a red flag.

Any decent company would accept that most candidates for permanent roles will have a notice to serve.

They could have arranged temporary cover while they recruited if they were so stretched.

If you are new you will need a proper induction and training anyway so would not be able to make an instant contribution.

I would not take this job if I were you because it looks like they have unrealistic expectations.

It's a huge red flag for a company to not understand that notice periods absolutely have to be respected.

I would decline the offer and tell them exactly why.

Unless advertised as immediate start, any company worth their salt would wait for you and bring in an HR temp until you are ready to join.

If you do not have adequate HR training day to day, then the chances are you may make mistakes and this will not go over well.

It would be worth you working towards your CIPD even if you do not have an HR role yet. It shows commitment and gives you knowledge to allow you to hit the ground running better than if you had no CIPD experience at all.

My partner is going to be mad at me which I cant handle and will probably lead to an argument but.. oh well

I know your post is about a job (and I agree, they want a warm body to fill a role, this is not a professional company), but this is a bigger issue.

This is your life, not his. He can apply if it's such an amazing prospect - sounds like they'd have him.

If you can't discuss things like work & jobs openly, weighing up the pros & cons together (with you having the final say as you've got to turn up day after day), it's a non starter I'm afraid.

To add to all the other posts, it sounds like the person who was meant to be interviewing you would be a close colleague/your manager? As you haven't met her it's too much of a risk as you may find you don't like her at all.

before making any final decision I'd pick up the phone, or go now talk to your current employer , stress you have already declined and wont hand in notice if they cant agree, what they say could help make the decision for you