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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To refuse to work an extended notice period?

22 replies

haruap · 05/09/2025 21:58

Bit of a weird one. My old contract said 1 month notice. I got promoted to a more senior role. The variation of contract should have said my notice period would be 3 months. But it said nothing - so my existing one month notice period stands.

Handed in my notice and manager thought I had 3 months. HR confirmed it’s 1 month but manager had asked if I would work 3 months notice because they will struggle to find my replacement.

AIBU to refuse? I feel bad but I shouldn’t

OP posts:
DashboardConfession · 05/09/2025 21:59

Refuse. They have no leg to stand on and should have issued you a new contract. DH had this in a previous role - he gave them an extra 2 weeks as a courtesy.

Doggymummar · 05/09/2025 21:59

Not at all. If you have a new job go for it.

Gerardormikey · 05/09/2025 22:01

Sounds like a them problem. It’s not your issue.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 05/09/2025 22:02

Refuse, presumably you’ve already told the new job your start date so you need to refuse

MissHollysDolly · 05/09/2025 22:03

Nope, not your problem. If you handed in notice thinking it was 3 months and the contract said 1, would they pay you for 2 extra?

BoredZelda · 05/09/2025 22:03

Did the senior role come with any more perks that they haven’t given you? Tell them you’d do the notice if they backdate all of those. 👍

IdontgiveaFork · 05/09/2025 22:04

Nope they would get rid of you if it suited them . Not your problem if they struggle . As soon as you leave you will be forgotten about . look after yourself .

MajesticWhine · 05/09/2025 22:05

That’s their mistake. You probably don’t want to sour relations, but it really is their problem. Perhaps you could offer to help with interviews and create handover materials. But if it doesn’t work for you then you don’t need to stay longer.

toomuchfaff · 05/09/2025 22:21

If they were letting you go, do you think they'd have given you 2 extra months just for kicks? Nope...

SavageTomato · 05/09/2025 22:30

Absolutely not your problem, they've got a fucking cheek even asking that when it's not stipulated. Also, what are they going to do exactly, sack you? Get the fuck out of there when you want.

Wowweee1234 · 05/09/2025 22:35

Have you any reason to want to leave on bad terms? Old colleagues can be very useful, if they still like you after leaving.

Maybe offer a compromise? Stay an extra 2-3 weeks to help select your replacement and put in a good handover. Don't burn bridges for the sake of it.

Evaka · 05/09/2025 22:35

God no. Were you planning to take a break?

Gerardormikey · 05/09/2025 22:53

Wowweee1234 · 05/09/2025 22:35

Have you any reason to want to leave on bad terms? Old colleagues can be very useful, if they still like you after leaving.

Maybe offer a compromise? Stay an extra 2-3 weeks to help select your replacement and put in a good handover. Don't burn bridges for the sake of it.

Edited

It’s not bad terms. It’s the terms of the contract.

If they wanted to get rid of her, they wouldn’t let her work an extra couple of weeks or pay an extra couple of weeks to be nice, would they?

Timeforabiscuit · 05/09/2025 22:56

He can ask, you can say no. Absolutely no need to put yourself at a disadvantage.

Wowweee1234 · 05/09/2025 23:06

Gerardormikey · 05/09/2025 22:53

It’s not bad terms. It’s the terms of the contract.

If they wanted to get rid of her, they wouldn’t let her work an extra couple of weeks or pay an extra couple of weeks to be nice, would they?

Show quote history

But in those circumstances, you wouldn't be looking back and maybe wanting something. If you resign to go to another role in the same industry, of course it makes sense to treat the situation differently and consider whether being extra nice is more helpful than the impact on you.

brunettemic · 05/09/2025 23:17

I would do it but I’d agree a day rate rather than my salary. Set the day rate excessively high (so your post tax income is at the very least your pre tax income in your role)…they’ll say no, you offered a compromise and they turned it down.

TwelvePercent · 05/09/2025 23:20

brunettemic · 05/09/2025 23:17

I would do it but I’d agree a day rate rather than my salary. Set the day rate excessively high (so your post tax income is at the very least your pre tax income in your role)…they’ll say no, you offered a compromise and they turned it down.

Oooh. I like this idea!

Friendlygingercat · 06/09/2025 00:52

Like @brunettemic I was going to suggest you offer to help them out on a "consultancy basis" for a much higher rate. You are not a charity. You are a business woman and have made them a business offer.

Shelby2010 · 06/09/2025 01:26

Obviously you are under no obligation to work for longer than your contract specifies. For me it would depend on why I was leaving, how long I’d worked there & if I otherwise liked my job & manager/team.

It’s not as though they won’t be paying you, so I suspect you don’t want to work any extra time, otherwise you wouldn’t be asking the question. If there are colleagues that you don’t want leave in the shit, then offer an extra 2-3 weeks. If not, just walk away.

notallthosewhotravelarelost · 06/09/2025 01:36

Is your new role at a payrise? If so they are asking you to take a financial hit.

Have you agreed a start date?

I'd be very reluctant as you'll be treading water for three months.

KarmenPQZ · 06/09/2025 12:28

Are they likely to be able to hire your replacement in 3 months? In mine even 3 months to rehire isn’t possible as everyone is on a 3 month notice so it doesn’t really ever happen.

So if they want handover it’s never gonna happen - they’re just trying to guilt you.

Soontobe60 · 06/09/2025 12:33

Are you starting a new job?

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