Resigning before probation ends

[TimeTraveller2718]

I’m having a really really awful time at work due to an awful manager and culture, and it’s starting to affect my health, I have been in tears most days the last month and even on the weekends. I’ve only been with the company around 4 months, but it’s become unbearable and Ive been very close to just walking out.

I interviewed for a role this week I’m really excited about and have been invited to a second-stage, in-person interview. It went really well and I feel like I have a really good chance.

The issue is my probation period is ending in a week, which would increase my notice period from 1 week to 2 months. I really don’t want to be tied into a 2-month notice, and honestly don’t feel I can cope any longer in this role a week longer.

I’m considering handing in my notice this week. If this new role falls through, I do have partner and family support. My worry is whether it will look bad if, at the final interview, I say I’ve recently resigned if asked about my notice period.

would this reflect badly on me and ruin my chances?

You don't need to say anything about your resignation. You can say I am available immediately/in a week. Whenever I have interviewed applicants, this isn't part of the scored interview, it's just info. Only caveat is that I am public sector, so can't speak for private sector.

They are going to wonder why you are applying for a different job after being at the company for just 4 months anyway, so I would go ahead and submit your notice (if financially viable) and if asked just say the culture wasn’t a good fit.

If you can resign and still support yourself - or with the support of others - then resign now. Some places are toxic and life is far too bloody short. Good luck with the next stage of your interview.

And I’m sorry to hear what you are going through. It’s a cliche, but life really is too short to be miserable at work.

No I don’t think it would look bad on you, and I don’t think they would ask. If they do, make it clear you DID NOT fail probation, and don’t mention anything about not liking the company - that would make you look bad. You would need to word it carefully if they did ask. Maybe say you feel conflicted staying in a role whilst applying elsewhere? Lots of people leave a company before landing a new role, they realise they want a pivot, can’t commit to the process of finding a new job whilst working their old one, or feel rotten having to lie to their employer.

Just to add, if you’ve made it to the final stages, they don’t see an issue with you having only worked in your old place for 4 months, so they likely won’t bring it up at all. They’ll just ask when you can start and if you say a week, they’ll probably love that!!

Two months notice is quite a bit unless it’s a relatively senior role. I would go now and not be tied into that.

Only been at the current job 4 months? At most you legally only have to give one week..
at year 2 you have to give 2 weeks up to iirc 7 years when it is 7 weeks notice.

It's fine to leave a job after a short period of time if it isn't the right job for you. Plenty of people do this, why stay in a job that makes you miserable? I think it would only be a red flag if you were constantly changing workplaces every 6 months, but that isn't the case.

I was in this exact same situation and resigned before probation for the same reason - my notice period would have extended from two weeks to three months. The fact that you’re interviewing just a few months into a new job is a clear sign that you don’t like the job you’re in and the new potential employer is obviously aware of that.

The toll on your health due to a bad line manage + toxic culture is simply not worth it, trust me. I don’t regret my decision. I also know of others in your situation who also resigned before probation ended and faced no consequences. It’s the nature of employment in a way.

Good luck!!

Lots of people do contract work whilst looking for z permanent role.
Resign and get out of there asap.
Better temporary work that compromising your mental health.

How does that work when you finish probation and get a one months notice contract? Can you just ignore that and insist on only doing a week?

I haven't been in that situation but thought you were bound by what was in your contract

Is there a chance your employer may say you haven't passed your probation? I'd get out if you can given you're going to leave at some point - and better to be on your own terms if you can afford it. As others have said, you're through to a second stage without the short time in role looking bad so no need to worry about that. Good luck!

I’d give your notice in. I’ve been in your situation in an awful work environment. I felt amazing giving that letter in!!! As long as you can afford to not be in work if worst case you don’t get the new job.

Resign straight away and pick up some agency work in the interim or as a back up in case you don't get the job.

Best to be in control of the situation. Jump before you are pushed.

It doesn’t work, it’s not right.

notice is whatever your contract states. I’m on 6 months and have been since I passed probation. It’s standard for my role

OP as others said no need to tell them anything. Protect your information. Just said it’s not a good fit for you

Surely they’re going to tell you within a week anyway? Good luck with it all.

Ah sorry I misread and thought you have done the second interview already. My bad

That's incorrect. There is a minimum notice period you and the employer have to give, but a longer notice period can be imposed in the contract. It just can't be less. Unless you're not talking about the UK.

Life is too short to stay in a job that makes you miserable and ill. I’d resign immediately and not look back!

This company has failed their probation period. It goes both ways.
If you have support to leave, then do so and just say not a good fit.

I've been in a similar position and resigned after a hellish 3 months although I managed to get a job lined up to go to. At interviews I owned it and tried to turn it into a positive, how I had realised the organisation culture and aspects of the job description weren't right for me, so I was applying for the new job and knew I was a good fit because I'd learnt from the experience and xyz for the new company / JD were much more in line with my values.
If you do end up sticking out the probation, if your manager dislikes you that much you might find they dont want you to do 2 months notice. My hellish job thought I was on a 3 month notice period and didn't want me to work it. We were both happy when I informed them I was still on 1 weeks notice and would rather not even work that. Good luck

It's fine to resign if you have a viable plan for how to eat/pay rent if you don't get this job.

You don't have to tell the new employer that you're available in a week/right away if you can afford the break in paydays - say you can start in 4 weeks and have 3 weeks off.