Handing in notice

[velvetroses]

Posting for some support...

I started a full time job back in May. I really like the job, I've gotten used to the commute and love the people I work with. However, the pay is not enough for me and I spend a fortune a month on train fares.

I have been applying for other jobs and had a few interviews. Haven't told anyone at work about these interviews. I had one this Wednesday and was told yesterday afternoon I was successful and have been given a conditional offer. They are requesting references and once that's done, will give me a start date.

My new job is closer to home, will cost me £15 (if that) on commuting and offers a lot more than how much I earn now.

However, I'm really nervous about telling my current employers I'm leaving. To make things worse, my colleague who's in the same team as me (its only us 2) handed in his notice on Thursday and his confirmed last day is the 31st of this month. It will leave my employers in a very difficult situation as they'd have to find 2 new replacements at the same time. This is what's making me feel very nervous and guilty for leaving my job.

I have already accepted my new job offer and provided my reference details. They have advised not to tell current employers until my references have been checked and I've been given a start date before handing in notice. I'm also not sure on notice period: my colleague said after 3 month probation period, it's 1 month notice however on my contract it says the probation period is 6 months in which case it'll be 1 week. That's confused me as well.

I'm just nervous about telling them and guilty about leaving them in the lurch. Not much I can do as I've accepted my new job but can't help feeling so bad for my current employers. Has anyone else gone through something like this?

They should have valued you and paid a decent salary.

Don't feel guilty, hope you enjoy the new role.

Yes once the references come through give them a week. Don't over think this. They wouldn't worry about you if the tables were turned.

Do you think if they needed to lose 2 employees they would feel guilty? Its business, and its not your problem.

Are your current employers not one of your referees?

I just can't shake the feeling I'm doing something wrong! But like you said if it was the other way round, they won't be feeling this way.

And No I haven't put them down as a reference, is that problem? Once I heat back from my new job, I'll give my current employers a letter of resignation which I've already prepared.

I'm also not sure on notice period: my colleague said after 3 month probation period, it's 1 month notice however on my contract it says the probation period is 6 months in which case it'll be 1 week. That's confused me as well.

Firstly, your colleague is not equipped to tell you what your contract of employment says, only you are. The information on your contract document is the only relevant information you need.

As you have discovered your contractual obligation is clearly stated as 1 week notice either side (you/your employer). You've only worked for your employer since May, so you haven't yet completed your probationary period so you only need to give them 1 week's notice which is good news for you and means you can start your new job sooner.

No need to feel guilty, Make the career choice that's right for you and don't look back. Onwards and upwards.

Thanks daisychain although I'm not sure how long it'll take for my new job to complete their checks and to give me a start date.

Would you recommend having a chat with my manager and line manager before giving them the letter?

Would you recommend having a chat with my manager and line manager before giving them the letter?

No!

Get the unconditional offer
then hand your notice in.

If they wanted more notice then they would put that in their policy. They don't - so take them at their word.

Have you spoken to them about contributions towards travel? In some circumstances if the employer really needs you (sounds like they do in your case as they are losing a whole department) they are willing to offer some expense payments, it's always worth asking as you enjoy the job

There are a lot of people looking for jobs, I am sure they will fill the positions quickly either permanently or temporarily.

Guess it's just a waiting game to get the unconditional offer from my new job.

No they don't provide anything like that. The salary will not increase at all. For context it's £15,000 and I spend about £200 a month on travel. My new job offers a lot more which I'm happy with.

My colleague spoke to our line manager first then wrote the letter. I've already prepared the letter, will wait for a start date and date the letter accordingly.

It might be that the start date in for example, at the start of Sept, so if you handed your notice in say next week, they could finish you the week after, so make sure the letter goes in the calendar day before the week's notice.

So if you want to start on the Monday, and finish on the Friday, the letter goes in and is dated the Thursday before. Giving a full week's notice.

I finally got my start date! 1st of October. Travel times will be about 40mins taking 2 buses but I prefer that then the trains and tube. Wrote a letter and handed in my notice today so next Friday will be my last day.

Good luck in your new job, don't look back, they lost 2 employees for a reason.

Thanks! Other guy left about 2 weeks ago... It's been really busy and I've been doing everything by myself. His replacement starts on Monday and I could have left before then but didn't want to leave the company in the lurch so stayed an extra week so I can train her before I leave.