Afraid of Handing In Notice

[BettyDavies]

Hey all!

So I'm basically a big wuss.

I've been in my current (maternity leave cover) job for 5 months and haven't really enjoyed it from the off. The job description doesn't match what I do at all and when I've (gently) tried to approach this matter with my manager at my 3 month appraisal meeting, they basically dismissed what I was saying.

Anyhoo - I've been head hunted for a store manager job within a company which I love and have been a customer of for many years. It's a no-brainer - I have to take it - I WANT to take it. It will be my first managerial role and it is rather exciting. I was officially offered the job today.

My problems are - 1) I'm terrified of handing in my notice. I hate letting people down and I currently basically work in a department of Justice 3 people, with the other 2 nearing retirement (both are in their 60s) I've recently had some issues and they have been extremely understanding and allowed me time off when needed. Thankfully the issues are all sorted now however I worry that the manager will not understand why I am leaving and they may be off with me whilst I work my notice (told you I'm a wuss!)

2. I've been told by my soon-to-be employer that I have to be ready to work with them in 2 1/2 weeks - My current employer asks for 1 months notice, even for temporary/relatively new staff. If I am not available to work on the date they gave me, then they will have to find another store manager. So basically I can only work 2 weeks' notice and that brings me back to reason no. 1 - I am scared of the manager's reaction.

I'm quite an emotional lass, with a lot of heartbreak under my belt over the last couple of years.

How would you approach this situation? I am going to be handing in my notice on Monday. Wish me luck xx

department of just 3 people that meant to read..flippin spellchecker!! ;)

You can leave without working your full notice, but your current employer can then refuse to give a reference, which may affect your future employment. Do you have any annual leave left you can use instead to bridge the crossover?

I've been told by my soon-to-be employer that I have to be ready to work with them in 2 1/2 weeks - My current employer asks for 1 months notice, even for temporary/relatively new staff

You need to set your new employer's expectations carefully. If you have to serve 1 month's notice contractually, then that's the message you need to give your new employer.

If it's just a question of them waiting an extra 1.5 weeks for you, they're hardly going to let you go are they.

Sorry but if you're looking to be a manager in the new place you need to start thinking and acting like one, which involves delivering information even when the recipient won't like to receive it. If you breach your current contract how will that look to your new employer. They'll respect you more for doing the right thing.

Daisy chain is right - if you are going to be a store manager you have to start acting like one. Store managers have to do a lot more difficult things than this - you need to toughen up and speak to both employers about this situation.

You might love the new company, but are you emotionally ready to manage people , deal with having to dismiss staff members, haul them into your office for a telling off, sort out difficult personality clashes ?

If you can't bring yourself to do something as straightforward as resigning from your current job, you should think hard and long about accepting this job offer.

JFDI. Woman up and hand it in tomorrow morning. Your current company doesn't give a shit about you, clearly, so why should you care about them?

On point 1, you shouldn't be worried about handing your notice in. As an employer it's their job to deal with recruitment - people come and go. Besides which you raised issues with them and they didn't listen to you, so why should you be worried about upsetting them?!

On point 2, you need to tell your new employer that you need to give a months notice. Realistically why would they want to loose you and then have to take 2nd or 3rd choice (who will also likely have to give a months notice) or rerecruit and then have to wait even longer. If once you've told them they stand firm, I would be questioning what they would be like to work for.

Hi all thanks for your comments, I do really appreciate them.

In this last couple of days I've had many conversations with my partner who has basically said just flaming do it will you!

I'm going to get in touch with the new employer again and reiterate what the notice period is. I will be honest with the current employer though and see what happens there.

I do need to woman up - I tell myself that every day! ;)

I'll let you know how it goes. Have a super day all x

Write out your notice

I hereby wish to give two weeks notice of my intention to leave the employment of X company

Give it to your boss. He will have to accept it

You aren't letting them down as it's a temporary job and they wouldn't think twice about you leaving after the cover has ended

You don't owe them anything

Based on that meeting then speak to your new employers - job done

It isn't about "letting them down" or otherwise, GreenTulip, it will do the new employer well to know the OP is resolute in meeting their contractual obligation. Giving two weeks notice as an announcement with no prior notice or negotiation is not a good look and could backfire.

And highly likely if the new employer sees the OP as a pushover, it wont stop there when they are in post.

Time to flex your managerial muscles, OP!