I've just started a new job and don't think I can go back after christmas

[RussellSprout]

It was just not what I was expecting.... I've worked field based for a long time (7 years) and this was my first job back in a head office function, and I didn't realise quite how much I'd miss everything about being field based. I find the office really constricting and can't wait for the day to be over so I can leave. I want to get another field based role as you never really feel like you're at work the same way, you're either driving around or catching up on things at home. I took this job as a port in a storm as I'd been made redundant. I forgot what being in an office was like if I'm honest.

I'm not on any notice in my first month of employment. Would it be really really horrible for me to phone up on Jan 2nd and just say sorry, I don't think its going to work out and I'm not coming back? They're bound to feel let down.

I can survive financially for a bit whilst I look for another field based role. I just don't think it's fair on me or them for me to go back if I know I'm not going to stay. Besides I need to keep myself available for interviews.

What the fuck do I say to them? Dreading having the conversation. But dreading going back more.

It’s ok, if they have not contracted you to a notice period you don’t owe them, and presumably you don’t need a reference. Get it over with.

If you're dreading it, don't go back. As long as you have some contingency money, I think you would be far better off not starting a new year on a really bum note.

I'd be inclined to email now, rather than call. Keeps everything in a paper trail and at least you haven't waited until the actual first day back.

No one is in until Jan 2nd rabbit due to xmas shutdown, so not sure I can email before then. Also I don't want to quit now as I've already been paid for the whole month (although not required to be back until Jan 2nd)

Sorry - not paid for the whole month, I started in the second week of december. But paid for when I started until the end of december.

Did you post about this recently, OP? I don't think just walking out is the best option, were you looking for something else as well?

” I just don't think it's fair on....them for me to go back if I know I'm not going to stay.”

Eh? So as soon as anyone decides they want to leave their job they should immediately not turn up to work, in order to be “fair” to their employer? Rather than work a notice period and give the employer a chance to find someone else/get a handover done or whatever?

If you literally have no notice period and want to walk out rather than looking for a new job first, then you are entitled to do that, but don’t kid yourself you’re being “fair” to your employer by doing so!

You might owe them some of your holiday entitlement back

Isn't that completely leaving them in the lurch? I'd personally give at least a fortnight's notice or even a month, out of courtesy.

I'm not on a notice period. I doubt they'd want me to work one anyway I've barely started.

Just to clarify I've not really started any work yet first 2 weeks were just induction.

Do you really think you've given it a chance?

OP I'm having the same dilemma. I will probably give my manager a weeks notice as he's given me some great flexibility over the last 2 months but the role and place of work is soul destroying.

I'm only temping but I'm not going to look for a perm role until I find the right job.

I would probably call and follow up with an email. Be honest and say you realise now you prefer to be field based so you're going to look for that type of role.

It's not that summer it's just that I desperately miss my old way of working/ industry and want to go back to it.

I think you should go back on the first day, ask to speak to your manager/hr person ASAP and explain your situation, and ask them if they'd prefer you to work some notice or just go right away. That would be the professional thing to do imo.