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Original poster

Handing in my notice with no other job

20 replies

Itsboundtohappen · 30/12/2022 12:10

Hi all,

I created a thread on here a couple of months ago. Incredibly unhappy in my job, want to hand my notice in, finances work in my favour and I am in a position to do so without another job lined up.

My notice period is 2 months, no kids, early 30s etc. Gives me time to find a new job and take some time out to relax and focus on myself.

Whenever you hand your notice in the first question asked is where your new job is. As above, I don’t have a new job lined up but I’m conscious that I will naturally need to provide an explanation as not only will my supervisors ask, but colleagues and friends too.

I need a convincing excuse as to why I do not have another job lined up - any help, please. I’m keen not to delve into the real reason (being v. unhappy) as I still have to work around these people for 2 months.

thanks

OP posts:

tickticksnooze · 30/12/2022 12:25

I suppose you just make up some garbage about wanting to take a "sabbatical" to travel or volunteer or whatever. Then don't but they won't know.

AriettyHomily · 30/12/2022 12:30

You don't have to give an explanation...either tell them the truth or if you want to something vague like taking time to travel.

Do you have to have an exit interview?

SirChenjins · 30/12/2022 12:33

Just say something like you want to take a short career break to travel/do work in the house/whatever. I don’t think people will really care tbh - they will probably just think ‘lucky her, wish I had the means to give up work without having another job’ and get on with their day.

Soccermumamir · 30/12/2022 12:38

You don't need to give them an explanation just thank them for the opportunity and tell them you wish them all the best for the future.

stormywaves · 30/12/2022 12:41

One option is to say you need to spend time up training and up skilling to develop your career further. Many people are cagey about where they are going anyway, even if they have another job to go to.

GrannieD · 30/12/2022 12:48

I could have wrote your post !

I have resignation letter all typed out and saved on desktop ready to go. My plan is to only send to line manager in strictest confidence and not tell others in the office until the actual day of leaving. Good luck !

Coffeetree · 30/12/2022 12:51

I agree with above. Have a specific project or volunteer thing you can cite when people ask. I mean you're not going to just be at home staring at the family.

Travelling to spend time with elderly family members is a good one. Or volunteering for xyz.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 30/12/2022 12:53

I did this in October, just handed my notice in with nothing to go to and said how incredibly fortunate that I was that I could do this and have some time to decompress before starting to look. Most people were envious of the luxury of that position to be honest. I only had to give 2 weeks notice but as you give 2 months you’ll quite likely have something before you leave anyway.

I didn’t tell anyone but my closest friends how incredibly close to a breakdown I actually was and it’s taken me til now really to actually enjoy being off. The jobs market is really tough especially if like me you are jumping to a new career and so starting fairly low down the ladder.

trampoline123 · 30/12/2022 12:54

Just because they ask doesn't mean you have to tell them, absolutely none of their business.

Lost123454 · 30/12/2022 13:00

Why do you need an excuse or need to "make something up?"

Why can't you just be honest?

Say what you've said here. You're very unhappy and want time out to focus etc

Nat6999 · 30/12/2022 13:01

Just say for personal reasons, be very vague.

RaininSummer · 30/12/2022 13:14

Tell them you are going to do some agency work for while as you fancy a change

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 30/12/2022 13:20

You don't 'need' to give an explanation, OP. If you feel like doing so, then something bland and non-committal - commute, hours, job has changed, want to decompress and take time out for yourself aftet the last two years....

As for exit interviews..I wouldn't bother unless the company has demonstrated they listen in the past. I declined mine - 'looking forward not back' was the guff I came out with. I didn't think they'd want to hear about toxic cliquey departmental management who demonstrated during lockdown their total lack of support or concern for their staff.

EmmaAgain22 · 30/12/2022 13:21

I don't understand this at all

I know in future when people ask at interview "why did you leave your job" you have to make up some shit

but you are leaving here, now. You want to leave and have a change. That's it. It really doesn't matter what you write down. I can't remember what I said last time I resigned. I remember talking shit tnrough an exit interview - oh and a manager took me out for lunch and tried to undermine my confidence in finding a new job - but just ignore, smile.

HelloChello · 31/12/2022 20:50

I’d not say you were unhappy, too much explaining and nothing changes anyway just gives them something to gossip about. It doesn’t pay to be so honest. You need a change so I’d use this as a basis of what you are going to say.
Best of luck OP. Do let us know how you get on 💐

harktheherold · 31/12/2022 21:10

You're overthinking this.

Tell your employer you're ready for a change and will be making plans in the coming months.

Tell your colleagues and friends the truth if you want, ie you're fed up. No one will judge you or care much tbh

FawnDrench · 01/01/2023 20:42

You could just say that you are considering various options and leave it at that.
If they press for more info just repeat the phrase or tell them they're a nosey fucker..

Fairylightsandtea · 01/01/2023 20:46

You don’t owe them anything beyond what’s in your contract. It’s honestly none of their business what you do next. Just be polite, firm and friendly if they ask - say that you’re exploring a few different options, you’ll miss the team but it’s been a great experience working with them. And stay firm to that if they push - you’re excited about the possibilities, you’ll definitely stay in touch etc (even if you don’t mean that)

purplecorkheart · 01/01/2023 20:50

Current job just say personal reasons with a glance down to you stomach/pelvic - no questions will be asked. New job you wanted a new challenge and decided to focus your time on your new venture

AXCS · 03/01/2023 19:03

I did this a while back. I needed to give 4 weeks notice. I had been in the role for several months but it really wasn’t for me and I was very unhappy. I handed my notice in and kept as much to myself as possible only telling those who asked brief information. I mostly just said personal reasons when asked and that kept most people quiet without asking too many more questions. It was true really as it was my mental health I was leaving for - it was stressful and not a pleasant environment.

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