Very stressed, new job won’t communicate after job offer?

[Darksideofthemoon3]

Decided to leave my job of 10 years, got a new job, am currently working my 4 week notice and old boss is making my life hell..

I'm starting to really worry though as I got a job offer emailed last Thursday by the new company, they asked me to let them know when I’d handed in my notice to my current work which I did the same day, and I’ve not heard a thing since. I’ve emailed, messaged and phoned (and left a voicemail) do I assume I’ve been ghosted? Could not actually feel any worse right now as it’s hell working at my current place and I may not even have a job to go to! :-( can’t sleep and feel sick!!

I’d give them some time before assuming ghosted, depending on the new employer, if it’s Civil Service for example then this is very normal and start dates can be months away, if it was a small business then it does seem more likely ghosting

I really hope not. I’m a single mum and need to pay the bills :-( the silence is so cruel and awful. If they are taking back their offer I’d rather know so I can start looking for something else. It’s a company with about 100 employees.

How big is the new company? Could it be the HR person you emailed is off sick or on holiday?

Well I’ve emailed and I would have thought I’d get an automatic reply to that if she was on holiday? But they might not work that way I guess. I’ve been really suffering in my current job and finally had the courage to do something about it, and this happens. I’ve been in tears for most of the day. I’ve also had some bad news about a long term friend today as well which probably hasn’t helped.

Have you tried phoning them?

Yes, I did earlier today. It went to voicemail and I left a message.

Have you signed a contract with the new job? Ideally never resign without one so hoping so!

No, I have an offer of employment, but I was asked to hand in my notice at my current work and let them know asap which I did

Have you signed a contract? You might be worrying for no reason, it was only last Thursday and today is Wednesday, they could just be busy. Maybe wait a few days before contacting them
again as you’ve already communicated a lot. Try not to worry

For future reference, never do this! Contract first, it’s a normal way of doing things. Which you may have forgotten as it’s been so long

Yeah I won’t be contacting them any more, I understand it can be a bit much. I’m feeling so worried as I haven’t signed a contract!

Ah God yes never do this. Until you have a signed contract, passed any checks etc and a start date nothing is guaranteed.

I have a start date, they gave me one. I’m feeling so stupid right now 😭

What do you have in writing?

So you quit without a contract in place? I'd be very wary if that's the case.

I’m hoping they’re just bad at admin or maybe busy doing end of year reviews, my work has their due date this month

They can't just ghost you at this stage. If they were the type of place to do that you'd have a lucky escape. But I'm sure it's all fine. X

And actually that isn't any guarantee either. The best you are entitled to is "notice", and if your notice period is statutory then that is nil for the first month.

People seem to think that a "signed contract" is worth something. It isn't.