Tried to hand in my notice, boss said no

[Prontehpronto]

Landed a job 5 months ago which is a step up, more money but in an area of finance that I haven't previously done, have broad experience doing other finance areas. Job is tough, I'm learning the new area, my team need upskilling, and department I support need alot of handholding. Feel I wasn't fully made aware if the job at hand at the interview. I tried to say I wanted to leave to my boss today. She told me don't be rash, she thinks I'm doing fine and we'll talk in the office in the next few days. Think she fobbed me off cos they are finding it hard to recruit. I could leave easily as in my probation and find a contracting job so no issue there. Any thoughts/adv8ce please.

The not being made fully aware of the job at interview sets alarm bells for me.

Well they can’t actually refuse. you need to give written notice and be able to evidence this being given to employer. It doesn’t sound like you’re sure you’re wanting to leave though?

How much do you want to leave? You could give them written notice in accordance with your contract and that would be that. It isn’t something they can do no to.

Wouldn’t it be better to get another job lined up first?

Telling your boss you want to leave isn't handing your notice in. They need it in writing.

Is there a way to tackle the issues? Will they they support you? It could be a good opportunity to really lead something and make some changes

You "tried to say"... did you have a written letter ready to go and actually hand it in or email it? It sounds a bit half hearted!

Is she trying to delay so that your probation period ends in one month, I presume, and you will have to serve the full notice rather than the usual 1 week during probation?

Legally, she does not have to accept your resignation. Resign by email if you have to. The company cannot deny it has received your email.

If you want to leave just write your resignation letter and hand it in. You won't lose anything by talking it through with her though first.

You said you tried to say - she may have interpreted that as you saying you're considering leaving but giving the company a chance to make changes for you to stay.

If you want to leave you need to give written notice. Just do it.

If you'd like to stay with the right changes, have the talk and tell her EVERYTHING that is wrong. Take it from there.

If you want to leave they can't stop you! But you need to submit a written resignation letter (check what is required by the firm's policy) not have a wishy washy conversation that you "are thinking about leaving".

They may well want you to stay but they ought to be working with you to improve the aspects you find problematic. If they're not, then it's not surprising they are finding it hard to recruit/retain.

My boss is a "won't take no for an answer type". He's had people hand in their notice and he'll say "I'm not accepting that" and then seems genuinely affronted and astonished that they reach the end of their notice period and ... leave. You really can if you want to!