How bad is it to not work a two week notice?

caliotter3 · Dec 31, 2011

You have to do what is best for you. In reality, in an at will state, you don't have to give two weeks notice. It is just a courtesy from times past. Do your best. If you explain, the employer should be understanding. Likely they will tell you not to come back. Hopefully, that will be the case, so that you can concentrate on packing and planning your move. Good luck.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Dec 31, 2011

"

i give this two-week time frame because i doubt any employer would be willing to hold a position open for me for longer than two weeks in a saturated job market. "

reasonable employers understand that a prospective employee may have to give a current employer two weeks notice.

Sensoria17 · Dec 31, 2011

"
i give this two-week time frame because i doubt any employer would be willing to hold a position open for me for longer than two weeks in a saturated job market. "
reasonable employers understand that a prospective employee may have to give a current employer two weeks notice.

understood, but what i'm saying is that they would have to hold a position for three weeks not two because it would take about a week to pack and move across the country. i can't see a potential employer in ca doing this unless i was made of gold.

brownbook · Dec 31, 2011

I had an very good, long time employee, walk into my office, hand me a copy of our policy, and say "Today is my last day, I don't have to give two week notice."

She was indeed correct. I hadn't Known, who ever reads every page of any policy and procedure book! Talk to human resources or find your policy. Obviously the whole "two week notice," thing is somewhat of an urban myth.

I would NOT recommend doing what she did, it was obviously harsh and messed up every bodies work schedule for some time.

netglow, ASN, RN · Dec 31, 2011

From what you say, your decision can only be made with the idea that you need to look forward. If it plays out like you say, then your allegiance is with your new employer. That is the only way you can proceed. Remember, you can make an attempt to do the two week thing, but if that looks to put you at a disadvantage, then, you have to drop that idea. You can put in your resignation letter that you had intended to give proper notice, but your new employer demands an earlier start date...

kids · Dec 31, 2011

Think about it, would you really want to work for someone who doesn't expect their new hires to exit their previous job professionally?

If you were doing the hiring would you want to employ someone who would leave their current employer in a bind by not giving notice?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2011

give the two weeks' notice, be a professional...and start packing on your time off.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 31, 2011

Agree with GrnTea.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Dec 31, 2011

I would have said, "No, you don't have to give a notice. But if you were a professional and had any self respect, you would have. You will leave the premises immediately. Goodbye."

Kazza, MSN, RN · Dec 31, 2011

I say you at least make an attempt to work the notice as soon as you find out about the new position, however, the fact is when employers are ready to let you go, they do not give you 2 weeks notice, they kindly inform you that this is your last day and clear your work area and may even get security to assist you on your way. The fact is there is no more job security or loyalty to a company, people will leave a job if they think they can make a penny more elsewhere.

Why count your chickens before they are hatched, get the job first, then take it from there........

I love my cat! · Dec 31, 2011

Look at it this way, an employer will not give you a courteous two-week notice to fire you. I have been a Nurse for a long time and have watched many people get fired and they were NOT given a "professional two week notice". They were given a 15 minutes to pack up and leave. It is a courtesy and is a nice gesture, if you can do it, but there isn't a law that requires you to do so.

I have always wondered where/how this 2 weeks notice prior to quitting evolved (probably some employer). I remember hearing it back in the 80's. Giving a two week notice has nothing to do with being professional or having self-respect.....that is just a personal opinion some people have. You are looking out for your best interest because, trust me, the vast majority of employers certainly look out for theirs!

It is one thing to walk off in the middle of the shift-that is not professional. It is another thing to make sure you complete your shift and then give notice.