You usually leave a job for one of two reasons. Either you choose to do so, or the choice is made by someone else.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t quit. On the contrary, if you’re thinking of it, that’s probably the right choice. But you should be sure to think about these four factors before you do so.
Decide Now to Give Enough Notice – 2 weeks at least would be a good idea.
Why? First, give enough notice so your boss/company doesn’t get mad at your leaving them hanging. No, they probably won’t say anything bad about you after you leave. But they might think about you, and one day act in a way that comes back to bite you.
Here’s the problem, however. If you give 2 weeks’ notice, your employer might say, “There’s the door – go for it.” You could be left out in the cold or heat sooner than you thought. So have those two weeks all planned out, just in case you’re on an unexpected two-week or so holiday.
When you do pull the plug, keep this in mind – at least until you’re out the door – “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” That includes not suggesting that your new job is soooo much better than your last.
Should you give notice In Person?
Usually the answer would be in the affirmative. But if there’s any chance your boss might want to submarine your good efforts, perhaps writing a nice email to your manager and his/her superiors, giving that notice, and thanking them for your employment might be a better idea. Up to you.
Why does this matter?
Here’s one reason. What happens if your new company is bought by your previous employer? Don’t think it’s happened? It does. It’s happened to my clients. Do you remember Sav-on? It’s no longer around because it was bought by CVS, for example.
What about your Employment Records, your earnings statements, time-sheets, etc.?
I recommend you always keep them for up to 7 years back. I don’t say that for tax purposes. I say that because you might be part of a class action and not know it. What if you’re leaving because you’re overworked and underpaid? Your keeping those records might help you collect at least some portion of that back pay one day. You might even call our office to discuss it.
Hope this helps. Good luck on your new job.
Tom the Lawyer 