ALT-17 Deciding whether to Give two Weeks Notice or not
Proper business etiquette suggests that you should give at least a two week notice when leaving your job, and sometimes more, depending on your situation. You may even be asked to stay longer and train your replacement. It is advisable to follow the company's departure procedures in order to be considered a reliable member of the staff right to the end.
In order to keep a great reputation as a dependable and trustworthy employee, you should practice appropriate protocol when leaving the company. Even if you would like to tell your boss to "take this job and shove it", you should resist that urge and show your good character traits instead. After all, you may need to use the company as a reference and you also may need their positive recommendation for a future job. You might also want to keep the possibility of rehire as an option if the situation presents itself down the road. In this job economy, there is no such thing as "job security" anymore. You should not burn bridges that you may need to cross again in the future.
Always leave a company on good terms, if possible. And, keep the doors open for possible future contact with your current supervisors. You never know what the future holds and you may have business contacts with them again as a client or supplier with a new company if you stay in the same business field or industry. Who knows, you might even run into a current colleague as your boss somewhere in a future career position.
But, not all employment circumstances are the same, and sometimes life throws a "curve ball" our way which may present an unusual life situation. So, it might be impossible to give a two week notice before you have to leave your employment with a company. If there is no other option because of your life's state of affairs, then you need to do what is necessary at the time and you may need to give short notice of your job termination. Maybe you are unable to give any notice at all and need to quit your job on the spot because your life is in danger or another serious matter has occurred. These options should only be used if absolutely essential and you have no other choice.
So, yes, it's always a wise business decision to give a two weeks notice, if possible, when leaving a job. However, in extenuating circumstances, it may not be feasible. Your decision to give a two-week notice or not to give notice, should be carefully evaluated and not taken lightly as it could affect your future career.
