ALT-21 Deciding whether to Give two Weeks Notice or not
It is commonly known throughout society that two weeks notice is standard. Under normal circumstances, it is at the very least expected. Under some circumstances, for instance in the area of care-giving, it is paramount. Our actions effect others and though the organization you work for could probably make due without you, they generally need someone. And that someone, generally needs to be found and trained.
When a company or business is given fair warning it gives them the opportunity to prepare. If a replacement is found soon enough, having time to train them can make the transition easier on everyone. It is the way of things and the course of life for workers to move on, up, or over, but through the process of it we are all working together. Giving those we are leaving behind a fair shake is showing kindness, but it is also the responsible thing to do.
Certainly there are situations that call for laying down your hammer and walking out the door. That decision, though, generally rides on the tails of abuse in one form or another. Those unusual predicaments may have been building toward the point of no return for a while. Still, the last straw could very well be a sudden snap, allowing little to no time to decide. If such is the case, returning once you've stomped out in order to offer the transitional period may do more harm than good.
Most employees with the two week dilemma are those who have accepted another position. At times they have failed to request the two week period from their new employer. This is unfortunate. It is also unnecessary since most are asked when they would be able to start. There is the occasions, though, that the start date is not optional, and there you have the dilemma.
For situations that might necessitate overlooking this common courtesy and long standing practice, a few things should be adhered to. First, consider speaking with a supervisor to help determine the consequence of early departure. Perhaps a shorter time frame could be arranged without causing detriment to the operation. If those in charge are approached and made aware of a timing problem from the start, it might be all they need to make the proper adjustments.
Next, remind yourself that if you are ever to apply for a job beyond the one you just got that you will be expected to list the one you are leaving on the application. Unless there are mitigating circumstances, the fact that you left them in the lurch may come back to bite you.
Also, many careers are conducted throughout a network of similar or attached professions. Will your behavior become common knowledge amongst those in or around your field of employment? Will this decision follow you around and mock you for months to come? If so, you won't do yourself or your new employer any favors by conducting your affairs in such an unprofessional manner. Perhaps the better part of valor, in this case as well as the rest of life, is discretion after all.
Sometimes,however, the act of leaving without notice is, or seems unavoidable. If the need for departure is spurred on by a vehement relationship between you and those you work for, it may not be as easy to rise to the occasion as you'd like. In these situations perhaps it is the fellow employee's you have been associated with that should be the higher consideration. Would another two weeks of nail biting or tongue holding really do you any worse than you've already had it? Besides, for the next two weeks there is the added benefit of knowing that all the ruckus and unpleasantness is about to be over. Each morning can now be faced with the glee of pending freedom and that's really not a bad way to end an unfortunate situation.
Regardless of the reason for leaving, or the ability to provide what is generally expected, all things should at least be done decently and in order. Communicating your need and or problem with your soon to be former employer is key in bowing out of your responsibility gracefully. Common sense, common courtesy and an uncommon willingness to put others needs over your wants will get you from here to where ever you are going much better.
