[Prove You Are A Human]

Like the title says, I hate doing it…

CPA

[Anonymous]

Probably because you are loyal and don't want to leave your employer in a jam or because you work for someone that wouldn't be happy for you and would try to make you feel guilty for leaving. I've worked for both types of employers (ones I didn't want to leave and ones that made me feel awful about it) and each time I resigned I felt horrible. On the other hand I had a problem employee that resigned 3 weeks before I went on maternity leave and was practically giddy about telling us she was leaving and “so sorry” she wouldn't be here to help the team through my leave and left without preparing anyone on the team for her departure. I would rather have the personality that I feel awful for leaving than to be someone like that employee. How you handle your departure is important because it truly is a small world and you never know who you will cross paths with in the future.

[Anonymous]

Probably because you are loyal and don't want to leave your employer in a jam or because you work for someone that wouldn't be happy for you and would try to make you feel guilty for leaving. I've worked for both types of employers (ones I didn't want to leave and ones that made me feel awful about it) and each time I resigned I felt horrible. On the other hand I had a problem employee that resigned 3 weeks before I went on maternity leave and was practically giddy about telling us she was leaving and “so sorry” she wouldn't be here to help the team through my leave and left without preparing anyone on the team for her departure. I would rather have the personality that I feel awful for leaving than to be someone like that employee. How you handle your departure is important because it truly is a small world and you never know who you will cross paths with in the future.

[How many letters do you need]

I suppose I might be a little jaded…but IMO if the shoe was on the other foot and you either weren't working out or your employer had no plans for your job function in the future/had no more use for you most employers would lay you off without thinking twice. It's a business decision. I look at resignations the same way: Nothing but a business decision.

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[How many letters do you need]

I suppose I might be a little jaded…but IMO if the shoe was on the other foot and you either weren't working out or your employer had no plans for your job function in the future/had no more use for you most employers would lay you off without thinking twice. It's a business decision. I look at resignations the same way: Nothing but a business decision.

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Anonymous]

It's my current situation, due to relocation. I hate doing it so much. I have never done but I don't even know how to ask for a day off to go for another job interview.

@CPAMommyof3: in term of being an employer,when do you expect your employee give a notice of leaving? I plan to tell my boss at least 2 months in advance even it most likely costs me the annual bonus that he promises to give in June. I don't want to burn the bridge and it's more important than the bonus. I'm thinking to tell him earlier but he's quite a character and it is kinda stressful time for him now (many engagements lie up for review). After May 15 it's probably better. Any thought? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It's my current situation, due to relocation. I hate doing it so much. I have never done but I don't even know how to ask for a day off to go for another job interview.

@CPAMommyof3: in term of being an employer,when do you expect your employee give a notice of leaving? I plan to tell my boss at least 2 months in advance even it most likely costs me the annual bonus that he promises to give in June. I don't want to burn the bridge and it's more important than the bonus. I'm thinking to tell him earlier but he's quite a character and it is kinda stressful time for him now (many engagements lie up for review). After May 15 it's probably better. Any thought? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

@IzChi: Your most recent post caused me to raise an eyebrow or two. See my thoughts below.

‘I hate doing it so much. I have never done but I don't even know how to ask for a day off to go for another job interview.'

I agree, giving notice is always weird. I felt so bad telling my core team when I left public accounting. FYI: Most people take ‘sick days' or PTO to interview.

‘in term of being an employer,when do you expect your employee give a notice of leaving?'

Employers expect 2 weeks notice. That is standard and you shouldn't feel obligated to give more. Whenever you give notice you risk being asked to leave right away. And giving more than 2 weeks often does not work – especially if you are interviewing – interviewing companies typically want someone ASAP (so usually 2 weeks – so that you can give notice). I try to give 3 weeks just to give an extra to be nice – but that is not needed and isn't always doable.

‘I plan to tell my boss at least 2 months in advance'

That is crazy talk!! Why would you do that? Do you even have another job lined up? If you do, wouldn't it be nice to take vacation? There is usually no good reason to give that much notice. If for whatever reason you know you will be leaving more than 2-3 weeks prior to leaving, get your affairs organized and in order so that someone can take over – but no need to let on that you are leaving until you get to that mark.

‘even it most likely costs me the annual bonus that he promises to give in June.'

I don't even know what to say about this. No need to be a martyr.

‘I don't want to burn the bridge and it's more important than the bonus.'

Trust me people leave all the time. You don't need to give 2 months notice in order not to burn bridges. Plus if you give that much time, you are going to start feeling very ready to leave after the first couple of weeks – and if he reacts badly to you leaving period, sticking around to see that anger/resentment for a longer period of time isn't going to be fun.

‘ I'm thinking to tell him earlier but he's quite a character and it is kinda stressful time for him now (many engagements lie up for review). After May 15 it's probably better. Any thought? Thanks. ‘

Give him MORE than 2 months notice!? My thought is to give a maximum of 3 weeks notice – no more than that. I know you mean well, but there are many ways giving more notice can backfire – 2 weeks is appropriate, professional and expected. Just because you are not used to quitting – no need to go crazy and stick around for 2 months when you are ready to leave.

[Anonymous]

@IzChi: Your most recent post caused me to raise an eyebrow or two. See my thoughts below.

‘I hate doing it so much. I have never done but I don't even know how to ask for a day off to go for another job interview.'

I agree, giving notice is always weird. I felt so bad telling my core team when I left public accounting. FYI: Most people take ‘sick days' or PTO to interview.

‘in term of being an employer,when do you expect your employee give a notice of leaving?'

Employers expect 2 weeks notice. That is standard and you shouldn't feel obligated to give more. Whenever you give notice you risk being asked to leave right away. And giving more than 2 weeks often does not work – especially if you are interviewing – interviewing companies typically want someone ASAP (so usually 2 weeks – so that you can give notice). I try to give 3 weeks just to give an extra to be nice – but that is not needed and isn't always doable.

‘I plan to tell my boss at least 2 months in advance'

That is crazy talk!! Why would you do that? Do you even have another job lined up? If you do, wouldn't it be nice to take vacation? There is usually no good reason to give that much notice. If for whatever reason you know you will be leaving more than 2-3 weeks prior to leaving, get your affairs organized and in order so that someone can take over – but no need to let on that you are leaving until you get to that mark.

‘even it most likely costs me the annual bonus that he promises to give in June.'

I don't even know what to say about this. No need to be a martyr.

‘I don't want to burn the bridge and it's more important than the bonus.'

Trust me people leave all the time. You don't need to give 2 months notice in order not to burn bridges. Plus if you give that much time, you are going to start feeling very ready to leave after the first couple of weeks – and if he reacts badly to you leaving period, sticking around to see that anger/resentment for a longer period of time isn't going to be fun.

‘ I'm thinking to tell him earlier but he's quite a character and it is kinda stressful time for him now (many engagements lie up for review). After May 15 it's probably better. Any thought? Thanks. ‘

Give him MORE than 2 months notice!? My thought is to give a maximum of 3 weeks notice – no more than that. I know you mean well, but there are many ways giving more notice can backfire – 2 weeks is appropriate, professional and expected. Just because you are not used to quitting – no need to go crazy and stick around for 2 months when you are ready to leave.

[Anonymous]

‘On the other hand I had a problem employee that resigned 3 weeks before I went on maternity leave and was practically giddy about telling us she was leaving and “so sorry” she wouldn't be here to help the team through my leave and left without preparing anyone on the team for her departure. I would rather have the personality that I feel awful for leaving than to be someone like that employee. ‘

Whenever I leave a job that I like, I feel a mixture of giddiness for the next opportunity, sorrow and guilt. It really triggers weird emotions. Ultimately people find new opportunities all of the time (sometimes they are looking and sometimes they are not) – and have to do what is in their best interest. Employers need to learn to let people leave gracefully – public accounting is usually pretty good at this as they are used to high turnover – and many employees that leave end up becoming either client contacts or potential future clients. Smaller businesses may not be as used to turnover, so may not take it as well.

Because of that, I do not blame the girl for leaving 3 weeks before your maternity leave. Nor necessarily about being giddy – hopefully she was trying to hide that emotion. However, she definitely should have given at least 2 weeks notice (did she? – you don't mention), worked hard during that period (some people slack off and do the bare minimum), and help get her area organized and prepared for the next person taking her place. Some people mentally check out immediately after giving notice – and although sometimes it is hard to stay focused – the effort really should still be there.

[Anonymous]

‘On the other hand I had a problem employee that resigned 3 weeks before I went on maternity leave and was practically giddy about telling us she was leaving and “so sorry” she wouldn't be here to help the team through my leave and left without preparing anyone on the team for her departure. I would rather have the personality that I feel awful for leaving than to be someone like that employee. ‘

Whenever I leave a job that I like, I feel a mixture of giddiness for the next opportunity, sorrow and guilt. It really triggers weird emotions. Ultimately people find new opportunities all of the time (sometimes they are looking and sometimes they are not) – and have to do what is in their best interest. Employers need to learn to let people leave gracefully – public accounting is usually pretty good at this as they are used to high turnover – and many employees that leave end up becoming either client contacts or potential future clients. Smaller businesses may not be as used to turnover, so may not take it as well.

Because of that, I do not blame the girl for leaving 3 weeks before your maternity leave. Nor necessarily about being giddy – hopefully she was trying to hide that emotion. However, she definitely should have given at least 2 weeks notice (did she? – you don't mention), worked hard during that period (some people slack off and do the bare minimum), and help get her area organized and prepared for the next person taking her place. Some people mentally check out immediately after giving notice – and although sometimes it is hard to stay focused – the effort really should still be there.

[Anonymous]

@izchi–As an employer I only expect two weeks. That is normal. If you want to give 2 months then do so, but not many companies will hold a job for two months while you work out such a long notice, especially not in this economy. I agree with @howmany–it's business and should be treated that way, but if you've worked somewhere for a long time and have a good work relationship with your boss or your team you will most likely always feel guilty for leaving. That's a normal reaction, but shouldn't keep you from bettering yourself and looking out for your own future.

@Anonny–I agree completely. Everyone should always go for the best opportunity for them. While it would be unfortunate to lose a couple of my employees I would not begrudge them at all if they found a job that they felt would be a better fit. However, the exit is important. This particular person had been a problem for a while with her attitude and the way she exited was very unprofessional. She put in her notice (2 weeks), but asked for 1 week instead so she could have a week off before she started her new job. Note–If you ask for 1 week, you will only get paid for the one week, not two. The way she said her speech about being “so sorry” was in complete contradiction of actually being sorry and she made reference to others in another department about how perfect the timing was that she was leaving before my leave. It was evident that it was not going to go well so we did ask her to leave that day to avoid any more drama than had already been created. She's the only employee I have ever had leave so I'm hoping the next departure is done with a little more professionalism. I have been in situations where I disliked my boss or a coworker, but nothing about my departure would have ever given that away and I have never been asked to leave the same day.

[Anonymous]

@izchi–As an employer I only expect two weeks. That is normal. If you want to give 2 months then do so, but not many companies will hold a job for two months while you work out such a long notice, especially not in this economy. I agree with @howmany–it's business and should be treated that way, but if you've worked somewhere for a long time and have a good work relationship with your boss or your team you will most likely always feel guilty for leaving. That's a normal reaction, but shouldn't keep you from bettering yourself and looking out for your own future.

@Anonny–I agree completely. Everyone should always go for the best opportunity for them. While it would be unfortunate to lose a couple of my employees I would not begrudge them at all if they found a job that they felt would be a better fit. However, the exit is important. This particular person had been a problem for a while with her attitude and the way she exited was very unprofessional. She put in her notice (2 weeks), but asked for 1 week instead so she could have a week off before she started her new job. Note–If you ask for 1 week, you will only get paid for the one week, not two. The way she said her speech about being “so sorry” was in complete contradiction of actually being sorry and she made reference to others in another department about how perfect the timing was that she was leaving before my leave. It was evident that it was not going to go well so we did ask her to leave that day to avoid any more drama than had already been created. She's the only employee I have ever had leave so I'm hoping the next departure is done with a little more professionalism. I have been in situations where I disliked my boss or a coworker, but nothing about my departure would have ever given that away and I have never been asked to leave the same day.

[Anonymous]

@Anonny & CPAMommyof3: 2 weeks only? It's a “wow” for me. I guess I need to give more detail about my situation then. First of all, my firm is tiny, and I'm the only person who do audit, compilation and review. My boss reviews my work so I really feel guilty when I need to leave even I know that everyone is replaceable. However I think it's better to tell him early so that he can find a new person.

Second, I kinda understand my boss. He is super nice but can be very emotional. He may not have a problem with the fact that I leave but he prefers planning and knowing thing in advance. That's why I want to (and feel like having obligation) give an early notice.

Thirdly, I leave because my husband got a job in another location so we need to relocate. I have not had a job in hand yet. The thing is before I told him at some point we'll go to another place but probably next year, not now. However, my husband got a job unexpectedly…Now, I'm afraid that he might think I lied to him.

I don't know, sometime I thought he might laid me off early if I tell him that long in advance (2 months). However, it's still better than telling late and destroy the relationship…

[Anonymous]

@Anonny & CPAMommyof3: 2 weeks only? It's a “wow” for me. I guess I need to give more detail about my situation then. First of all, my firm is tiny, and I'm the only person who do audit, compilation and review. My boss reviews my work so I really feel guilty when I need to leave even I know that everyone is replaceable. However I think it's better to tell him early so that he can find a new person.

Second, I kinda understand my boss. He is super nice but can be very emotional. He may not have a problem with the fact that I leave but he prefers planning and knowing thing in advance. That's why I want to (and feel like having obligation) give an early notice.

Thirdly, I leave because my husband got a job in another location so we need to relocate. I have not had a job in hand yet. The thing is before I told him at some point we'll go to another place but probably next year, not now. However, my husband got a job unexpectedly…Now, I'm afraid that he might think I lied to him.

I don't know, sometime I thought he might laid me off early if I tell him that long in advance (2 months). However, it's still better than telling late and destroy the relationship…

[nicole2035]

You can always tell HR you are leaving and not your manager, then they'll go through the appropriate channels. 2 weeks is really all you need, a month notice is only expected of managers leaving on good terms, maybe..not even that

I'm a super nice person, and i would hate to put in a 2 week notice at my job, however they should be happy you are able to grow. You don't have to approach it in a depressing and guilty manner, celebrate it. Tell your employer you thank them for the opportunities, if there's anything they need they can contact you and had perks you couldn't turn down. It happens, it's not your burden, companies should if anything look at themselves and why a good employee had to go elsewhere

[Author]

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