Working Notice Period

timmy880

Hi,

I handed in my notice a week and a half ago and thankfully will be starting a new job on the 30th. The issue is work are putting alot of pressure on me to finish projects before I leave and it has become a nightmare - one particular project will definitely not be complete soon. Things got so bad yesterday I just wanted to walk out and not return. I've only been here 4 months and the whole experience has been awful.

Has anybody ever just left before working out the full notice period? This would be a breach of contract on my part but mentally I'm shot to pieces.

punisher5112

If you don't need as a reference then a week is enough.

I wouldn't be stressing or putting a huge amount of effort in either if it's as bad as you say.

I would get out.

Sure they can sack you in the 1st year and give no reason there's the door....

Banterbus28

Only need to work your notice if you want paid.

Find an agency job to hold you over until new job start date

Zulu

The thing with pressure is that while it's created externally, it's really only realised internally.
What I'm saying is - let them pile on the pressure, but YOU don't have to do anything about it. Work your 9-5. Work at a rate of pace that suits YOU. And let it wash over you.

You're leaving. So just punch in your hours.

Now I'm not saying throw in the towel and put your feet up. Call out where you see problems, and let them worry about how best to manage your time left.

For example - explain that "project A is not going to be completed by my exit", point out "I reckon I'll get it as far as task X in the time left", and let them worry about it. If they pile on extra tasks, just say "Ok , but there a significant risk thats not going to get done in the time".

timmy880

Thanks very much for the responses. It's been a very stressful few weeks which I didn't expect after handing in my notice! I'll try and move things along the best I can.

punisher5112

timmy880 wrote: »

Thanks very much for the responses. It's been a very stressful few weeks which I didn't expect after handing in my notice! I'll try and move things along the best I can.

Seriously don't stress or bow to their pressure.

If you're not happy leave, as above if you want paid stay but don't over do it and who cares if things won't be finished or they give you more to do.

Zulu

timmy880 wrote: »

Thanks very much for the responses. It's been a very stressful few weeks which I didn't expect after handing in my notice! I'll try and move things along the best I can.

Hang in there buddy - you're almost out the gap

daheff

how long is your notice period? I imagine you are still in the probation period, so your notice is probably only 1-2 weeks?

RebelButtMunch

Zulu wrote: »

The thing with pressure is that while it's created externally, it's really only realised internally.
What I'm saying is - let them pile on the pressure, but YOU don't have to do anything about it. Work your 9-5. Work at a rate of pace that suits YOU. And let it wash over you.

You're leaving. So just punch in your hours.

Now I'm not saying throw in the towel and put your feet up. Call out where you see problems, and let them worry about how best to manage your time left.

For example - explain that "project A is not going to be completed by my exit", point out "I reckon I'll get it as far as task X in the time left", and let them worry about it. If they pile on extra tasks, just say "Ok , but there a significant risk thats not going to get done in the time".

That's some good advice there.
Communicate extensively with them. If you think that you're not going to meet their fantasy schedule, say it immediately, in email preferably . If they can't understand that, there really is very little you can do except take a deep breath and think of having a well deserved pint at the end of the week.

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Avatar MIA

Zulu wrote: »

The thing with pressure is that while it's created externally, it's really only realised internally.
What I'm saying is - let them pile on the pressure, but YOU don't have to do anything about it. Work your 9-5. Work at a rate of pace that suits YOU. And let it wash over you.

You're leaving. So just punch in your hours.

Now I'm not saying throw in the towel and put your feet up. Call out where you see problems, and let them worry about how best to manage your time left.

For example - explain that "project A is not going to be completed by my exit", point out "I reckon I'll get it as far as task X in the time left", and let them worry about it. If they pile on extra tasks, just say "Ok , but there a significant risk thats not going to get done in the time".

Very good advice here, has to be said, given the situation.

khaldrogo

timmy880 wrote:

Thanks very much for the responses. It's been a very stressful few weeks which I didn't expect after handing in my notice! I'll try and move things along the best I can.

I had a similar situation and I went to the doctor and got signed off with work related stress. Best thing I ever did.

bucketybuck

Firstly, if you are there only 4 months then what notice period are you working? I would have thought it would only be a week at max, if there was even a notice period at all.

Secondly, its not unexpected or crazy for any company to want outgoing employees to tie up their loose ends and finish their bits and pieces. Its not like they are starting you on new projects and from their point of view, they invested in you by giving you a job and you are leaving them in the lurch just a few months later, do you really want to leave them worse off than they started by leaving behind a bunch of half finished work that somebody else then has to untangle?

Thats a professional and ethical matter though, the reality is that they have no hold over you and that really you could walk out the door at any time with little recourse on their part. I would remember that every time you think you are getting stressed. Finish your work and do it as best you can but don't bring it home or let it stress you out.

Avatar MIA

bucketybuck wrote: »

Firstly, if you are there only 4 months then what notice period are you working? I would have thought it would only be a week at max, if there was even a notice period at all.

Secondly, its not unexpected or crazy for any company to want outgoing employees to tie up their loose ends and finish their bits and pieces. Its not like they are starting you on new projects and from their point of view, they invested in you by giving you a job and you are leaving them in the lurch just a few months later, do you really want to leave them worse off than they started by leaving behind a bunch of half finished work that somebody else then has to untangle?

Thats a professional and ethical matter though, the reality is that they have no hold over you and that really you could walk out the door at any time with little recourse on their part. I would remember that every time you think you are getting stressed. Finish your work and do it as best you can but don't bring it home or let it stress you out.

The OP may have contracted a longer notice period (not unusual).

It's possible their extant projects may not reasonably be finished within her notice period. But, their employer may be pushing them to finish, because they may think they've little to lose by pushing them.