Why are supposed to give 2 weeks notice before you quit a job?

Question

When the job can terminate you at any time.

Answer 1

if you are doing a good job the company won't terminate you at anytime. also, once you obtain seniority at a job or make it through their triaining or probationary period they have to have a reason to term you...which, unless you're being downsized, is a reason that YOU give them...like being late all the time or not following company policy.

you should always give your job a 2-week notice. this is respectful because you quitting means they have to find someone to replace you, which takes time. also, if you give them notice, then they may ask you why you are leaving and this gives you an opportunity to "fix" any issues you may be having at work and perhaps stay at your job.

plus, 2-week notice allows you to make sure you are really making the right choice. you may want to quit after a frustrating day, but who doesn't have those?? 2-week notice gives you a chance to say.."hey, i'm sorry, but i changed my mind...can i keep my job. i was just upset earlier".

i hope everyone gives their employer 2-week notices, b/c i've been the employer many times and it really does put you in a bind...and i always asked that question at job interviews. if someone told me they didn't give notice at their last job...i probably didn't hire them. and i asked other questions, so i knew if they were lying about giving notice...i'm not dumb;)

take care.

Answer 2

It also shows the mindset you had when leaving a job..if you just up and quit it shows that the job had kind of got too you for one reason or another or you have bad work ethics where on the other hand a two week notice shows a planned leave that could just be you moving on to better things and is a less personal way to leave a job.

Answer 3

I suppose its a respect for the employer thing. So you don't burn any bridges per-se. Its also to give them time to find a replacement, but I usually give them 1 weeks notice because they may ask you to leave when you hand in your notice, then your out of a job and don't get paid. At least that way you get 1 weeks pay and 1 week off.

Answer 4

Its a courtesy, not a rule. Most companies will give you a 2 week severence if you are fired or laid off. If yours doesnt, then you are certainly under no obligation to give notice. If you get another job however, its not a bad idea to ask the new company for the time to give your existing company notice. They will see that as a professional act on your part, and will reflect well on you

Answer 5

1. so they can find a replacement. 2. and hopefully they won't give you a negative recommendation for your next job application.

But you're right that it's not fair, when they can terminate you at any time. Some jobs will give you notice, though.

Answer 6

Because the companies want it all going their way. Sure, theoretically they could find a replacement for you to train in your last two weeks. but what if the replacement has to give two weeks notice at his/her present job? Then the two of you will never meet. I think one should give two weeks notice anyway just to play it safe.

Answer 7

its considered the "considerate" thing to do.... besides if you give 2 weeks notice then on your work record the company would recommend you for re-hire... which means that if you ever went back to that company for a job, then they would likely re-hire you... whereas if you dont give notice, then thats like an irresponsibility mark against you and you may not be recommended for re-hire....

Answer 8

Its not written in stone, its just polite. It gives your current employer time to fill your position and train the person before you leave.

Answer 9

Because out of courtesy to your employer it gives them that two weeks to replace you and train your replacement.

Answer 10

out of respect for your employeer, hence giving them the option to find a suitable replacement and have you help train them