Should I turn in my notice?

Question

I've received an offer from another firm, but only verbally, and not in any official sense. I will be receiving final information today or tomorrow, but won't receive the official signed and sealed paper copy till the end of the week. However, I have a meeting scheduled mid-week to discuss our company's marketing plan, what my role will be and my goals and projects over the next year. Do I go to the meeting and act like nothing is going on? Do I turn in my notice before I receive the paper copy? Do I attempt to postpone the meeting so that I will receive my official offer and be able to turn in my notice prior to the meeting?

Answer 1

Hi Kristi,

Working in HR and Recruitment I would say no, act as though nothing has happened. At this stage whilst any reputable firm wouldnt back out of an offer, it can happen. Act as though nothing has happened and wait for the hard copy contract and offer letter to come through at the end of next week. If possible try and get your new company to perhaps e-mail the contract through to you to make you feel more secure (remember they wont want you to back out either if they've found you so may do anything you ask to keep you!).

In terms of cancelling the meeting until later I would continue as nothing has happened purely because you dont want your colleagues to get wind that something is going on. You never know, there may be something in the contract of your new firm that you dont like and therefore means you will have to reject the offer (I hope not though!).

Alternatively, your current firm may counter offer you and offer you a pay increase (i've seen it happen on many occasions!) - if you have had the meeting then you will know once and for all what your manager see your role as being etc etc and you will know that they are not just saying it to keep you. It may give you more to think about if it does get to that. On the flip side should the meeting not go that well and it end up being not what you want to hear in terms of new projects and your career development it'll only make you feel more smug knowing you were going to hand in your notice and that leaving is 100% the right decision!

I will say that should you go ahead and have the meeting like nothing has happened and then subsequently hand in your notice, I know it will be hard, but make sure you deny to the very end that you had another offer (you don't have a firm offer so not technically a lie!!) - you may meet up with your current colleagues in another role. They won't know any better and you need to look after yourself sometimes!

Good luck! Becca

Answer 2

What I've noticed, is that most companies, once you give notice, they tend to let you go on the spot because of fear of sabotage. I would just go on like nothing hasn't changed until you get final notice. Your new employer "should" understand that you'd like to be professional and give them a 1-2 week notice so they can find a replacement for you. But if they don't and want you to start immediately, then you have to do whats best for you. No company that I know of give employees any type of notice whatsoever when they lay you off or fire you for whatever reason. They usually come in Friday morning around 10am and tell you to pack your stuff, you're done. Its a moral issue for some people, but I personally wouldn't sweat it. I would wait until you get your final confirmation that you have in fact been hired by the new firm and find out when you're expected to begin working, then let your superior know. But that is just me.

Answer 3

carry out whatever project you are responsible for at your current job, if you decide to accecpt the other off you would have succeeded in at least getting the ball rolloing for the next person coming behind you, your former boss will always remember how you left with class and that my help you in the future.