Is there a loophole to the "2 weeks notice" rule?

Question

I'm looking to quit my job. Ultimately, i'm pretty unhappy there. It's a very unprofessional organization, and the people who work there don't actually work. To cover their own bases, since I am pretty much the only person doing the work there, they have been blaming the lack of progress on me.

I am currently seeking new employment to begin asap. When I find a job, my goal would be to resign and leave immediately. While I didn't sign an official contract, I did sign a handbook stating that employees must give 2 weeks notice prior to resigning.

Is there a loophole to the 2 week notice rule? The only thing that I could come up with is a Dr's note saying that the stress that 2 weeks on the job would bring me could be harmful to my health. Is there a more sound way to do this? For those of you in the legal field, I live in New York City.

Thanks so much!

I will not be putting this position on my resume, as I have been there for a short period of time. They will not be referenced.

Answer 1

Two weeks notice is a courtesy. Legally you are an "at will" employee and they can fire you anytime they want without notice.

Think about it.. if you quit without a two weeks notice what are they going to do.. fire you. They can't withhold your paycheck for that.

The loophole that exists is vacation. Take a two week vacation and quit before you leave on it.

Answer 2

As for as I know, there are no loopholes. The only thing I can think of that you could do, would be to submit your two week notice in writing, and take any vacation hours you have left during that period of time. If you arent happy at your current job and want to leave immediately, I would just notify them about the situation and leave at the end of one week. Technically, you dont have to stay two weeks, it is just out of respect, and then your employer would have enough time to replace you. Some places will cut your salary in half (or to minimun wage) if you leave before the two weeks are up. Good luck!

Answer 3

I doubt the Handbook is a contract.

However, leaving without giving notice might refelct poorly on you in trying to get a new job. Will you ever need a reference from this job in the future?

You dont' want to tell a prospective employer that you left because it was stressful.

Good luck - My advice - give two weeks and suck it up for two more weeks. It will be fine.

Answer 4

well, you could always bail at a moment's notice, but:

1. you will lose any good references if your next employer asks your current one.

2. they may withhold some of your paycheck.

Good luck!