Do you always have to give 2 weeks notice when you are leaving a job?

Question

I have been working at my part-time job for 3 weeks. I do not like it at all. It is my first job of this type and none of my 3 supervisors respond to my emails or return my phone calls when I have questions. I do not know what I am supposed to be doing and I can't get any help.

My question is, if I find another job, is it absolutly necessary to give 2 weeks notice? I'm afriad if I give 2 weeks notice things will be miserable and awkward for those 2 weeks. Is it ok to just quit one day?

Answer 1

Two-weeks would be a professional courtesy, but not required.

Although this is part-time and the term is only three weeks, you can virtually disregard this job ever existed on a resume. But, it is better to keep up good habits, such courtesy, to establish that as part of your professional character.

Do consider the customers' interests in making your decision, if they will be compromised.

Answer 2

The 'two week notice' is the gateway to maturity. First, it shows potential employers that you are a classy person, and a person of principle. It shows YOU that you are 'better' than the employer you are leaving. Lastly, it shows your present employer that...even though you may not have 'liked' how you had been treated at your present company, you will observe present business standards and do your two weeks.

Now...here is my curve ball. You filed your two week notice, and your company FIRES you and Escorts you off the property. To be eligible for unemployment, as well as for the grounds of a lawsuit, you STILL have to have given your previous employer a written two week notice of resignation in order to protect yourself later on, when getting unemployment bennies or in court.

Some 35 states are 'at will' states, which means that you can be 'fired' at the whim of the employer. I don't know if your state fits this or not. BUT...I know that I would sleep a little easier by doing things the right way and giving two weeks notice.

On my last job, our agency employment manual was rewritten. One did not have to give two weeks notice, and the agency did not have to allow you two weeks notice to terminate employment. Either side could terminate employement at any time. HOWEVER, in order for you to get back your property, your contributions to state or county retirement funds, or your unused sick days/personal leave days, it is preferred that you give two weeks notice...

OTHERWISE...you forfeit that money and property! OUCH!

I know, it's a little, dinky part time job. However, it will be the springboard to a bigger job, IF you learn the lessons now. Plus, one does not need to burn bridges. There IS always the chance that you may work for this employer down the road in a future capacity. Also, there is the chance that someone FROM this company will remember you when you apply at another company, where THEY land.

Answer 3

Putting in a 2 week notice is the mature way to quit a job. I would give a 2 week notice if you plan on using this job as a reference in the future. Otherwise people quit the day of all the time. Its up to you.

Answer 4

It's good practice to give 2 weeks notice, but not legally required.

If you are pretty new, and in a part time job, it's very likely that if you gave notice, they'd just have you leave right away anyway.

If you find another job, ask them to give you two weeks before you start so you can give notice to your other job. Most places understand that.

Answer 5

In a part-time job that you have only been working at for a short time, you wouldn't be expected to give "2 weeks notice". In most states & in most companies, it is a courtesy, not a "requirement" to give a notice. Companies don't give their employees a "2 week notice" before they fire them so, employees are not obligated to give them a notice before quiting unless you had a good relationship with the employer.

Answer 6

A company has to walk a fine line when giving a poor reference, but can say they would not re-hire you. That usually tells it all. I would give them two weeks. If you think you can find a job in that time frame, give your notice before you have another position. If you can't wait that long you can say you were unemployed for those 3 weeks. Although, if the truth comes out it is grounds for dismissal.

Answer 7

PT job? Just leave if you are that miserable. I doubt you will ever be using them as a job reference anyway, having only worked there for three weeks doesn't look good on a resume. Just leave, don't look back. Cut your losses!! Best of luck. Good thing you found out who you were really working for so early in the game.
The only exception I can think of is, if the people there have any influence in your community -could they "spread the word" that you bailed on them and ruin your prospects elsewhere? If not...run for the hills!

Answer 8

Take it from an old time employee who has worked in the ranks and been in upper management. Give them a day or two notice. Chances are they don't need you that bad, if they are not responding to you it's possible they are getting ready to let you go. So, I say get out of there!

Answer 9

Depends on if you want to use them as a reference in the future or not. If you do then, yes, give a 2 weeks notice. If not just leave when you're ready.

Answer 10

Its really up to you but you are expected to give a 2 wk written notice. Youre right, its always awkward the last wk but it looks irresponsible to just up and leave. If you are worried about references i would give your 2 wks but if youre young and its not such a serious job i wouldnt sweet it. As long as when you do get a serious job you know thats what ya gotta do.