Quitting my Job, but not yet?

Question

I just got a new job working full-time (first job out of college---woohh!!!) Right now, I'm a waitress. My job starts on Monday and I'm not sure what to do about my current job. I work Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. But, I am available to work double shifts on Fridays and Saturdays (but rarely do). On Sundays I close the restaurant at 11pm.

I really need to keep my waitressing job for at least the first 2-3 weeks of my new job. My new job only pays every other week. So, I may not get a paycheck until the end of October (if they hold it, or if there are payroll issues)

I can't go a whole month without any income. However, I'm not sure if I should give my two week notice this week (as in tomorrow) or next week. I want to make sure I'm covered with some sort of income. I don't want to give my notice too soon. But, I also don't want to hold off and then have them scheduling me for hours I can't work, b/c of my other job.

I know it's a silly question.

and you're probably thinking, "Just give two weeks and do the right thing. Don't screw them over."

My intent is not to screw them over. But in the restaurant biz, when you give your notice they tend to give you less shifts. Sort of like fading you out of "your normal shifts" and giving them to other people or your replacement.

I don't want them giving me one shift a week on a Saturday afternoon where I make $20 for the next 3 weeks.

I also don't want to ask to cut back on my shifts, b/c then again, I'll be booted off the schedule.

What should I do? I need money for the next 3 weeks.

Answer 1

Here is the best idea I can think of. Hand in your two week resignation from your current job on the day get your first paycheck from your new job.

That way, just in case you were for example to give your notice NOW, the company you are currently working for might just waive your notice, and then something might go wrong with the new job...like nothing that was promised is happening and you hate your new boss...then you will be doubly screwed.

In my scenario, you might be working at your current job a tiny bit longer than you would like, but you are covered both ways.
Its possible that when you do give your notice when i recommend, the current job may waive your notice anyway.

Play it safe. and smart. You don't want to tip your hand until your are SURE the other job is what you want, and are getting paid. Companies have been known to fire people as soon as there is even a hint that they might leave.

Its definitely NOT a silly question.

Answer 2

Why not? It seems all they are doing is telling one story after another, along with telling you to call all the times you did and got nowhere. I would not even call them and tell them I am not working for them, I would just go on with my life as if I had never applied for that job. I don't see them respecting you enough to be honest with you and tell you why the hold up to start the job. By the way, until you have worked a steady week or so and have gotten a paycheck, you are really not employed to quit anyway. I personally would not want to work for a company that does business this way. It's kind of bad when a company can get away with things like this, and even fire a person at their own free will, but expect a two week written notice if you decide to quit, but they will never give you a two week notice to tell you that they are terminating your employment. Again, just walk away and get on with your life. There are plenty of other jobs out there.

Answer 3

I don't know how long you can handle two jobs, but I would not rush to give notice. You need the money now so that is a big factor in deciding the right time. Many places, when you give them notice, will let you go right then other will do as you say and cut your hours back or give you undesirable shifts. In addition you want to settle into your new job and be sure it is a good fit for you. You will probably not leave them soon after starting work but it is a possibility. Timing is always important so do what is best for you but don't make either job suffer. As the saying goes do not burn any bridges behind you. Be good to yourself without cheating either employer.

Answer 4

I would not tell them you are leaving! When the time comes for you to go, tell them that this is your last day! They will probably ask you to leave at right away. If you give 2 weeks notice, they will probably ask you leave right away!

If they wanted you to leave, they would not give you 2 weeks severance, they would pay you and you would leave.

You have your whole career ahead of you, don't worry about this waitress job, the next one is the important one!

Answer 5

I'd say choose a date after which you know you'll be okay financially, and give your notice two weeks before that date. That way you should be covered.

Answer 6

Not realy, since you're new to all of it.

Wait another week, then give your notice.