He’s moving on to a better job but doesn’t trust his current employer to play fair.

Our elder has some expert advice on how to hand in your notice.

Dear EWC

I’m 30 years old, and a professional marine technician with 10 years of experience. I’m very good at my job. I’ve been at my current position for six years, and I moved 200 miles to get this job. During that time I started a family and I have a beautiful one-year-old daughter and I’m married. The job I’m at right now doesn’t treat me or pay me what I consider well. The co-workers are bullheaded and don’t want to learn or take constructive advice. I’ve been looking for a different job for three years now and have finally found the perfect fit for salary, and location to raise my family. Tomorrow is the day that I need to give my two-week notice. I’ve never seen a person give two weeks notice and not get fired immediately and get dicked around with their last checks. I have a weeklong class scheduled for the second week of what would be my last two weeks. I have to give my two weeks and I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but I know they’re going to be sour about the situation. I’m prepared for the worst, for them to either fire me on the spot, or find a reason to not let me leave with my tools or any of the pay owed to me. I’m so anxious.

Elder Danray replies

First, congratulations on the new job. It sounds if you found an opportunity that pays you well and will be a great place to raise your family. You should be proud of this move and I’m sure this opportunity reflects your hard work and commitment in the past.

I agree that you should provide a two-week notice. You company needs to know that you’re moving on and to take the appropriate steps. The letter/note should be short and to the point without any discussion for reason leaving, etc. You’ve been a good employee and there’s nothing wrong with you leaving for what you perceive as a better opportunity.

At this point, you can only control your actions and not what your employer does. At times, employers will ask an employee to leave immediately if they are going to a competitor. If you’re not going to a direct competitor, I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want you to finish the two-week period. If your last week is training, I can understand why your employer wouldn’t want to make that investment and may ask you to leave in a week. Also, be ready for questions regarding why you’re leaving and what they can do to make you stay. Many employers don’t want to lose a good employee and will try to find ways to make you stay. If they do ask you to leave immediately, then I would be prepared to give them a document that outlines your work performed (that hasn’t been paid) and your expectation on compensation.

I understand that this is stressful and you will feel anxious, just remember that movement between jobs happens to most people during their career and you have earned this move. Present you letter, don’t be apologetic and be professional. Hopefully, your employer will act the same way.

I wish you best of luck.

Reference 400925

Career