In my previous column, I listed things you should do if you are involuntarily separated from your job. Now onto a happier scenario. Let's say you've found your dream job. It's exactly what you want to do, the hours are perfect, the pay is extraordinary, the benefits fantastic, and the commute a breeze. I realize you're probably ready at this point to dance into your boss's office and say "Nah, nah, na, nah-nah. I'm OUT of here". You can do that, but I'd advise doing so only in your head.
Here are things that would actually be advisable:
1. Do not give notice until everything from your new gig is in place.
That means you have an offer letter and they have all the things they need (transcript, drug test, background screen,etc.). You want to make sure the only thing between you and your new job is appropriate notice to your current employer.
2. Give appropriate notice to your current employer.
Each company is different as to what this constitutes. Check out your handbook or ask around to find out what it is for your workplace. A minimum for most jobs is 2 weeks. Now, how long is 2 weeks? No, this is not a trick question. It is 14 days. That means resigning on Monday with your last day a week from Friday is NOT sufficient notice. In addition to being common courtesy, lack of proper notice can have negative consequences. Some companies will make you ineligible for rehire. You might not ever want to go back there, but remember two things. 1. Situations can change 2. This is sometimes asked of former employers by prospective ones. There may be other negative results from lack of notice. For example, at my company, you are not paid any remaining vacation or personal time if you don't give two weeks notice.
3. Choose your last day carefully
Of course, after reading #2 above, you are going to give at least the minimum required notice. But choose your last day wisely. Two examples from my company.
Example #1
Our insurance ends the last day of the month. If you quit on March 31, your coverage ceases that day. If your last day is April 1, you have coverage until April 30. Depending on when your eligibility starts at you new job, you might want to consider moving your last day out a few days.
Example #2
Last year I wrote about one of our former sales people who was demanding his leftover vacation time though he was not eligible as he hadn't been there a year. What I didn't mention then is that he also gave up his bonus (potentially several thousand dollars) because he resigned just before the end of the eligibility period. And yes, he whined about this too. However, had he been a nice guy and ASKED, I could have told him what to do. First, put in for vacation for the days between when he planned on leaving and the end of the period. Once that's approved, THEN give notice with his last day being his last vacation day requested. He would have been paid for his days, gotten his bonus, AND started his new job while on vacation. Yes, this can be done. One of my friends did it when she resigned. And yes, she might have had some friendly HR advice from me. You could also do this if you're trying to make your insurance last longer. Now the company might try to cancel your vacation after you give notice, but I know we wouldn't as once it's approved, it's approved.
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