What Happens When You Put in Your Two Weeks

Resigning from a job is an important commitment that requires careful consideration. The traditional and often contractual practice is to provide two weeks' notice before leaving to work elsewhere. This article explores why providing this notice is crucial, how it can be handled properly, and the protocols typically involved in giving two weeks' notice.

Why Provide Two Weeks' Notice?

Offering two weeks' notice is a courteous and professional way to resign from a job. This practice has several benefits:

Legal Commitment: Some contracts stipulate a specific length of notice, and leaving earlier can violate these terms. This can have legal consequences for the employee. Professional Connections: A former employer might be invited to reapply for a job or provide a recommendation in the future. Maintaining a positive relationship is valuable. Respect for Colleagues: Prematurely leaving can burden your colleagues, who may need to cover your responsibilities. This is an unfair burden.

Therefore, it is essential to inform your employer before letting anyone else know about your decision to resign. This information should be conveyed formally, ideally via a letter or an in-person meeting.

How to Handle Two Weeks' Notice

If you decide to quit your job, consider having another opportunity lined up before doing so. This helps prevent last-minute stress and allows you to leave on a positive note. When providing your notice, it is advisable to maintain a professional demeanor and ensure all current work is concluded to the best of your ability.

It is crucial to remember not to burn your bridges. Retaliation or malicious behavior is not appropriate and can harm your professional reputation. Instead, leave with all your ducks in a row and maintain a positive attitude.

Company-Specific Protocols

The way a company handles an employee providing two weeks' notice can vary significantly. Here are two contrasting examples:

Case 1: High Tech Company A

This company values employees leaving to help with project continuity. The practice involves:

Completion of Projects: Employees are asked to complete ongoing projects to the best of their ability. Cross-Training: Replacing the departing employee by training as many people as possible.

The company trusts the departing employee to contribute positively to the transition without causing issues or leaving projects in a critical state.

Case 2: High Tech Company B

At this company, the management expects worst-case scenarios when employees leave. The protocol includes:

Packing and Departure: Employees are asked to pack their personal belongings and leave the premises with security. Assumed Sabotage: Management assumes the employee might be trying to sabotage projects or steal secrets.

Therefore, the best way to know how to handle the notice period is to understand how previous employees were treated when they left. This information can provide valuable insights into the company culture and practices.

Conclusion

Providing two weeks' notice is more than just a formality; it is a responsible and professional way to transition out of a job. It helps maintain positive relationships, ensures project continuity, and respects the colleagues who will continue working. By understanding the company's specific protocols, you can navigate the process smoothly and leave on a positive note.