How to quit job?
 

My wife and I are a little perplexed.

She's been looking for a permanent position in the area for a couple months now. She's done some consulting (engineering) off and on, and has just started another temp eng. job that has the potential to go 6 months.

In the last two days, she's gotten two offers for permanent jobs with more pay, bennies, etc. She's going to accept one of them.

Question is, what is the proper way to to exit the temp job? Is the standard two week notice appropriate for temp job?

I wouldn't expect 2 weeks. I would say 1 would be ok.

From my perspective, open ended contract positions (i.e. temp jobs) are the first to be cut (with no advance notice) when the employer chooses, and it's a two way street. I personally would not feel "obligated" to give them a two week notice, but I wouldn't want to leave them in a "bind" either, if a week's notice would help them out (and they had treated me fairly).

Letter of resignation would be proper in all cases (especially for a white collar position).

How long has she been at the current temp job? If it has been only a short amount of time, I wouldn't be too concerned with 2 weeks notice (as long as she doesnt plan on using them as a reference). IMO, if the position she is leaving is not full time permanent, then she shouldn't be too concerned with the current employer having to make alternative arrangements.

IMO, the world is smaller than we think. I'd offer the 2 weeks, simply for the sake of a professional reputation. Maybe they'll respond that a week is fine. Also, tell her to do something dumb like buy a box of donuts for everyone on her last day. Sugar makes people think good things about you.

Congrats on her new offers by the way- getting a better job is a fantastic time in life. A happy wife means a happy you. Enjoy! SmileWavy

She currently has a temp gig so I think 1 week is fair.

Here's the flip side.

Whenever I interviewed someone that was currently employed I would ask them how much notice they needed to give.

If they did not say at least two weeks I would question their dependability and professionalism.

For me it's a big red flag.

I agree with rammstein, 2 weeks and bring some donuts on the last day.

I concur 100%.

She might have to deal with those people at a PE meeting or something in the future. They may be inclined to come back with a counter-offer (long shot, I know) if she resigns in a professional manner, but decide to pass if they feel she was not professional. Years down the road, she may want a position at that company, and it would be good if she left leaving a better-than-average impression.

I would have her use her best judgment on notice.

If her current customer is fine with her leaving two weeks (or earlier) then she should have no problem working that out.

If she feels the task at hand may take more than 2 weeks to wrap-up or hand off she should be able to work out with both parties and leave knowing she did the right thing.

In the past I've had consultants leave with two months (or more) notice. I really needed them to complete a project and we worked it out all the way around.

Bottom line is to be up front and professional. There's nothing like either side feeling stranded.

Best of luck to her.

Question:

With the temporary job, what would their notice to your wife be? My experience is that one works at best week-to-week. So.....Why give them two weeks if they could give you less than one week?

She should leave at lunch time and tell them she won't be back. Tell her to go to a day spa and you'll be taking her to dinner.

Congrads!:D

You are correct for most situations Bob. However, given the importance of professionalism in jhelgesen's wife's field, it is also good to be perceived as the "better person".

Thanks guys. We have in fact run into other engineers we've worked with before in the area.

I think we'll go with 2 weeks and a box of donuts. Let them decide if they want a day, a week, or two weeks.

There is an attached garage and a boxster in our future. :D

Two weeks! just because your wife wouldn't necessarily get 2 weeks notice to end the job really doesn't justify her leaving without 2 weeks notice. Her reputation is important and the world is a small place and burning bridges is never a good idea. Just my .02 worth...

This is the best news of all! Congratulations to your wife.

John,
Please send our "congratulations" to your wife. Good luck!!

Burn no bridges. Always leave as friendly as possible. I'd even ask her supervisor before sending the notice to see how long he/she needs her there for a smooth transition. It's a small world. There is no guarantee that you don't find yourself working with the same people, including the old boss being your new boss. I have seen it all! ;)

George

Lots of good advice here. Very well handled and congratulations a hundred times!

I knew a woman who basically disappeared from work. A few days after she left her job, the employer received a FedEx letter (from her on the other side of the country) saying she resigns.

SmileWavy

While I agree with this sentiment, what if they say "six months" (the length of the project)? I'd hate for his wife to be in a position where she has to sacrifice long-term employment to leave her current employer 100% happy. I think resorting to the "two weeks" convention is appropriate here.