Getting a new job, resigning from old job, no contract for new job yet... (Orient: employment, salary) - Long Island - New York (NY) - City-Data Forum

SophieDaphne · 12-14-2011, 12:13 PM

Hey everyone,
I currently work for an agency here on Long Island. I've been offered a new job at another agency. I am putting my resignation letter in today (giving one month's notice). I received a letter from the new agency welcoming me to the team, but I have not signed any contract nor have I received documentation indicating what my position is or any of the details of the position. I asked my new supervisor if I could get something saying that I have been/will be hired, but she said that she could not provide such a letter. However, she has signed me up for orientation and I've gotten a physical and associated documentation that I need to start the position.

Should I worry that they could turn around and say that they're no longer offering me the position? I mean, it seems unlikely, but I don't know why a company wouldn't allow me to sign a contract before starting or going to an orientation. Is this a common practice?

Also, if you're required to give a month's notice, do they mean a month or is four weeks acceptable? If I resign today, do I have to work until Jan. 14, or would Jan. 11 be ok because that's four Wednesdays from today? I've read varying information online, and just thought maybe someone had some insight.

Thanks!

Gpsma · 12-14-2011, 12:38 PM

There is no legal requirement to give notice. You can just tell them to take the job and shove it and walk out the door. Of course, you don't want to burn your bridges so that is unwise to do.

twingles · 12-14-2011, 12:40 PM

Contracts are not normal practice in NY, unless you're a teacher or something like that. They can pull your offer at any time, but it's not likely they will. NY is an employment at will state. Either side can take or leave a job at any time.

IMHO giving 4 weeks notice is not a good idea. There's no reason for it, and once you give your notice your employer can ask you to leave the premises immediately (see "employment at will" above). And even if you do stay, both sides will tire of each other - the things you don't like will start to glare and you'll be tempted to slack off. Your employer knows this and will pile on the work to keep you busy. I've never known anyone who gave more than 2 weeks notice who ended up happy they did.

SophieDaphne · 12-14-2011, 12:45 PM

I am required to give four weeks, as per my contract, or I will lose my untaken vacation days (I have more than 3 weeks for the year.)

twingles · 12-14-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SophieDaphne

I am required to give four weeks, as per my contract, or I will lose my untaken vacation days (I have more than 3 weeks for the year.)

Oh, that stinks. If it's 4 weeks than go by that, not "1 month".

Good luck with the new position.

SophieDaphne · 12-14-2011, 12:52 PM

Ahh, I mean, I am required to give a month.

Thanks for the good luck

S.I.B. · 12-14-2011, 12:53 PM

what type of job is this that you're signing contracts?

SophieDaphne · 12-14-2011, 12:56 PM

A non-profit agency

kayo_michael · 12-14-2011, 01:00 PM

I understand the eagerness to move into your new career, but I wouldn't rush this. You might end up unintentionally burning some bridges...

Jan 11th is a Wed, and 14th is a Sat. I don't know your work schedule, but most companies start on a Monday. (What company starts on a saturday!?)

At my company, I got paid the first day I was here, which was Orientation, registering, 401k, health, network access, etc.. When is this? I would put this as your start date. If this is within the 1 month window there could be some problems if the company is reluctant to let you go...

There has got to be something they can give you in writing that states you secured this new job. Didn't you exchange some correspondance in negotiating your orientation date, salary, or benefits? A Letter of Employment is pretty standard practice. This should state your start date and your salary.

Something smells fishy if the company can still backout on the job offer after orientation... I'm sure you feel the same way since you're asking about this on a public forum. I'd tell them you can't resign from the current position until you have a firm commitment from your new employer.

SophieDaphne · 12-14-2011, 01:09 PM

My company's work week starts on a Saturday, lol. I also happen to work on a Saturday. Jan. 17 will be when I go through all of the stuff that you have mentioned. This will be the day that they told me I'll be signing the contract and getting my benefits information. I just wanted something UNTIL that point... I have a paper saying that I am welcomed to the team, and I have forms saying that I am registered for orientation on the 17th.