Your Progress
Week 11: Two Weeks' Notice and Plan For Excellence
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Keeping Connections and Planning for the Future
Video Time: 15 minutes Action Time: Around 5 Minutes
Video Time: 15 minutes
Action Time: Around 5 Minutes
We’ve all heard the term, “two weeks’ notice,” but who really knows what it means and why that time frame is the standard for departures from companies? Here’s a handy little primer.
Two weeks’ notice goes hand in hand with resigning from your position at your current place of employment. It says to them, “Hey, I’m moving on, and this is your warning that
soon I’ll be gone.” But why two weeks? By giving your employer a two weeks’ heads up, you’re giving them enough time to start looking for a replacement for your soon-to-be vacant position.
It also gives you a chance to finish important tasks or projects and say goodbye to your coworkers, thus leaving your workplace in a tactful, professional way.
"I Quit! Why Should I Care Anymore?"
That’s a great question! Maybe you’re never planning to go back to the place you’re currently working for, but that doesn’t mean you should just up and walk out, unless you are in a dangerous situation (such as your safety at your place of work being threatened).
Here are the reasons you should be giving that two weeks' notice:
1
Giving a two weeks’ notice is a professional courtesy.
While it may not be required at every job, it works to your benefit because it shows you are professional.
2
It makes everyone aware of when your last day is going to be.
This allows the company to prepare for your departure and start hiring or training a replacement.
3
It makes everyone aware of when your last day is going to be.
This allows the company to prepare for your departure and start hiring or training a replacement.
4It allows you to finish any projects and tie up any loose ends within your team or organization.
Maybe you are in charge of a specific project or account that could result in a loss of business for your employer if it was suddenly dropped. You want to make sure you’re not going to throw your employer under the bus. You can bet they would have a lot to say about that!
5It helps you maintain connections!
You want to maintain a professional relationship with your co-workers, supervisor, or boss so they can stay part of your professional network!
6You may need them in the future.
Leaving on good terms will allow you to utilize people you work with as a professional reference.
7Many companies require two weeks’ notice in order to receive any vacation pay or other monetary perks/benefits you may have accrued.
That’s right! If you want to get paid for any unpaid vacation you haven’t taken or take advantage of your company vesting in a 401K, two weeks notice may be required!
8You may end up crossing paths with the company again in the future, or even working with them again.
This is not an uncommon scenario. Many people have left a company, only to be re-hired years later in a different department or position. Don’t limit your future opportunities by burning bridges.