When to give two weeks notice?

[FrontierMan]

I'm going into my second reporting job and still waiting on a contract agreement. What's the best way to resign and transition into the new gig to make sure I actually have the job when I move?

Is signing a contract and sending it back good enough?

Please give advice on the best way to handle this...

[The Mockingbird]

You want their signature on the contract before you give notice. They should be able to easily fax you a copy or .pdf it and e-mail it to you. Just make sure they know you can't give notice until you have it.

The reason you do this is to protect yourself from the guy who hired you being fired, or dying, etc. It's pretty rare, but it does happen.

Congratulations on your new job, by the way. Enjoy your short-timer and following new guy honeymoon.

[Jane Craig]

I agree with Mockingbird. Do NOT give notice until both parties have signed the contract. Stuff can happen (almost happened to me once but I waited to give notice and when the GM was fired the day I was supposed to get the offier in writing, I simply ripped up my letter of resignation, no harm done). A day or two won't matter -- but be honest with the new employer that you won't be giving notice until the contract is fully executed, for everyone's protection.

[Spike]

When to give two weeks notice?


Two weeks. Next question: How long is a three day suspension?

[Newzie52]

Keep your mouth shut until you have the signed copy in your hand. I had a job offer years ago from a major market. The ND was to send the contract, and when it didn't come, I checked with the station to discover he was fired the day after he made me the offer. Thank God I hadn't said anything or given notice. Signed, sealed and delivered...nothing less.

[adam & doctor drew]

never understood why a company would want 2 weeks notice.
all you wind up with is an employee who doesn't give a s--- for 2 weeks.

[McCovey Cove Returns]

I'm going into my second reporting job and still waiting on a contract agreement. What's the best way to resign and transition into the new gig to make sure I actually have the job when I move?

Is signing a contract and sending it back good enough?

Please give advice on the best way to handle this...
You don't give your two weeks until you officially get a deal done with the other station. But, I'm assuming you've let your managers know your looking to move on. Dropping a bombshell on them is not always the most pleasant encounter you can have. Some managers may feel betrayed that you didn't clue them in on your desire to move on. Others will understand and give you a pat on the back and tell you they'll do anything to help you move on and improve. It's a strange business.

When you speak of giving two weeks notice, I'm assuming that you don't have a contractual obligation, or if you do, the exit terms are spelled out clearly and you have read them. The other station should be asking you about a starting date, moving, etc. When you figure that out, then give your notice. If something comes up, say your employer asks you to stay another week to get through a stretch, you can go back to your new station and tell them. They should be flexible and able to adjust your starting date. You don't have to help your current station, but it's a nice gesture and keeps the bridge intact.

Simply: get that contract signed. Make sure the new employer has it. Agree upon a starting date and all the other stuff. Then tell old employer.

[Produce man]

Two weeks. Next question: How long is a three day suspension?3 days. Next question: If it's Monday, how many days until it's Monday again?

[lilymadison07]

I agree...Get their signatures on the contract before you do anything. Make sure it has corporates signatures too. Without a signature, they can back out and you could get screwed.

[NewsguyMark]

Make sure you have the new job before you give ANY notice.

Then give two weeks.

1) It's professional.

2) You may end up working for the same person somewhere down the line. You don't want him pissed at you for running out the door.

[Kelvin Hemholtz]

never understood why a company would want 2 weeks notice.
all you wind up with is an employee who doesn't give a s--- for 2 weeks.

Heck. I've had deals calling for 60 DAYS notice. Seems dumb to me. As an agent once told me: when two people don't want to work together anymore, there's always a way to resolve it.

It may not be pretty... but it can be resolved. Two weeks is nothing. Get your new deal signed, and walk in a SHORT resignation letter:

Seriously something like:

"This letter is to inform you of my resignation effective date x,y,z, 2008. Thank you for the opportunity to work at W#@$."

Also - read your contract closely for any other small print. Mine says I have to send any resignation notice via Certified Mail to the corporate office, etc.

Pretty dumb but just another hoop to jump through.

Good luck!

[Who Cares???]

Judging by the feelings of most of the people I know that are still in the bizz... you should give two weeks notice about 10 minutes before you walk out the door. Maybe only long enough to clean out your desk... if you have one.

[user name]

i just leave an inews message when i come in overnight to clean out my cubicle.

positives - i get to keep that stapler.

negatives - no quitters cake.

[jrat33]

3 days. Next question: If it's Monday, how many days until it's Monday again?

That depends. Is it a leap year or not?