Job Offer...

[BK2008]

I was just offered a position for a new job, making the same $, and closer to home. The only thing is..I have to start Monday.

Which means I can't give but one day notice to my current employer (who may or may not be around by next payroll!...this is my pending job loss I've been grappling with for months.)

How do I break it to them??? I haven't quit a job, especially on this short notice. And there will be nobody to train. They're going to be upset.

I'm nervous about all of this. Any suggestions??

Thanks!

[sahaley]

I think you need to tell the new job that you need to provide your current job with proper notice. You do not feel comfortable leaving on bad terms and need to allow them this courtesy as you have other employers (including the new one).

[lillaimof2kids]

If your future employer doesn't understand you wanting to leave on good terms and give your current employer proper notice, then I would question what kind of employer you'll be working for. If the future employer respects their employees, they'll value the fact you're considerate enough to try to fill your position instead of just walking away.

[AngelinaCat]

BK2008: I agree with the above. Please explain to the new employer your situation--that you must give a decent time of notice. At the same time explain to the current employer that you have been given an offer that you cannot refuse because it is closer to home--and therefore less driving, gas, all that. Both should be able to understand, and I hope and PRAY it goes well. They both could be a-holes and you are out. I hope not. Please do this tomorrow and let us know how it goes.....

[BK2008]

Thanks all. I am personally uncomfortable with walking out like that. I was thinking if I could delay the start by a week, and I can cover the old job at home nights via remote
(I'm an accountant, I can work web-based) until they decide what they are going to do with the business (shut down, get capital funding, etc.).Otherwide, I might just have to pass on the new job.

[AngelinaCat]

I certainly hope and pray that you can do the web-based thing. I would hate to see you turn down the new job. (Especially since it seems like your original company does not seem to know what they are going to do with themselves.)

[AngelinaCatHub]

Thanks all. I am personally uncomfortable with walking out like that. I was thinking if I could delay the start by a week, and I can cover the old job at home nights via remote
(I'm an accountant, I can work web-based) until they decide what they are going to do with the business (shut down, get capital funding, etc.).Otherwide, I might just have to pass on the new job.

[BK2008]

AngelinaCatHub:

It is also not fair that there is not enough money in the account to make payroll, yet I am supposed to do something about it....like?? I can't get a loan for the business. Things are so dire and nobody's talking. It's also not fair that I delayed getting paid so other employees can, reducing that cash shortfall. It is also not right that we the employees are having deductions for medical, dental, etc out of each check, but those bills for benefitsaren't being paid, I don't dare go to the doctor on it otherwise the bill could kick back to me personally. I JUST KNOW TOO MUCH

In one way, I feel bad for short notice, on the other hand, this has been going on for months. I'm stressed because of the BK, losing my house, and 5 days a week I go in to dealing with that stress. Vendors aren't getting paid, collection agencies are calling, projects aren't being completed because of outstanding bills, the phones are scheduled to be shut off monday. The owners know this, and yet all I am told to do is 'pray'.

How long do I stay 'loyal' before I start looking out for myself??

[sahaley]

Sounds like you feel bad but cheated at the same time.... you certainly need to look out for yourself (first!). Talk to the new job first - how insistent are they about you starting Monday??? Seems a little suspect to me that they would want you to just "dump" your old job..... maybe you implied that you need to get out of there and they thought Monday would be ok with you. Might just need a simple conversation.

[PoorGrammyinBK7]

I think a week's notice is fine under the circumstances.

You know, sometimes the boss you are leaving decides to just end it right then - that happened to me once many years ago. I went in, politely gave my 2 week notice and was told that would not be necessary, they would go ahead and "terminate" me right then. Was I ever bummed!! Here I was - trying to do the right thing. They did not want to pay 2 people for the same job. So I would say try to speak to the new employer and ask for the opportunity to give some notice if you can, but you really need to do what is best for you.

[AngelinaCat]

AngelinaCatHub:

It is also not fair that there is not enough money in the account to make payroll, yet I am supposed to do something about it....like?? I can't get a loan for the business. Things are so dire and nobody's talking. It's also not fair that I delayed getting paid so other employees can, reducing that cash shortfall.

In one way, I feel bad for short notice, on the other hand, this has been going on for months. I'm stressed because of the BK, losing my house, and 5 days a week I go in to dealing with that stress. Vendors aren't getting paid, collection agencies are calling.

How long do I stay 'loyal' before I start looking out for myself??

BK2008, we did not know all these details. 'Hub and I are both here. If the situation is correct with your employer not having the funds to pay employees then it gets very interesting. Labor Legislation and all those laws….

In our opinion (Cat and ’Hub) we advise that you accept this new position NOW, and under normal circumstances, would ask for a two week notice out of respect. But at the same time notify the current employer that because of their previous business dealings that you can document that you are leaving their employ effective immediately.

[BK2008]

Trust me, it's correct. I know that I will not have enough funds to cover payroll taxes, but I processed them anyway because I could have a liability for not doing so.

Sometimes, there comes a time when you give up the fight (just like all of us facing BK's, foreclosures, etc) and I think that this is not going to turn around. Undercapitalized, no sales to speak of, and my bosses aren't trust fund babies. Please don't get me wrong, they're great people and have been good to me, but their failure to recognize their business model just ain't working os what got the company where it is at now.

[danaf]

No Way!

Generally I would agree with the other posters about notice however given the circumstances you've described - I'd go ahead and start on Monday and tell your current employer you will make yourself available after hours for training (as long as they pay you).

So they get upset. Their situation is not your fault and to be honest, they are idiots if they do get upset. I mean, how could they not understand that you have to take care of yourself. You've done your job....you owe them nothing.

...and in this economy, I would not pass up a better opportunity.

good luck and congrats on the new job!

[JRScott]

Have you considered going and talking to the current bosses. Perhaps they are being tightlipped because they plan to shut down and don't know how to break it. Explain the situation and see if they'll let you do the remote thing. I'd also talk to the prospective employer and ask them to see if you could start a week later that you can give some notice to the current employer. I know its an awkward situation. Wish you the best.

[BK2008]

I have toss and turned all night over this, and I awaiting a response from the new employer about letting me start the middle of the week or next week. I cannot bring myself to walk out the door like this, no matter how bad the situation is. My conscious would be clear if I had a least a few days to get them situated. My boss isn't even in today to discuss.