Permanent notice period

[kempc23]

About 6 months ago I was considering going contracting, and sought advice on this very forum. I resigned from my job, however during my notice period I was offered a permanent job with a huge increase in salary, so I thought I would give it one last chance.

I worked for a big 4 firm in SAP, and wanted more control around my career- both in terms of what projects I would be doing, and where I would be based. Those were the reasons I was considering contracting. I naively hoped it would be different in the new place, but it is just the same. I have been placed on a project abroad.

So, I have resigned today after only 2 weeks in the role. Sudden perhaps, but I knew before what I wanted to do, I just stupidly accepted this permanent job, probably because I was scared of jacking it all in to go contracting.

I was hoping I would be able to leave immediately, but I have been asked to finish the current role I am doing. It is a three month piece of work, working abroad, which I hate, and which is making me really miserable.

I wanted to ask peoples advice. What would the consequences be if I just said that I wanted to leave immediately and not work my notice period? I understand this may burn some bridges, but like I said, this job is making me really unhappy and I need to get out. And I really want to start contracting and really getting my career where I want it to be. I also am owed about £1200 in expenses, plus two weeks salary.

Many thanks in advance

[northernladuk]

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation but I have to wonder if you are cut out for it. The whole idea of contracting is you are going to be somewhere new for various timescales and there is no option for ducking out because you don't like it. Yes you can give your notice and walk away from the contract but it is very bad form and can only afford to do it a few times before your reputation will catch up with you.

The contracts can be all over the place and it isn't uncommon to be brought in just to be the scapegoat or take all the crap the permies don't want to take.

If you are packing a permie job in with less than two weeks the alarm bells should start to ring. The fact that you are also incapable of finishing your notice period makes them ring even louder.

Oh and btw my opinion on your situation is work your notice. You have dicked the cilent about something shocking taking the job and quitting in 2 weeks so do the decent thing and see the role through. At very worst put it to your employer you want to go, they might just be glad to see the back of you and let you go there and then.

[FiveTimes]

there are usually clauses in the contract for early termination. Mine was a 1 week either side that could be exercised in the first 3 months.
Have a look at your contract and see what it say regarding probation period.

[DaveB]

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation but I have to wonder if you are cut out for it. The whole idea of contracting is you are going to be somewhere new for various timescales and there is no option for ducking out because you don't like it. Yes you can give your notice and walk away from the contract but it is very bad form and can only afford to do it a few times before your reputation will catch up with you.

The contracts can be all over the place and it isn't uncommon to be brought in just to be the scapegoat or take all the crap the permies don't want to take.

If you are packing a permie job in with less than two weeks the alarm bells should start to ring. The fact that you are also incapable of finishing your notice period makes them ring even louder.

Oh and btw my opinion on your situation is work your notice. You have dicked the cilent about something shocking taking the job and quitting in 2 weeks so do the decent thing and see the role through. At very worst put it to your employer you want to go, they might just be glad to see the back of you and let you go there and then.

Check your contract, normally permies have a probation period whereby both sides can walk away without notice.

[kempc23]

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation but I have to wonder if you are cut out for it. The whole idea of contracting is you are going to be somewhere new for various timescales and there is no option for ducking out because you don't like it. Yes you can give your notice and walk away from the contract but it is very bad form and can only afford to do it a few times before your reputation will catch up with you.

The contracts can be all over the place and it isn't uncommon to be brought in just to be the scapegoat or take all the crap the permies don't want to take.

If you are packing a permie job in with less than two weeks the alarm bells should start to ring. The fact that you are also incapable of finishing your notice period makes them ring even louder.

Oh and btw my opinion on your situation is work your notice. You have dicked the cilent about something shocking taking the job and quitting in 2 weeks so do the decent thing and see the role through. At very worst put it to your employer you want to go, they might just be glad to see the back of you and let you go there and then.

Well I was specifically not told about having to work abroad. UK flexibility was mentioned, of course, as that is the nature of the type of work.

Like I mentioned, I wanted to go contracting so that I would have greater control over where I worked. I would only work in London-based roles, or at least london-commutable roles. That would not be a problem due to the nature of the work I do.

As I also mentioned, I made a mistake. I assumed I would be able to put up with having to travel, due to the higher salary. I was wrong, and I am just trying to fix that.

It doesnt really tell you anything about whether I am cut out for contracting. I have been working in this way for 6 years. I can put up with any type of cr@p on a project, as long as I get to come home to my girlfriend every night

I am trying to find a copy of my employment to see if there is a "cooldown" period or something similar.

[kempc23]

I guess what I am also asking, is what can they actually do if I leave without working my notice? Obviously they cant physically make me work my notice period.

I dont want to upset anyone, but in this situation I need to put my personal life first.

I am happy to just write off the expenses and the salary owed, just to get out of here and do what I should have done in the first place.

[jmo21]

Are you actually on site abroad? What is your notice period?

Either way, just tell your employer your family situation currently dictates you cannot go abroad - you don't need to tell them what that is - and do NOT go back to the site.

This is slightly more professional way of doing things, but it's only 2 weeks, so I wouldn't worry about a reference.

They let you go as you are no use to them, and you'll get your salary and expenses paid.

[kempc23]

Im not actually on site at the moment, I was last week, and I was due to go there again tomorrow.

I have just had a long voicemail from someone reminding me of my obligations, and telling me that I need to fly to the site tomorrow. They have said that I am obliged to work three months notice, and dont want to risk damaging the firms reputation.

I guess my notice period is three months (havent checked contract).

I have made my decision what I want to do, they know I want to leave ASAP. I made a big mistake accepting this permanent role, instead of going contracting. That was what I really wanted to do, but I was scared due to the risk. However, this way, as I no longer have a job, it will be a big motivator for me to get out there and find work.

[jmo21]

Im not actually on site at the moment, I was last week, and I was due to go there again tomorrow.

I have just had a long voicemail from someone reminding me of my obligations, and telling me that I need to fly to the site tomorrow. They have said that I am obliged to work three months notice, and dont want to risk damaging the firms reputation.

I guess my notice period is three months (havent checked contract).

I have made my decision what I want to do, they know I want to leave ASAP. I made a big mistake accepting this permanent role, instead of going contracting. That was what I really wanted to do, but I was scared due to the risk. However, this way, as I no longer have a job, it will be a big motivator for me to get out there and find work.

Check your contract FFS for a start - first for cooling off period, second for notice period.

I'm actually surprised they haven't just put you on gardening leave, sending someone who is disgruntled could do them a lot more damage that having to put something off a couple of weeks.

It's not professional to be honest, but you are not obliged to fly anywhere, not doing so would obviously harm your career with them, but you're not staying with them, and you won't need a reference anyway.

[blacjac]

I guess what I am also asking, is what can they actually do if I leave without working my notice?

Sue you for the cost of a replacement and any other costs incurred by you not working your notice.

Whether or not they would is a different matter, but they could.