Leaving a permanent job, safely

[Abster]

I have always been contracting, but caught in a permanent job for the last one year.

Although they did not give any good assignment, it appears the company would view seriously if I make the attempt to leave. Two more guys at my level, left with lot of issues with some within the company trying to tarnish the image of the candidates. While the HR is struggling to find suitable candidates, the situation is that, within the company, once a candidate joins, there is lot of politics on who can work on projects. Many are leaving within two or three years of joining. There are so many unfits put on projects with little value addition to the projects, but there is lot of resistance for letting anyone inside the project from outside of "their circle". Those in the "circle" are with the company for over 10 years, so they have strong influence with the senior management.

I would like to leave the company safely, without allowing them to damage my reputation.

The job has 2 months notice period. I don't mind being there for the next two months, to allow me to get ready for contracting (setting up limited company etc.,). Any suggestions?

[Brian Potter]

I don't mind being there for the next two months

So what's the problem?

[Abster]

So what's the problem?

The problem is - during the notice period, they assign absolutely no work.

HR is concerned about attrition. They want to know why the candidate is leaving. To avoid damage control (key people leaving), the relevant managers give a false feedback that the "candidate's performance was not good", without even giving the correct opportunity to contribute. Also, they could refuse giving any reference letter.

Earlier, when one candidate was leaving, the manager sent a company wide email stating that ".... will be leaving the company", giving the impression that the candidate was asked to leave.

[Brian Potter]

The problem is - during the notice period, they assign absolutely no work.

HR is concerned about attrition. They want to know why the candidate is leaving. To avoid damage control (key people leaving), the relevant managers give a false feedback that the "candidate's performance was not good", without even giving the correct opportunity to contribute. Also, they could refuse giving any reference letter.

Earlier, when one candidate was leaving, the manager sent a company wide email stating that ".... will be leaving the company", giving the impression that the candidate was asked to leave.

I still don't get what the problem is? From what I can see:

1) For 2 months you get paid to do nothing
2) Your reason for leaving is to go 'Contracting'
3) Who gives a shat what your permie friends think? Even so, they'll know why you're leaving because I suspect you'll tell them.
4) Reference letters are usually "Mr Permie worked here from XX/XX to XX/XX. Yours Sincerely, HR Dept"...the end.

Why are relevant managers and HR referring to employees as 'candidates'?? Very odd that one.

[SussexSeagull]

I still don't get what the problem is? From what I can see:

1) For 2 months you get paid to do nothing
2) Your reason for leaving is to go 'Contracting'
3) Who gives a shat what your permie friends think? Even so, they'll know why you're leaving because I suspect you'll tell them.
4) Reference letters are usually "Mr Permie worked here from XX/XX to XX/XX. Yours Sincerely, HR Dept"...the end.

Why are relevant managers and HR referring to employees as 'candidates'?? Very odd that one.

Sounds like a consultancy.

None the less, if you want to leave resign in line with your contract.

[Old Greg]

If you don't intend to stay forever, then at some point they are going to be mean when you leave. Best get it over with sooner.

[tomtomagain]

I have always been contracting, but caught in a permanent job for the last one year.


I would like to leave the company safely, without allowing them to damage my reputation.

You almost certainly don't have a reputation worth damaging. Seriously. What are they going to do? Bad mouth you to your next employer?

[Brian Potter]

Sounds like a consultancy.

Sounds like a permanent job interview, as in a job interview which goes on forever

[SueEllen]

If they treat everyone like that then your reputation isn't damaged. In fact by leaving asap you have enhanced your reputation as some of the other candidates who left before will know that you are better at what you do.

[BlasterBates]

Ignore it, hand in your notice and "be professional", if you have a new job or contract your reputation will be in tact.