How to Handle a Situation Where Your Current Company Notice Period is 90 Days and Another Company is Asking You to Join in 30 Days?

Introduction

Transitioning to a new job can be an exciting opportunity in your career journey. However, it can also come with unique challenges, especially when your current company has a 90-day notice period, and the new employer wants you to start in just 30 days. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various strategies to handle this situation effectively and professionally, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining positive relationships with both your current and potential employers.

1. Understand Your Current Employment Contract

Before taking any steps, review your current employment contract thoroughly. Pay close attention to the clauses related to notice periods, exit policies, and non-compete agreements. Understanding your contractual obligations will provide clarity on the consequences of leaving before the stipulated notice period and if there are any options for negotiation or early release.

2. Communicate Transparently with Your New Employer

Open and honest communication with your potential new employer is crucial. As soon as you receive the job offer with the 30-day start date, inform them about your current company's 90-day notice period. Express your enthusiasm for the new role and your willingness to negotiate the start date if possible. Many companies understand that longer notice periods are common in certain industries and are willing to accommodate such situations.

3. Negotiate with Your Current Company

Reach out to your current employer's HR department or your immediate supervisor to discuss the possibility of reducing your notice period. Explain your reasons for wanting an early release, such as the new job opportunity and your desire for a smooth transition. Assure them of your commitment to finish pending work and train a suitable replacement during the shortened notice period. Demonstrating your proactive approach to a smooth transition might encourage them to consider a shorter notice period.

4. Offer a Win-Win Solution

Presenting a win-win solution can be beneficial in such scenarios. For instance, you can propose working extra hours during your remaining days to complete essential tasks or offer support during the transition period even after joining the new company. Showing your willingness to go the extra mile for your current employer might make them more receptive to the idea of a shorter notice period.

5. Utilize Unused Vacation Days

If you have accrued unused vacation days at your current company, you may request to utilize them during the notice period. This can help reduce the actual time you need to be present at work and bridge the gap between the two notice periods. However, be mindful that some companies might have policies that restrict using vacation days during the notice period.

6. Consider Garden Leave

Garden leave, also known as paid leave, is an option that some companies provide to employees during their notice period. If your current employer offers this benefit, you can discuss the possibility of taking garden leave to fulfill your notice period while having the flexibility to join the new company within 30 days. This option ensures you are still compensated during the notice period while having the freedom to explore the new opportunity sooner.

7. Seek Legal Advice

If your current company refuses to budge on the 90-day notice period, consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and obligations. An employment lawyer can help you navigate the situation and provide guidance on potential legal implications. However, involving legal counsel should be a last resort and used only when necessary.

8. Prioritize Professionalism

Throughout the process, prioritize professionalism and maintain a positive attitude. Be respectful in your communication with both your current and potential employers. Avoid any negative remarks about your current company during interviews or discussions with the new employer. Burning bridges can have long-term consequences on your professional reputation and may affect future career prospects.

9. Consequences of Not Serving the Full Notice Period

While the desire to join a new opportunity sooner might be tempting, failing to serve the full notice period at your current company can have several consequences. It is essential to understand these potential repercussions before making any decisions:

a) Legal Implications:

Breaking your employment contract by not fulfilling the entire notice period could have legal consequences. Depending on the terms of your contract and local labor laws, your current employer may have the right to take legal action against you, potentially leading to financial penalties or legal disputes.

b) Professional Reputation:

Leaving without serving the full notice period may tarnish your professional reputation. Employers often value employees who uphold their commitments and leave on good terms. A premature departure can create a negative impression, making it challenging to secure positive references for future job opportunities.

c) Loss of Benefits and Dues:

Your current employer may withhold certain benefits or dues, such as unused vacation days, performance bonuses, or severance pay, if you fail to complete the notice period as specified in your employment contract.

d) Restricted Future Opportunities:

Some industries and companies maintain close networks where word travels quickly. If you leave your current position without serving the full notice period, it may limit future opportunities within the same network or industry.

e) Impact on New Employer:

Not serving the full notice period might also affect your new employer's perception of your professionalism and commitment. They might question whether you would do the same to them if presented with another job offer in the future.

f) Non-Compete Agreement:

If your current employment contract includes a non-compete clause, leaving before completing the notice period might trigger its activation. This could prevent you from joining a competitor or a company in a related field for a certain period.

g) Negative Bridge Burning:

An abrupt departure can lead to severed relationships with colleagues and managers. Burning bridges with former coworkers may limit your ability to seek advice or collaborate with them in the future.

h) Impact on Team and Projects:

Leaving early may disrupt ongoing projects and the workflow of your team. This can create additional stress for your colleagues and impact the overall productivity of the team.

i) Exit Interviews and Feedback:

During the exit interview, the company may inquire about the reasons for your early departure. Providing an unsatisfactory explanation might further impact the company's impression of you.

Conclusion

Handling a situation where your current company notice period is 90 days and another company is asking you to join in 30 days requires careful consideration and communication. Be transparent with your new employer about your current obligations and willingness to negotiate. Explore options for early release or utilizing unused vacation days while maintaining professionalism with your current company. Prioritize open communication, and if needed, seek legal advice to understand your rights. In the end, handling such situations with grace and professionalism will serve you well as you move forward in your career journey.