As I am currently typing my letter of resignation, to be submitted after lunch, I thought it may be an interesting topic, and I have a specific question.

I dont know if the practice is an international standard, but typically in the U.S. you are told to give two weeks notice of leaving a position. Do you feel this is a minimum or the standard?

I have nothing but good things to say about the last 3 years spent with my current employer. It is just me and the principal, one on one, so I feel as though I am abandoning him. I am not a project architect or anything, mostly CAD and some 3d, but am his only employee. Everyone I talk to say that there is nothing wrong with two weeks notice. But I still feel guilty, even as I write this letter, I have added a third week. Do you think that extra week is really a significant gesture, or should I stay with the typical 2 weeks? My new employer is really pushing for two weeks...

It is a minimum in my understanding. Especially in our field of architecture, transitioning someone into a new role on a project is difficult. However, this can also depend on your involvement at your prior firm (draftsman, intern, associate, principal, etc), 2 weeks may be fine. We recently had an associate principal leave to go across the states and he gave 5 weeks due to his involvements in various projects (some were being worked on solely by him). Others in the office I could see with simply 2 weeks and gone.

I would say that 3 weeks over 2 is only significant depending on your involvement.

I suggest you talk one on one, maybe you do not need the letter but you should have some nice way to say why you leave. Better money, better conditions, just to change and look for new opportunities?

Totally agree with franjayo it sdounds like a letter is not the way to go.

Be honest and don't worry your boss will understand and be very nice.

In the UK the usual/legal notice period is 1 month. I for some reason have 2 months written into my contract. :eek:

Yes, talking openly is the way to go (even if the letter might be necessary anyway for legal purposes). If you are considering the possibility of staying for an extra week, just tell him you're prepared to do so if he finds it is necessary, that should be a good enough gesture.

The letter was just a formality, to include in my employee file, I will be resigning one on one in person.

Thanks for your help everyone- I'm going with a little over two weeks, I'm sure he will completely understand, giant payraise (almost 40%), better benefits, vacation etc.- more exciting projects, working within a team, which is the number one reason, since currently most days I am the only one in the office, I think I will learn more in the team environment, but I also think teamwork will keep me more motivated and productive, and allow me network, and develop more contacts within the industry, right now my biggest contact, is the postal carrier and fed ex guy.

It is standard for non-senior / non-management to give 2 weeks notice. Of course if your employer is in a pinch, it would be nice to help as much as you can.

I think it also depends on how long you've been there, but 1 month is decent

Tell your employer that you are flexible within a certain range. The new employer is always going to push for just 2 weeks, but this is a business world and they will understand if its is longer. I'm sure they would appreciate the same courtesy if and when you leave them.

Also, there is a lot to be said about someone who takes some time for themselves between jobs.

I was in your situation about 3 years ago. Jumping ship was one of the best things I ever did. And a year later I returned and doubled my salary and finished becoming licensed. Now I'm running jobs on my own with the guidance when needed. You could end up doing the same.

Good luck.

Oh yeah, and do put something in writing. Its best for all parties.

Well, thanks everyone for their advice-

Of course he was completely understanding. I asked for two weeks, and said if he needs more I will stay longer, - I'm pretty sure he'll just go with the two weeks.

Jake, you nailed it on the head, my new job will have much less support and much more reponsibility. I am expecting it to be very challenging, but I think it is the right time to take a giant step forward in my career. I will maintain a relationship with my current employer after I move on. I expect to work with him again in some capacity in the future.

Good luck in your new job- its always a big risk, but nothings gained without having a try at something new. :)

I suppose if you are 'parting as friends' two weeks three weeks doesn't make a difference , if he needs you to finish things you can be accommodating and vice versa . But if the case is otherwise I believe it would be worded out in your contract . Here the notice period can be from a month to even two months .

All the best .

Here, 1 month earlier is needed!

But try your ways to leave there harmoniously... though not work together any more! Always being friend with your arounded people.

arv is right - be flexible - if you want to maintain a relationship, then focus on that more so than the formaility of the situation. Act in a matur and honest way. Chances are that you will be respected for that, and the relationship will flourish. A good employer knows that staff won't stay forever - they need to grow and develop as well!

Oh, and good luck!

3 months warning is common here in Norway...

Personally, I'd say you should have spoken to your boss before you started looking around. If you mentioned what was bothering you - or that you were considering other options maybe he/she would have done something to try and keep you on. If you then decided to move on anyway atleast you were being open about it and gave everyone a chance.

As that isn't an option, I'd for sure have a conversation first, followed up by a letter.

3 months warning is common here in Norway...

As in Belgium. To me, two weeks seems like a very short period from the employer's point of view. Imagine having a four person office and two decide to leave in the middle of some important project...
On the other hand it's great for the employee of course. If you want another job or you were offered one, you can get right to it without having to count the days for another three months.

Anyway, good luck with the big step! :cheers:

Hi Mperna

Firstly good luck with your new job.

I echo tdmc’s and Jimmern’s comments, talk first, it always makes the situation a lot easier to manage. And even if you don’t get along, never burn your bridges.

The standard notice in my country is three weeks.

I have just resigned from my job (of 5 years) to start a solo practice. I spoke to my bosses a year ago and told them what I wanted to do and what my plan was to get there. Then six months ago I spoke to them again and confirmed that I was still planning to leave, they were happy to give me a few jobs that gave me new skills and stretched my knowledge.
At three months I gave them a final date. I did this to foster good will and to allow them to plan ahead for my eventual replacement.

Cheers Chris

I did not have the luxury of planning my exit so far in advance. An opportunity came along that was just too good to resist.

Chris, congrats and best wishes for your practice.

I do find it interesting, although not suprising, that outside of the U.S. much more notice is typically given. I guess it works two ways, in the U.S. vacation/holidays/personal time is kept to the bare minimum, and the employee returns the favor by barely giving any notice at all when they leave.

Everyone for themselves.