Turned in 2 weeks notice, pressured to stay longer [closed]

manpreet Best Answer 3 years ago

I am a full time employee, and have been working for several months. I recently turned in my resignation with a two week notice.

It was straight-forwardly explained and gracefully accepted.

Later HR informed me I had signed an offer letter agreeing to give 30 days notice and asked me to stay on for the term. I have verified this.

However, this seems wrong to me because:

1. 2 weeks is standard practice, in my past experience.
2. This is not a point that would have been negotiable at offer time. Imagine how that conversation would go?
3. I've seen the company dismiss more than one person "without cause" (that is, no hideous ethical/legal violations) and give them no notice at all.

I am trying to decide for myself where I stand on this ethically. Would appreciate your thoughts here. What would you do?

I would also like to know where I stand legally. Is this enforceable? What sort of action might I expect if I refuse?

Thanks for your consideration.

manpreet 3 years ago

If you feel two weeks is standard, then the 30 day notice clause should have stuck out a little more. You signed it. It's not excessive, unethical or illegal but check with a lawyer if you think you have a case.

A company can dismiss someone without notice, but are you positive those people weren't given some sort of severance pay? It could possibly equal 30 days. Because of sensitive information or the nature of the job, it is common to have people leave the job immediately when they are let go by a company. This avoids a lot of drama.

It doesn't sound like you're going to get a very good reference from this company, but I don't suggest breaking this contract as a good idea. Be honest with your next employer if you promised them to start in two weeks