Insights into the forces shaping our industry.

Q: Hi Prudence, I’m in the middle of writing a letter of resignation to my current boss and just wondered if there is a real rule in business that calls for two weeks’ notice? I really want to leave this job today.

A: That is really a judgment call and what you should be considering is how leaving this job will affect you moving forward in your career. There is an unwritten rule that a two week notice is customary and expected but does everyone follow that rule? Not in my experience. I’d tell you that you should offer your notice but let your current employer know that there is a project that they would like you involved with as soon as possible and you would like to start sooner. Judge their reaction and respond accordingly. The last thing you want to do is leave your current employer in a lurch, they will remember that when contacted in the future to check references if you are to move jobs again. Best of luck, let me know how it turns out.