Stuck in a Notice Period Dilemma: Can My Employer Force Me to Stay Beyond 3 Months?

Hi,

I had been working at a company for the past 4 years. I submitted my resignation letter, and they asked me to serve a 3-month notice period. I agreed to serve the 3-month notice period and informed my new employer (who also agreed to wait for 3 months). However, my current organization is asking me to complete the project before they release me and are threatening me. I am not in a situation to continue beyond the 3-month notice period.

I need clarification on the following:
1. Am I legally obligated to stay after the 3-month notice period?
2. What other options can I consider?

Kindly advise me as there are still 2 weeks left before the end of the 3-month notice period.

The solution is as follows:

Case 1: Generally, in these cases, the HR Manager of the prospective employer would typically ask for the resignation letter you have submitted, the communication you had with your current employer, and their willingness to relieve you after 3 months. By providing this information, the prospective employer is more likely to accept you into their organization. Open up the communication and see the results.

Case 2: Explain to your current employer that you would be willing to assist in completing the project by working on weekends and then ask for the relieving letter.

Consider the above 2 scenarios and hope for the best.

Hi,

Let me inform you that a three-month notice period is your company's policy. Is this mentioned in your appointment order? Based on this information, we can decide the length of the notice period.

Regards,
Prabakar

Hi,

What Prabakar asks is right. First, check your appointment letter, and if it is mentioned for 3 months, there is no other option. If not, then you can speak to your HR and inform them that you will try to finish your work within three months [TRY TO FINISH].

Alternatively, you can speak to your new company's HR about this problem. I think they will understand it if a logical explanation is given. All the best; just be in coordination with your company, and the new company will find a solution for your problem. Don't worry.

Congratulations on the new job!

Thanks to all,

In my current organization, it is a 3-month notice period or 3-month pay notice period as per policy. Since the project is ongoing, it is important that they are requesting me to serve a minimum of 3 months. I have completed my current ongoing work and have some pending work in progress. However, it seems to be delayed, and it may extend beyond 3 months. The new employer has agreed to wait for me to join after 3 months on a specific date. But my current organization has no idea about relieving me. I hope I will not be in a position to continue serving after 3 months. How should I proceed further...?

Hi Mdu,

I understand your situation. Please remain calm and make a rational decision. Don't let your emotions take over by using words like employers threatening you. There will be someone to understand your concerns. Just go and speak to them, especially in the HR department. Keep progressing and try to obtain your relieving order from the HR department by the end of 2.5 months. Follow up on this. Remember, no one can threaten you. Please don't be afraid as they cannot harm you. Everything is in your hands. Enjoy your days, stay positive, and be rational. If there are any mistakes in this article, please excuse me.

Regards,
Ajithaa

Yes, they had written. But my point is that it's already past 3 months. Then why are they asking for 3 months' salary?