Considering a Career Shift from Site Reliability Engineer to Lecturer: Is Skipping the Notice Period Justified?

I have been working in Company A as a contractor from Company B. I have been working in Company A ever since I joined Company B. Now, it has been close to 2 years since I started the work. There has been a lot of frustration with the manager in Company A where I am posted.

After much thinking and reflecting upon the situation, I realized that a job that requires living on the edge and firefighting all the time is not suitable for me. Therefore, I have decided to change my career from a Site Reliability Engineer for a large and famous site to a lecturer in a college. Since I am pursuing a lecturer position, my experience certificate is irrelevant. I am hopeful that, regardless of my previous experience, I can secure a lecturer job in a college.

Therefore, I do not require anything from my current employer, Company A, or my parent company, Company B. As I do not seek anything from them, I question the necessity to serve the notice period. Company B requires a three-month notice period, and I have already served one month.

Seeking Advice on Absconding with Company Equipment

I want information on how to abscond in my situation. I have a Company A laptop and an RSA Secure ID. If I don't return them, it could lead to a legal problem. However, if I return them, it might raise an alarm. Kindly suggest what I should do.

Regards.

Clarification on Experience Certificates and Career Documentation

You are wrong on THREE counts.

1. Assuming that you don't need the Experience Certificate from Company A or B is, to say the least, very shortsighted. What if you WANT/NEED TO SHIFT BACK TO INDUSTRY? Please don't tell me "I won't"—since, using the line in an old song—"The future's ours not to see."

2. The period you worked here is 2 years—which, by any count, is not small. By not having the proof of employment for this duration, you are, I think unnecessarily, laying the foundation for faking/falsifying the gap in your overall career track record for a later date. Even if you wish to say later (let's say 3-5 years down the road when you change the job then) that you were jobless, you would be giving scope to lighten your competence during the interviews.

3. In general, NEVER ignore/neglect/forget the Documentation part in your career—now or later. You wouldn't be able to get them when you may realize later that you need them.

Another aspect—though can't be branded as right/wrong—is this: please DON'T mix up professional & personal preferences—NOW OR LATER. Here you seem to be mixing your emotional aspects with the needs of a career. Hope you get the point.

All the Best.

Regards,
TS

I totally agree with TS. You never know what you need until you experience its value. In your case, it is crucial to show your future prospective employer what you accomplished during those two years. While stating that you were preparing for a competitive exam or helping your father in the business may sometimes serve as an excuse, it may not always be the case. Please act professionally and fulfill your notice period.