Stuck Between Two Jobs: Will My New Offer Be Withdrawn Due to Notice Period Clash?

I have been given an offer by my new company to join in 8 weeks. However, their offer contains a notice period of 12 weeks. The notice period in my present company changed from 8 to 12 weeks after I got the offer, and they are in no mood to waive any part of it. I have updated the new company about the change in policy and that I can join only 4 weeks later than initially decided. To reassure them, I have shared my resignation letter, which mentions the last working date, which is less than 8 weeks. The new company has told me that they cannot wait more than 8 weeks and said they will get back in a day or two.

Question: Potential Withdrawal of Offer

Do you think the new company might withdraw the offer? Should I withdraw my resignation letter and play it safe? My current employer would like me to stay back.

The decision to withdraw an offer completely lies in how crucial the position is and how the new employer would like it to be closed. If it is just a matter of a day or two, you should wait for the new company's decision and act accordingly. However, what do you mean when you say, "To reassure them, I have shared my resignation letter which mentions the last working date, which is less than 8 weeks"? Why is there a conflict between what is said and what is mentioned about relieving?

Was the new policy introduced after your resignation? If yes, and if you consider the new opportunity better than your current status, you can try to convince the management to stick to the old policy of 8 weeks. I suggest waiting for the new employer to give their decision and then act accordingly.

You should realize that the expression of the new employer (NE) awaiting you for a period longer than expected (8 weeks) and possibly extending another 4 weeks is quite a surprise. This is exactly what's running through the mind of the NE.

Well, in light of your resignation, have you considered the current market situation?

The job market changes quickly these days, and you never know when you may need to request a reference from your current employer. Therefore, you should never use your resignation letter circulated to the NE or anyone else outside your company, as it goes against your integrity before leaving the organization.

Since you've decided to resign from your current position, await the response from the NE (as discussed). Alternatively, try to see if you can manage to explain your current situation (consider offering a month's notice). Do your best to handle your situation in the best possible way to maintain control until you hear back from the NE.

DON'T BE HASTY - Once you receive their decision, respond promptly.

Thank you, Sharmila, for the prompt response. This does help. However, I don't understand the above part. This company also has a 3-month notice period. I had never committed to joining earlier than 8 weeks. I am in week one, being honest. I am sure that after 8 weeks, calling them up and updating that I will join in another 4 weeks would be worse, right? In my domain of work, all companies have now moved to a 3-month notice period.

However, what do you mean when you say, "To reassure them, I have shared my resignation letter which mentions the last working date, which is less than 8 weeks"? Why is there a conflict between what is said and what is mentioned about relieving?

Despite me updating them on an 8-week notice period, the new company made me an offer with a joining date of less than 6 weeks. In my acceptance letter, I did not commit to them on the joining date and mentioned that I would confirm it once I have a talk with my boss.

Hope this helps in analyzing my situation.

Thank you, Sharmila, for the prompt response. This does help. However, I don't understand the above part. This company also has a 3-month notice period. I had never committed to joining earlier than 8 weeks. I am into week one, and I am being honest. I am sure after 8 weeks, calling them up and updating that I will join in another 4 weeks would be worse, right?

Notice Period in the Industry

In my domain of work, all companies have now moved to a 3-month notice period. If all the companies in your domain have bespoke/made-to-order with a 3-month notice period, you have the liberty to speak out about the present situation, and the next employer will be available to be au fait with it. I'm sure if your employer had selected you, they must have really thought you to be the best-suited candidate, and I deem to say you may expect some affirmative response from them.

Keep us posted with the information; likely, for our forum to suggest you better.

Hello, it does! Joining in less than 8 weeks is a complete no-no. You must ensure that you adhere to your current employer's policy. The world is too small for us to need those whom we met in the past. I hope you understand.

If the new employer is willing to wait for 8 weeks, you can consider requesting your current employer to honor that timeline, provided the policy hasn't been changed since your resignation. Even the clause in your appointment letter may not be of much help in this situation. The outcome may also depend on the relationship you have with your reporting boss, the number of projects you are currently handling, and the duration of your service in the company. I hope this analysis and information sharing will assist you.

Regards,

If your new employer truly values your presence, extending the joining time shouldn't be an issue for them. However, it might be beneficial for you to meet with the relevant parties at both your present employer (PE) and new employer (NE) to explain your situation personally. "Parting as friends" always helps. This approach will also provide you with a clearer idea of "what's next" for you. All the best.

Regards,
Kumar S.

Hello, a lot depends on the terms you share with your reporting boss and how many projects you are working on. Also, consider how many years you have been serving there. Hope analyzing and sharing this will help.

To the new company, I have always been treading the line of completing the notice period, which was initially 8 weeks. Anything earlier would be at the discretion of my current employer. Unfortunately, it changed to 12 weeks, something my boss doesn't want to waive because he is not my best friend and is short of people right now. I have been with the organization for 5 years till now. Hope this information helps.

Hi all, if my new employer doesn't call me back, should I call them or drop them a line stating when I can honestly join them?

If nothing works, alternatively consider remitting in cash for the shortage of days in the notice period—say 4 weeks or so—in order to quit as early as possible. Enhancing your notice period just now, over and above what was in your original appointment letter, is arbitrary. If you consider the new assignment comparatively lucrative, you might as well decide to join at any cost, isn't it?

Regards,
Kumar.S.

I am scared my present company might put their foot down, and the new company might not wait beyond 8 weeks. In the bargain, I might end up jobless. This risk factor is making me reconsider.

Regards,
kumar.s.

Please consider my suggestion. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely take an appointment and meet with the new employer to discuss your possibilities of joining them and to understand their decision. Certainly, clarity on this can be achieved only if you sit with them across the table. The way you approach this situation also demonstrates that you are a definite candidate with a strong will to join the company.

Call the concerned person, take an appointment, and express how you feel about the current situation. Ask for their expert advice too.

Trust this works!

Dear Avloc2003,

Please consider my suggestion: If I were in your shoes, I would definitely take an appointment and explain to the NE your possibilities of joining them, as well as understand their decision. Certainly, clarity on this would be achieved unless you sit with them across the table. The way you approach this situation also shows that you are a definite candidate with a strong will to join the company.

Call the concerned person, take an appointment, and express how you feel about the current situation. Ask for their expert advice too. Trust this works!

Thanks, Sharmila. Your insights have been valuable. I have already done that last week. I was told they would need to discuss this with their business head. On the question of when, I was told in a day. It's day two today. Should I call them or wait until tomorrow?

I am being hired at a senior level, not an executive level, so I am also a bit worried about what I project with my communication. I don't want to come off as desperate or immature.

Regards,
Sharmila

Of course, you should. If they haven't called within the specified time, you must inquire about your status with them. Why stay in ambiguity? Trust that talking across the table will surely give you positive input. At least you'll come to know your chances of recruitment at the new employer. Otherwise, do not waste much time and withdraw your resignation as soon as possible! It's high time to make a decision now.

Contacting the Right Person

Something obvious! Call them today. Check whom you are calling. If you say that you've been hired at a senior level, speak to a senior manager or an HR manager who can deal with it faster. You know why!

I hope this will dispel your doubts and put you at ease.

I finally wrote to the NE about the exact date I could join them, which was after 12 weeks, and that there was no flexibility from my present company. Even if they did agree to release me, it would be on a buyout of the notice period. After following up the whole day, I got a reply stating they are okay with the wait, and I could join them on completion of my entire notice period. This comes as a big relief for me.

Thank you all. Sharmila and Hiral, you were there when I needed an unbiased opinion, and it's been a big help. I appreciate your prompt response too.

PS: How do I close this thread?