How Can I Leave My Job Before the Notice Period Without Burning Bridges?

I am a software professional. I am not really happy with my current job, so I started looking for a new one. Right now, I have a very good offer which I don't want to miss.

I have been working with the current organization for the past 3+ years. The company policy on the notice period is two months. However, I just don't want to stay in this company anymore. I am not happy with my team members, manager, and onsite work. The current work I am doing can be taken over by someone very easily; it will take not more than a week or two for the transition/knowledge transfer. For this reason, I told the new company that I can join in one month.

Now I am really confused. I am not sure if they will relieve me in one month. I am planning to tell them that I have some personal family and health issues, so I am quitting this job. Will this really work? Is there something else I can tell them such that they cannot say NO to me? I really don't want to have any issues; I want this to go smoothly.

Please give me suggestions. What reason can I give them to get relieved in one month?

I am planning to send my resignation in a day or two; I'd appreciate it if someone can help me asap. 

Regards,

Please go through your appointment letter where you may find a provision for payment in lieu of the notice period on either side. If you find such a clause, take advantage of it and submit a cheque for the notice period along with the resignation letter. However, give a few days' notice for a smooth transition.

Regards.

Hi Prem, thanks for your reply! I was just going through the appointment letter which I signed and found that the notice period is mentioned as 30 days, which I am ready to serve. However, I see my colleagues are relieved only after 2 months. Could they have possibly changed the company policy on this at a later point? What should I do? I am ready to serve for 1 month but not 2 months.

Could you buy out the remaining duration that you wouldn't want to serve? Please let us know.

Thank you.

Submitting Your Resignation

I feel you should submit your resignation with a notice period of 30 days as per the terms of your appointment. While the management has the power to amend the terms with notice to affected parties, unless such notice is issued in general or specifically in your case with reasons, you can be deemed to have completed the notice period after serving for those days and can demand a release letter.

However, ensure that you complete your assignment and hand over charge. No one can legally force you to serve beyond the terms of your appointment for a longer period. You can cite any personal reasons for your inability to attend duties beyond the notice period.

Notice Period and Salary in Lieu of Notice in India

In India, the appointment letter will always mention the notice period required and the salary in lieu of notice. If you are serving the notice, that's fine. However, even if you are not able to serve the full term of the notice period, you can pay the salary in lieu of notice and get relieved. No one can stop you.

Regards

I would like to suggest that you should give your resignation, mentioning the last date of working, and maintain a good relationship with your departing boss. Try to convince him.

Regards,
Arpit

I think you are on the right track; the only thing needed is to handle this matter smartly. Your appointment letter clearly states the notice period as 30 days unless there has been an update in this policy and the same was communicated to all staff. Having said this, there is a possibility that the notice period can be extended, which is solely at the discretion of management if they feel that you need to be around to complete certain tasks. Though I believe you would think otherwise and believe that you will hardly need one week of handover time.

In your resignation, please mention that you would like to serve a one-month notice as per the terms of employment mentioned in your appointment letter and would do your best to ensure a smooth transition of your work during this period.

Well, in a worst-case scenario, even if they ask you to stay a little longer for valid reasons, try to accommodate the same. You can try to convince your new employer for a delay in joining. Certainly, this will help you leave the present organization on a good note, and the new employer will appreciate your level of commitment and will believe that you do not leave the organization haphazardly.

Last but not least, in the software industry, I think it is very important to exit on a good note and generate enough goodwill for yourself so that in the future, whenever a background verification is done and also when you need to give references, things move smoothly for you.

Regards, Gia

Before giving some meaningful suggestions, I want to know some points:

1. When was your last appraisal done, in which you might have received some terms and conditions (T&C)? My main target is to obtain information on the last T&C you received.

2. What were the specific terms and conditions for the separation?

Please shed some light on the same so that an exact solution can be provided.

Best regards,
Sunita Dhoundiyal

Please send your resignation from your personal email ID and cc it to the official email ID. Mention that you are resigning from your position due to a good opportunity and a desire for a new environment, along with your last working day. After sending the email, please meet in person with the concerned individual and explain your reasons.

Regards,
Sharief

Steps to Secure an Early Release

You should send the resignation letter, specifying your date of release, say after 30 days, as mentioned in your appointment letter. Follow up by sending another letter, say after 20 days, referencing your previous letter. In this letter, mention valid reasons why you seek an early release. By continuously pursuing this with your boss and HR department, you can secure your release within the notice period. At most, there may be a delay of a few days, which you should accommodate.

Thank you, everyone, for your replies. I have talked to the concerned people and hope to get relieved in a month, more or less. I know it is important to have good relations while leaving, and I am making sure not to have any issues. Thanks to each one of you for taking time out and replying to this thread.