Facing a Dilemma: Should I Join a New Company Without a Relieving Letter?

Dear all,

I have been selected by an MNC company that wants me to join within 10 days. They are ready to hire me without a relieving letter; they only require the offer letter and the last salary slip. In my current company, I have a 2-month notice period and am currently working on 3 projects. Due to my key role in the organization, there is no option to buy out the notice period, and it's unlikely that I can be relieved before the full 2 months.

The new MNC is willing to onboard me without a relieving letter. Should I proceed with joining the MNC without the relieving letter? Can you please assist me in resolving this dilemma? What potential issues might I face in the future if I lack a relieving letter?

Regards,
Milind Joshi

It's not about the problems that you would face in the future but it is about ethics.

You mentioned that you were into 3 projects and you are a critical resource for those three. Do you think it is ethical for you to move on without giving a notice? Rather, think how would you feel if the company would ask you to leave without prior notice.

What you do not like when done to yourself, do not do it to others.

Always do things that you feel proud talking about.

Milind,

I would advise you not to leave your current organization without serving the notice period. If there is a clause in your appointment letter that states you can choose to pay in lieu of the notice period, then you can opt to pay; otherwise, do not take a chance to leave without serving the notice period. If the new company is very keen to hire you, they would appreciate the fact that you have a notice period to fulfill, and they might as well wait for that. Moreover, it is your moral responsibility to do a proper handover of your duties before leaving. Never burn your bridges while leaving, as the industry is very small.

If you do not receive a proper relieving letter, then if not here, there might arise an issue with the next organization that you would apply to, as most of the good companies conduct Background checks, and if you do not have a proper relieving letter from any previous employer, you could encounter problems.

So, in short, I would advise you to kindly refrain from taking such a step.

Regards,

Anurag

It's not all good and ethical as part of the corporate culture. In your opinion, you're the key person for the project, am I right!!! Anyhow, it will affect you a lot in the rest of the future.

Do as per the ethics of professionalism...

Thanks, Milind,

Now, if there is a clause that you can pay in lieu of serving the notice period, then you do have a right to do so. However, as per company's law, an organization can ask you to serve at most 1 month of notice period, stating the urgency and the business requirements, and law supersedes the agreement. Try not to get into legalities as it would be very difficult for you to handle it. Try and talk to your new company and explain the situation. They will surely cooperate.

The very reason these companies force you to join early is that most people, if given a chance and time, go around and shop with the offers they have received, which in turn increases offer decline cases. So, to be on a safer side, companies do this. Now, if you somehow convince them about your joining, then I am sure they will cooperate with you.

In this situation, I can only advise you to put your soft skills into action and try to convince both companies, i.e., your current company and the new company. Play it safe; do not panic. There is no way they would roll back the offer if they have really liked you. This is just a pressure technique used to reduce offer decline cases.

In case you would like to talk to me, you can call me on 9820567782.

Regards,

Anurag

Hi Anurag,

Thank you for your valuable advice. I informed them that it is not possible for me to join early. Therefore, if they truly wish to hire a good employee, I am the best option instead of searching for a new one.

Regards

I am sure they would not want to lose a good employee and would definitely hold on. All the best for your future assignment.

Regards,
Anurag