Stuck in a 90-Day Notice Period: How Can I Transition to the SAP Domain?

Hi, I'm working as a Software Engineer in an MNC. I have 2 years of experience in the .NET domain, but due to my interest in ERP, I have recently completed SAP ABAP certification. I want to switch to the SAP domain as my current company does not have SAP projects. Therefore, I am looking outside. Since I do not have SAP experience, I am being considered as a fresher, and companies are asking me to join within a maximum of 45 days.

I have discussed this scenario with my manager, and since I do not have many dependencies, I asked him to let me leave early. However, he is not willing to let me go without completing my notice period of 90 days. He mentioned that he would not consider the notice period buyout option either. Due to this 90-day requirement, SAP domain companies are rejecting my applications. Could you please help me find a way to either convince my Manager/HR or the SAP domain companies?

Dear Aishwarya,

If you are receiving job offers now, then you will likely continue to receive them after 3 months as well. Therefore, would it not be appropriate to complete the notice period and have a smooth exit? Regardless of the relevance of your current job to your future job, it is crucial for you to obtain an unblemished relieving letter. Therefore, prudence dictates being flexible and demonstrating patience. Acting impulsively could have a negative impact on your career itself. Please take note of this point.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar

Glad for the immediate response! I haven't resigned yet as I'm trying to find out any options so that I can reduce my notice period as much as possible. I'm worried because there are very few jobs in the market for SAP freshers (1:20 ratio). The training institute through which I've done the course is offering us placements, but as I'm a fresher in the SAP domain, companies are not ready to wait for me for more than a month, and I'm losing job opportunities due to this notice period issue. Kindly suggest a way forward.

Options to Consider for Transitioning to SAP

Maybe it will be an option if you talk to HR and also your reporting manager so that you can find an amicable way out of this. Another option will be to resign and take the risk of getting the SAP job as a fresher at the earliest, before you lose out on time brooding over the situation. At the end of the day, even if HR agrees, the reporting manager may or may not be willing to let go. Unless you communicate in clear terms, it may not be possible to get clarity on the issue and for your future.

Thanks and Regards