Leaving a Medium-Sized IT Company After 10 Days: What Are the Risks of Skipping the Notice Period?

Hi, I'm from India, and I made a wrong decision by joining a medium-based IT company. I didn't like the company from day one, and I tried to fit in, but it didn't work out. In the meantime, the month's end has arrived, and I have been paid for 10 days. I now have another offer from a larger company, so I want to leave my current company. The notice period at my current company during probation is 15 days, and there was no bond as I joined as a full-time employee. Can you please advise me on the consequences I may face if I leave without serving the notice period? I would like to mention that the HR at my current company is aware of the details of the new company where I have an offer.

At my current company, I have been provided with a laptop, which I have kept in my drawer for convenience in case I decide to leave or, in the worst case, if I continue working there. I am considering sending an email to resign and inform them that the laptop is in my possession. Due to certain reasons, I am unable to visit my current company to resign in person.

Given these circumstances, could you please clarify if there are any potential legal repercussions if I leave my current company without serving the notice period?

Thank you.

You have written, "Please let me know the consequences that I could face if I leave the current company without serving my notice period." But then why would you like to abandon your employment rather than serving a notice period of 15 days and leaving honorably? Worse still, you plan to leave the laptop in the drawer of the work desk. Would it not be more appropriate to hand over the company-provided assets before leaving?

My suggestion is not to abandon your employment.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar

Hi Dinesh,

The reason is I have no time to serve the notice period. I have to join the new company very quickly. And I'm sure that the current company will not accept my resignation request and release me on the same day.

It is never a good practice to leave a company without serving the agreed notice period, irrespective of the size of the company or the culture. While accepting the new offer, the least you could have done was to take into consideration the notice period of the present employment and move forward with your head held high instead of trying to avoid anyone from the company even in the future. As of now, what you are commenting on are only assumptions, which might be strong, but still, you may rather sit with the HR and, if required, the management and come out of the situation in an amicable manner than absconding altogether. Try to take the situation head-on rather than shying away.

Thanks and Regards

I am of the view that you may not be disclosing full details. Anyway, my suggestion is that if you cannot or do not want to serve the notice period of 15 days, send them 15 days' salary in lieu and inform them of the laptop's location. Provide a copy of your letter sent by speed post.

Regards,
Col. Suresh Rathi

Dear SDHE1,

If you have a conscience, ask yourself whether you are doing the right thing. I wonder if you would have continued in the present job if you had not received the offer from the other company! As Aks17 has advised, it would be more appropriate to pay them in lieu of the notice period and explain your predicament to them. Apologize for any inconvenience caused. This step will put your mind at ease, help you sleep better, and alleviate worries about potential consequences.

Thank you.

Nashbramhall, the company where I hold an offer was the first one to extend an offer to me, and the current company came later. I thought of giving the current company a try, which has led to this confusion and mess. As I already explained, I don't have the time to serve the notice period. If I had the time, I would have served the notice period. The situation is much more complicated, and I can't go into specifics. It's NOT the case where I chose to leave the company just because I got another good offer. That situation is irrelevant here.

Dear SDHE1, I am sorry to note the sad state that you are in. When bloggers do not give complete background information, we are forced to assume. As my tutor told us a long time ago, I should not have assumed. He told us that when our assumptions are wrong, we make an ASS of U and ME. That's how he had highlighted the mistake that happens.

We cannot say what the company will do; however, we doubt whether your company will take any legal action. If I were you, I would pay the dues in lieu of notice and have a peaceful mind and sound sleep.