How Do I Handle Joining a New Job Before My Notice Period Ends? Seeking Advice!

Hi, I am working in an MNC company and currently serving my notice period. I am in a situation where my last working day is on 6th October, but my joining date in the new organization is 29th September (tomorrow). The new organization's HR is asking me to join on 29th September as there won't be an extension for the joining date. She mentioned that I should simultaneously work on the exit formalities from the previous company. After joining the new organization in this case, what should I do?

Hi Sona, never make this mistake. If your relieving date is scheduled for 6th Oct 2023, it is better to complete it and get relieved with a proper relieving cum experience letter. If you join the new employer on 29th Sep 2023 without proper relieving, it will amount to dual employment, and you will face consequences.

If the new employer is insisting on joining on 29th Sep 2023 (tomorrow), then ask for proper relieving from the current employer today, 28th Sep 2023, if possible. At times, they might consider it. If needed, you may pay a proportionate gross salary to them in lieu of the balance notice period. However, without proper relieving, it is not advisable to join a new employer. You will also face PF overlapping issues.

Hello Lakshmi, I wanted to thank you for your prompt reply. I have been in touch with my current organization's HR regarding the notice period buyout process, and they have informed me that it will take approximately one week to complete the entire procedure, with the expected completion date being October 6th, 2023.

I have also communicated the same information to the new organization's HR, and she mentioned that there won't be any issue after joining the new company. What shall I do now?

Hi, please obtain confirmation from your current employer that they will release you by the closing hours of today, 28.9.23. There is no issue if they issue the relieving letter by the first week of October 2023, but please ensure that the relieving date is 28.9.23. Wherever possible, get confirmation from your current employer in writing; otherwise, they might surprise you with a different version after you join your new employer.

Hi Lakshmi, I encountered the same situation and am now facing a problem. My last working day at the first organization was August 21, 2023, and my joining date at the second organization was August 17, 2023. I explained this to the second employer, but they mentioned it was a minor issue and I could still join them. Consequently, I started working at that organization and spent six months there. I have now received multiple job offers, but I am unable to accept any due to concerns about my past record of dual employment.

Please advise me if there is a way to rectify this situation, or if this marks the end of my career. 