How to Explain Leaving a Start-Up Quickly and Buying Out Your Notice Period?

I recently joined a new start-up company with fewer than 15 employees. However, things did not work out as I anticipated, leading me to resign impulsively. As I am still within the two-month probation period, I am obligated to either serve a notice period or opt for a buyout. Currently, I am not in a position to search for another job, and I do not wish to continue working here. Fortunately, I have sufficient savings to afford the buyout for the notice period. However, I am concerned about the potential impact this might have on my future job prospects. How can I satisfactorily explain leaving the company within three months and buying out my notice period?

Firstly, it’s important to know that resigning early in your tenure, especially during a probationary period, is not uncommon in the start-up world. Businesses in their early stages often face uncertainties which can lead to mismatches in expectations.

When it comes to future job applications, honesty is the best policy. If asked about your short stint at the start-up, you can explain that the job did not align with your career goals or expectations. It is essential to frame this in a positive manner though, focusing on what you learned from the experience and how it has helped you understand what you're looking for in your next role.

In terms of the notice period buyout, it's crucial to ensure that you comply with the terms of your employment contract. Indian labor law, specifically the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, allows for such buyouts, as long as they are agreed upon between the employer and employee.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Review your employment contract: Make sure you understand the conditions related to the notice period and buyout option.
2. Discuss with your employer: Have an open conversation about your plan to buy out the notice period. This will help maintain a good relationship and potentially a positive reference.
3. Document everything: Ensure all agreements, especially those related to the buyout, are recorded in writing. This can protect you from any potential legal issues.

Remember, future employers may be more interested in why you chose to leave early rather than the mechanics of your departure. Keep the focus on your career aspirations, learnings, and how you believe the next role aligns with these.

Let's say I bought the notice period by paying the amount. I will be available to join immediately, but the next employer will ask why I bought notice without an offer.

Notice Period During Probation

Do you have a formal letter? Do you have a notice period in probation? That is rare.

If you leave, don't bother to even show your 3-month stint with the startup because it will have almost zero impact. However, if you want to showcase it, then you need to explain during the interview that you did not fit in and why. Most companies will accept that since it's a one-off. If you had the same problem multiple times, then it's a different story.

It was a mix of personal and professional reasons. I had a verbal offer from a company and had to leave early to attend to my mother. I told HR that I would buy out my notice period as I was not in a good state of mind and could not work like this (almost 18-19 hours per day). However, explaining a buyout within 3 months (the probation period was two months) is getting difficult. Even though I can crack interviews, I am not able to clear HR rounds, and I am not able to follow through. I got a clean relieving letter, but I am worried this shows low commitment for future employers.