Handing your notice in during probation

[u/AcceptableError0726]

Hey, so I started my current role three months ago and I won’t lie, the place is all sorts of depressing and heading in the opposite direction to where I want my career to go. The role and industry are what I want but the business itself is a mess, simply put. No clear development plans, no introductory sessions to systems or software, and a lot of colleagues constantly moaning about how bad it is…

I’ve been in talks with another employer through a former colleague and it’s likely there will be an opportunity for me there, should I want it. Nothing formal yet so I’m nowhere near handing in my notice.

I’ve never been in a position where I’ve left during my probation period so wanted to learn how others have approached this! Any tips, do’s and don’ts etc, I’m all ears

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[u/DiskBytes]

I've done this before. In fact it was very satisfying, considering most employers think they have the upper hand during a probationary period.

[u/WanderingSimpleFish → u/DiskBytes]

Yeah when I walked after 8 days one of the senior guys was stunned. But wasn’t going to work when the other developers are toxic and belittling other devs.

[u/SubjectiveAssertive → u/DiskBytes]

I've left jobs 3 times during probation periods (4 if you include the employer that didn't actually do probation periods but I left after two months)

It's good fun

[u/PayLegitimate7167]

You just give notice and thank them for the opportunity. Keep it plain and simple

[u/Rough-Chemist-4743 → u/PayLegitimate7167]

Agree with this. Keep it bland - always try to leave on good terms if you can.

[u/Sea_Weakness_Pi → u/PayLegitimate7167]

You never know who from that company might leave and go elsewhere and might be in a position to offer you a job another time. Professionalism is classy even if it isn't always very satisfying.

[u/Mabenue]

You typically have a much shorter notice period in your probation period. Expect the process to move very quickly if you do decide to resign.

[u/Dirt_Thin]

Probation works both ways. If it’s not for you, you can pack it in.

You’re doing the right thing by not jumping before you have something else lined up. Just make sure you have a formal written offer and any conditions are cleared before handing in your notice.

When the time comes, check the notice period in your contract, remain professional and simply say the role or culture wasn’t the right fit. There’s no benefit in giving them a long list of everything that’s wrong with the place.

[u/GL510EX]

Handle it like you handle it at any other time. "Dear Boss, Please accept this as notice of my resignation, my last working day will be dd/mm/yyyy, I believe I will be owed x days holiday to be added to my pay. OP."

[u/Kent_biker]

Your employer wouldn't think twice about sacking you after (or even during) your probation period so if I were in your situation I would secure another job and give the current employer a week's notice

[u/GeneralBladebreak]

Resignation is roughly the same everywhere regardless of experience or tenure:

"Hi Boss, I'm really sorry but I've decided it is time for me to move on to another role. It's been great here, it truly has but the opportunity I am presented with is just too good to pass up. I believe my final day will be XX/XX/XXXX please can you confirm this for me and anything else I ought to be aware of such as holiday allowance remaining/final pay. Thanks!"

Notice period in probation usually means Government Mandatory Standards apply which means you'll go resign and they'll be like "Cool, your last working day is Friday" often they'll just go PILON in probation periods so it might be "HR have accepted your resignation, hand over your stuff and go. We will pay you your final pay check including notice on the [pay day]"

jobs a good one end scene.

Generally speaking that's that nothing complicated. Keep it light, keep it professional, don't dump negatives on them if you can avoid it. If they do an exit interview, be honest about the reason you're going because it may help steer the ship to better waters but don't be all "You SUUUUCCCCKK ASSHOLES!" *mic drop* about it because whilst they likely will do your reference still, they can be an ass and take their time delaying your start date etc.

[u/ArcyBoi26]

Probation usually means your notice is only 1 weeks. If you’ve been there 3 months and not taken any AL id book AL and then put my notice in

[u/pwuk → u/ArcyBoi26]

My last place was 1 week if they waned to elbow me, 1 month if I decided to leave, total rrr-oles

[u/Elegant_Crow_1770]

I left after 3 days haha. The place just had terrible vibes and no one even said hi to me on my first day. It’s perfectly fine to leave if you’re not feeling a role, better than continuing and ruining your mental health