?s - Possible job change

[covergirl82]

I am an over-analyzer, so I thought I would check with neutral WPs on advice.  I got a call this afternoon from one of the companies I did a couple phone interviews with that they'd like me to come in for an in-person interview, which we scheduled for this Friday.  Based on the timeline provided by the hiring manager when I spoke to him, they could make an offer as soon as next week.  (There is one other candidate, so I would assume it depends on how soon that candidate interviews.)

Here are some of the things I'm thinking about, if I'm offered this job:

1. I'd like to ask for at least 3 weeks notice for my current company; 4 weeks would be ideal.  I've been with the company 10 years and I work in a specialized area of HR for which there is a smaller group of people who do that type of work in my metro area, so it's likely I could work with some of these people again, so I don't want to burn bridges.  One of my coworkers is going on a medical leave this week for surgery and will be out 4-6 weeks and I would need time to work on more training for the analyst who currently assists me with sales commissions.

2. What do I do if my current manager matches the other company's offer?  I'm not in love with the industry I work in now (and to be honest, I feel that some of my personal beliefs don't align with it), but I have a great manager and director, lots of flexibility, and a good personal brand.  I assume I'd still have some flexibility with the new job (e.g., WFH when the kids are sick, flexing my hours a bit to accommodate school and sports events), but of course I won't know for sure until I get there.  I'd most likely lose my every-other Friday off (9/80), which I've had for 10 years and has been really helpful in my work-life balance.  I'd have to start over building a personal brand with the new company, but I feel that some people may want to compare me to DH, who worked at that company from 2007 until May 2019.  (I'll be in HR, and DH was in Finance, but DH supported HR the last couple years he worked there.)  DH had a great personal brand there.

3. We have a spring break trip planned for April 1-10 that is all paid for.  Do most companies allow new employees time off for an upcoming trip that is already planned and paid for?  My job would be a senior level analyst (individual contributor).

TIA!

[waverly]

1. I’ve given a month notice before and I won’t do it again. I was bullied because I was leaving. I’d rather ask for 3 weeks and take a week between the 2 jobs. It’s admirable you want to help and it shows a good work ethic, but ultimately it’s up to the company you are leaving to figure things out. Most companies would be fine with 2 weeks not sure if they would be fine with more time but you can ask.

2. Hmm good question. I am assuming there is a reason you want to leave job A. This is a personal and involved decision that factors in more than just salary.

3. You should be able to negotiate your spring break trip during the offer. Make sure you put this in writing to them. I made the mistake of asking verbally, and it was granted, but then when I put it in writing I guess I put the wrong dates and got in trouble even though the correct dates were accepted verbally prior to that. It’s my fault but I should have been more careful.

[mommyatty]

1. A month is a long time. I would give 3 weeks. Plus hiring decisions never happen as quickly as anyone thinks they will, so you have time.
2. You don’t like what you’re doing and you don’t think your industry aligns with your beliefs. I would look beyond the salary match. Are there other changes that would make it palatable to stay? Think through what those are.
3. I’ve known people who negotiate for a vacation. I would think that’s something they shouldn’t balk at.

[sunbutter]

1. It depends on your situation. You may want another month to be there which should be ok for the new company but you might not want to give notice until later for reasons that PP mentioned. It totally depends. I replaced someone who gave over a month and it was totally fine.

3. Yes, I have hired people and let them immediately take time off. One was a five week vacation. We worked out a combination of vacation time and unpaid leave. Make it part of the negotiation process after they give you an offer.

[sdlaura]

I agree with PPs that you’d already be going above and beyond with a 3-week notice, I would wait to answer #2 if it happens (you can say you need to think about it if it happens), and yes I think a vacation planned 4 months from now should be totally fine.

Good luck with the interview!

[madringal]

I’ll ditto that I gave a month notice when leaving my previous employer ( I had been there for 10+ years and would need to train my replacement ). It was a huge mistake and I have regretted it ever since. Standard 2 weeks for me going forward.

[shakinros]

1. Long notice periods are standard in my industry so I don’t think 4 weeks is too long. I might ask for a start date 4 weeks out and give 3-3.5wks notice at your job so you have a mental transition period.

2. I would not consider a counteroffer. Despite the perks you have, something made you want to leave. Also, they’ll know you’re a flight risk and may treat you accordingly.

3. I think you just let them know when you’ll be away on a prearranged vacation. I’ve done this with new jobs. Don’t ask. Inform them as part of offer negotiations: “I’ll be out of town on vacation on these dates.”

[k3am]

1. I'm a team two week notice. As employees, we are not as irreplaceable as we like to think we are.

2. I'm not a fan of leveraging an offer. Best case scenario, they match and have a bad taste in their mouth. Worst case scenario, I stick around with the same issues day in and out. You don't really win. DH used to counter most of his employees when they tried to quit. About 1/3-1/2 stayed with his company, but none of them stayed long-term. You looked for a new job for a reason, and I'm pretty sure money wasn't the only one.

3. Like shakinros suggested, you have a vacation scheduled in April they'll need to work around it. Depending on how they handle vacation hours, you may need to coordinate the time being unpaid or borrowing against future vacation time.

[divanerd]

I'm also in HR and looking to make a change. In the past one recruiter said a month is very noble but given the way they start new people max I could give was 3 weeks. I then created an in-depth transition plan for my boss so they were not left high dry

I say ask all the questions you have once offer is in hand regarding work life and pre-planned vacation. Each company is so different.

Sounds like you have a good current role! Good luck