I got the job offer - why am I nervous?

[LBTC]

Hey, everyone!

This job is better than the one I posted about before, they've offered me virtually what I asked for, only 3 weeks of vacation, not 4 for the first year. I have the offer in writing and he wants me to start no later than June 1.

I've never written a letter of resignation before, but figure I should have one ready in case my supervisor wants it in writing. I'm debating if I'll go for less than 4 weeks of notice or not. I'm trying to figure out if there's some reason to not take this offer.

The vibe at the new office is good, the owner and I seem to get along well, I'll have my choice of offices, it's closer to home so walking becomes more possible again, the technology is super interesting with a lot of potential for expansion.

Okay, well, I guess I'm excited and nervous!

Business folks, Mr. Silver? Care to weigh in for me?

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Wahine]

Congrats LBTC. I think you know what your decision is... it's just a matter of making that last leap of faith. Change is a scary thing.

[tulip]

Interesting how change is hard no matter how right that change may be. Sounds like you're on the right track.

[kelownagirl]

Whoo hoo LBTC! Sounds good to me! How long have you been at your current job?

[LBTC]

Whoo hoo LBTC! Sounds good to me! How long have you been at your current job?

I've been with the company for almost 12 years, just over 2 years in this location in 2 similar jobs.

H&B,
~T~

[Deborajen]

I've been at my job almost 12 years, too, and I'm thinking about a change. I know what you mean about it making you a little nervous. But I remember leaving a really unpleasant job a long time ago. I couldn't wait to put it behind me, but the thought of getting established in the new job was a little scary. It all worked out, and definitely for the better. I'm sure that if the new job meets the goals you had in mind, then once you make the change you'll be glad you did.

Good luck, and congratulations on the great offer!

Deb

[shootingstar]

Congrats. What is the software that you are looking forward to learning/using more?

[LBTC]

The technology is the company's product, I think I'll be using pretty standard software - Microsoft office and Sharepoint and the like. :)

Yup, exciting! And nerve-wracking!

Any tips on writing a resignation letter?

[shootingstar]

Keep your resignation letter short, graceful and professional. You probably will run into the biz owners on the street in future..

The more heartfelt goodbyes will be at a luncheon or cake/coffee gathering to wish you well...hope you get this at least.

[LBTC]

Keep your resignation letter short, graceful and professional. You probably will run into the biz owners on the street in future..

The more heartfelt goodbyes will be at a luncheon or cake/coffee gathering to wish you well...hope you get this at least.

Good point, and sure will keep the letter professional. The company won't do anything for a goodbye as times are far too tough in the forest industry for that, but I'd like to think some of my co-workers will. :o

Thanks!

H&B
~T~

[boy in a kilt]

Beyond what has already been said, I'd say once you've discussed it with your boss, you can pretty much consider your resignation tendered.

One thing that may help in the discussion is focusing on what you can do for your company before you leave. It leaves a good impression.

[Mr. Bloom]

No additional thoughts over what's offered here.

Just keep everything positive and go out on the high road. If someone tries to make anything negative, don't let them.

Congrats and good luck!

[Blueberry]

Not sure about Canada, but here 4 weeks would be a really long notice. Most employee handbooks specify something, and you should probably go with that if it specifies. I wouldn't give less than 2 weeks. If you can, take a little time for yourself in between - it will be hard to take time off for the first couple of months.

Congrats!!

CA

[bmccasland]

LBTC - congrats on new horizons! As others have said, resignation letters should be short and sweet. Don't burn any bridges or grind any axes so-to-speak.

As to why you feel nervous... change always makes us a bit on edge. You're going from the known, your current job, to the great unknown, your new job. New people to work with, etc.

[bean fidhleir]

1. Give the same amount of notice the company would have given you (or would have given you in salary in lieu). If your overall experience has been warm and good, offer an extra week at their option.

2. Express your regret at leaving (if you feel any regret at all) and mention something that you particularly valued about your time there. Whatever you do, don't burn any bridges. You can NEVER tell what the future will bring.

3. Work harder than ever during your notice period. You want to leave everything tidy and good memories of you behind.

(I was a boss)



(ps: Congratulations!)

[LBTC]

Hey, everyone! Thanks for the great feedback and congratulations!

Strange day, all around.

First thing this morning I talked to my supervisor to determine how much notice I'd give. He prefered 4 weeks, so I agreed. Then he went into meetings, and, I found out about 20 minutes after he had my notice that his next meeting was to let someone else go.

Of all of the days, today was the day the company announced a 5% staff reduction as well as salary reductions beginning in June (after I leave). The only things that would have been better for me would be if my name had been on the block and they'd offered me a package, which also may have saved someone else a job. Otherwise, I take this all as the universe telling me I've made the right choice.

My resignation letter was short, expressed thanks for opportunities, and that I will be helpful with the transition. They will put an announcement on our Intranet, and I've asked they include my new title and company so no-one assumes that I was part of the collateral damage.

Thanks again for all the tips and ideas. I think the next 4 weeks are going to fly by!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[bmccasland]

LBTC - karmic timing is everything. Even though your position isn't being eliminated, at least you avoided the risk. And maybe your leaving is saving someone else's job.

So may the weeks go by quickly and uneventfully. Are you going to be able to take some time off? Even an extended weekend? Mental health days? ;)

Happy Trails!

[alpinerabbit]

Over here you just write "I hereby resign per date X, according to legal timelines"; that's it. There are form letters on the web. No niceties.

We have 3 months notice by law, from either party. Execs have 6 or more.

[LBTC]

We have 3 months notice by law, from either party. Execs have 6 or more.

Ouch! That's a LONG time! :eek: 2 weeks is pretty standard over here for most jobs at a low level. I'm involved in some pretty high level stuff, and I have 2 vacation days booked off next week that I am not going to give up (CrazyCanuck will be here from Australia!!), so I gave 4 weeks notice from yesterday, so I"ll have a 3 day weekend before I start. Not a lot of a break, but I think it will be enough.

They should post the announcement today. I'll be interested to see who will contact me. :) It's a big company and I deal with people at all of the divisions....

Hopefully my leaving will save someone a job somehow. That's how it's supposed to work.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[redrhodie]

I think your 1 month notice is really generous, and a good amount for a happy transition onto your new life!

I saw my first '08 butterfly on my ride yesterday, and thought of you. Good things are coming your way. Enjoy the changes!