When giving your two weeks notice is it acceptable to not state what the job is that you're moving on to?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 08:53:58 -0400

Update: Thanks for the advice everyone. For those concerned about me having signed a non-compete contract, don't. I didn't sign any such thing, but it's definitely good to point out for others scanning through this topic that might have signed such a thing, so thank you those that mentioned it. As far as my current situation, I gave my two weeks and was terminated on the spot. I had spoken to my (now current) incoming employer before giving my notice and was able to make a seamless transition regardless of whether they allowed me to stay or not, so in the end it became a non issue. Again, much thanks for all the advice and words of wisdom shared here. This is why I love this community so much.

Original topic follows.

I'm in the process of moving over to a competitors business. I'm not the first to have done this at my store, and in the past I have seen first hand where a fellow employee hands in their two weeks notice and is terminated then and there on the spot purely by virtue of who they are transitioning over to.

I'd like to do right by my current employer and give proper notice, so I'd like to ask the community here this question. Do you all think it's acceptable to give formal written notice without disclosing where my next job will be? If pressed am I within my rights to politely decline? I am thankfully in a financial position that i could eat two weeks of lost pay and be alright, but I'd prefer a smooth transition if at all possible.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 8:55 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 08:55:40 -0400

They just need to know you are leaving and where to send last check to.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 2 at 2015 8:56 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 08:56:48 -0400

Of course....

Response by SGT David T. made Oct 2 at 2015 9:04 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:04:21 -0400

Do not give any more information than you need to. The last two weeks can be made into a living hell if they find out you are going to their competition.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Oct 2 at 2015 9:09 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:09:51 -0400

you are correct. You do not have to disclose where you are going. If you are in an employ at will state you or the employer do not have to give a reason for leaving or termination. But if they decide to let you go right then and there ask the other employer if it is possible to start before the start date. It also would depend on when your new payroll starts. If you are going to start in between a pay period it might be better off to wait! Unless they hold you and you will work 4 weeks till your first pay check.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Oct 2 at 2015 9:15 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:15:41 -0400

Formal notification of 2 weeks is acceptable. You do not need to give reasons. If you are moving, you may want to give forwarding address for your last check, but most places do electronic deposit....if not, do your own mail forwarding through the USPS. Just tell them that you have decided to look for alternative employment and leave it at that. The one thing you may want to check on is if you signed an employment contract, did they specify that it was against company policy for you to go to a competitive company (to protect their processes/products, etc....if you signed that, it could become difficult if they took you to court.).

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 9:18 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:18:49 -0400

I am pursuing other opportunities.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 2 at 2015 9:23 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:23:08 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member - As others have already stated, you are under no obligation to reveal to your employer why you are leaving or where you are going. Having said that, it may be helpful to your current employer and the employees who will stay when you are gone, to know why you are leaving, especially if going to a competitor, so they might be able to address any issues (pay, benefits, working conditions, etc.) that influenced your decision to leave. As such, if you had a good relationship with your employer, you might want to share that information in an effort to assist them and their employees. You could put off providing that information until just before you depart, rather than at the beginning of your two weeks notice period, if you want. Simply walking out, without discussing your reasons for leaving, seems unprofessional to me.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Oct 2 at 2015 9:42 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:42:13 -0400

I've never listed the new company I was moving to in a two week notice. There really is no point. The prior employer doesn't need to know nor should they care. If they ask, then you can consider doing so but again it's your personal information on where you are moving to. Normally I keep two notices short and to the point. I give them the day of my last day with them and thank them for the chance to work and learn from them as I continue my professional development. Sign it, stamp it, done with it.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 9:43 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:43:18 -0400

They don't need to know why you are leaving. Maybe you got a job with a competitor. Maybe you're going back to college. Maybe you won the lottery. It isn't any of their business.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 9:53 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:53:44 -0400

When I gave my 2 wk notice to my last civilian job, they asked me why and where I was going. I told them why and where. Because I wanted them to know that the policy for pay and treatment of employees sucked and the new job was hella better.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 2 at 2015 9:56 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:56:19 -0400

Frankly, it's none of their business.

You can tell them it's in the same industry, outside the industry, with a competitor, not with a competitor, etc, at your own discretion. Just remember any non-disclosure & non-compete agreements you have already signed. Remember to back up your contact & sales books before you go.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Oct 2 at 2015 10:20 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:20:27 -0400

If it is discovered that you are going to a competitor, most companies will immediately release the departing employee. My suggestion is to have your resignation letter be no more than two sentences:
1.) Effective (fill in date), I hereby tender my resignation.
2.) It has been a pleasure working with you. Done.
If pressed as to where you are going, a simple, "I am going to pursue other interests" will suffice.
Keep it simple. Very simple.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 6:28 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 06:28:11 -0400

Of course it's acceptable. It's none of your soon to be former employer's business where you go.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 6:38 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 06:38:29 -0400

The only way it would be any of their business is if you signed an agreement not to work for a competitor within a specified distance and time frame. The employer I've ever had that with was 200 miles and 2 years

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 3 at 2015 10:07 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 10:07:18 -0400

SGT Kenneth Robertson, Some sort of fair is fair, there is no need to tell ANYONE where you are going.

If you have seen them dump on other employees, why risk the loss of pay!

I will never forget a fellow employee giving two weeks notice. Less than a 1/2 hour later, he was was given a final paycheck and told to move on!

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Oct 3 at 2015 5:49 PM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 17:49:34 -0400

Each time I provided my notice, my boss knew where I was going as he/she was interviewed by the organization hiring me. It's something that is easily done in federal government. However, it doesn't mean that there aren't hurt feelings by the releasing boss. I had one who treated me like a dog for almost 4 weeks (it was 4 weeks between transfers to another facility-2 weeks if it was in the same facility). I endured from the perspective I understood why he was angry, I was a damn good employee and he realized he's screwed. But I persevered knowing there was an end. About two days before the movers were coming, he and his wife took my wife and I to a 5 star restaurant where he dropped a few hundred on dinner (a first for me). It was his way of thanking me for the work I provided him the whole time, but more so an apology for being a shit the last 4 weeks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 6:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 18:06:04 -0400

yes, i think so , its non of their business what your next adventure is.

Response by COL John Hudson made Oct 3 at 2015 8:06 PM

COL John Hudson — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 20:06:32 -0400

There is no requirement to inform your existing employer or any other employee where you're going when you leave...(always ensure you have, in fact, been hired by the new company before you turn in your notice!). While "two weeks" is somewhat of a customary period, there's actually no requirement to give that much notice either, unless you signed an agreement when you were hired to do that. The idea goes back to company loyalty and giving the losing employer time to hire and train a replacement for you. Unfortunately, in this new generation, there's precious little "loyalty" to anything anymore. The magic words to use in the block reserved for the reason of your leaving is "To pursue other opportunities." Memorize those four words. Always use them and nothing else. Never burn any bridge for any reason; regardless of whether you're disgruntled with your position or have a strong dislike for people or job duties. Tear your hair in the privacy of your bedroom; never in public or anywhere within the losing company. Two excellent organizations I worked for during my career allowed me to go immediately and paid me for the two weeks...no harm no foul.

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made Oct 3 at 2015 8:41 PM

SSG Thomas Gallegos — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 20:41:39 -0400

I agree be professional about it. You do not have to let them know where you are going. If politely decline as well when asked where I was going.
I just began a new job this past June. A former co-worker was actively recruiting fellow co-workers to leave with him.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 4 at 2015 1:59 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 01:59:01 -0400

The employer you are leaving does not need to know where you are going. That is you private business. When I have left an employer, I always wrote a letter thanking them for the opportunity but never let them know where I was going.

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Oct 4 at 2015 1:49 PM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 13:49:34 -0400

Yeah, just say something like you are moving on to a different opportunity, career change or whatever. But be gracious (especially if not warranted) and if you've had a decent experience with that company/organization, don't burn that bridge. Good luck to you brother.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 4 at 2015 2:46 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:46:26 -0400

Yes it is, if this question is raised then it tends to make one lean towards a not so smooth working relationship with the employer.The jobs I had after separation were bases on a good employer/employee relationship and I was told I could always return if the future job wasnt what I thought it would be.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Oct 4 at 2015 2:49 PM

1SG Nick Baker — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:49:17 -0400

No. A simple letter informing them that you are leaving. They may do an exit interview; be gracious and do not burn bridges. Most likely, your new job may have contacted them to verify employment.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 9:55 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 21:55:42 -0400

Absolutely! All you need to tell them is you are seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Oct 4 at 2015 10:40 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 22:40:45 -0400

Just tell them (in writing) your last work day, that you appreciated the opportunity and that you will make your self available to answer any questions that your replacement might have on anything outside of your normal duties that you did for the company.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Oct 5 at 2015 7:58 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 07:58:23 -0400

Absolutely! You should try to leave on good terms but you are in no way required or even expected to tell your former employer where you are moving to. And for the person who was terminated on the spot, that is just wrong, and they are entitled to unemployment compensation for those 2 weeks.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Oct 5 at 2015 8:52 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 08:52:27 -0400

When you are leaving an employer and you give a two week notice, the employer will normally ask you if you are going to a direct competitor or not (if they can get you to tell them exactly. all the better for them). If you will not directly answer the question they normally assume you are and will release you immediately. The company does have an obligation to protect itself and it's confidential information. It isn't personal but they do need to do some due diligence in protecting themselves from losing (or putting at risk) company confidential information.

If you have non compete agreements in place, expect a letter from their lawyer reminding you of such. It is all standard fare when changing companies depending on your position.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 5 at 2015 12:27 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 12:27:43 -0400

It would depend, if you are going to a competitor than I would not mention it. If I were going back to school, moving across country, or enlisting, moving to be with the love of your life, won the lottery, then yes I would say it. If this is an otherwise entry level position, I would not fret it to much.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Oct 5 at 2015 12:43 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 12:43:22 -0400

As a practical matter, I'd say the soon-to-be former employer has no need to know where you're going; just when. You certainly don't want to tip your hand and give your soon-to-be former employer the chance to pee in your new pool before you get there.

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Oct 5 at 2015 2:59 PM

SPC Joshua Heath — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 14:59:06 -0400

You are under no obligation to provide the name of the company you are moving to, or to provide any details beyond your notice.

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Oct 5 at 2015 3:35 PM

LCDR Jeffery Dixon — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:35:28 -0400

There is NO requirement to tell your current employer where you will be going. It is usually bad form to ask and worse for them to press for an answer. You ended your relationship when you decided to leave and resigned. There is no un-ringing of that bell!

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Oct 5 at 2015 5:01 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 17:01:58 -0400

It is perfectly acceptable to give notice but not inform your current employer. If they ask if you are going to a competitor lie to them or you will find yourself out the door that day.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 6 at 2015 12:59 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 00:59:11 -0400

There is nothing that says that beyond your last day of work that you should tell them where you plan to move on to.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Oct 6 at 2015 8:14 AM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 08:14:57 -0400

No - You are giving them a proper notice but be prepared to get terminated and walked out when you give your notice. Whatever you do, don't burn any bridges.

Response by CPT Michael Simms made Oct 6 at 2015 12:18 PM

CPT Michael Simms — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:18:09 -0400

Be as brief and concise as possible.... "This letter is to acknowledge that I am resigning from my current position. Thank you for the opportunity to work for your organization."

Response by SGT Paula Patterson made Oct 6 at 2015 12:29 PM

SGT Paula Patterson — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:29:41 -0400

Many states now have "employment at will." Basically no more two week notice. You give your notice and you can walk out or they can terminate you immediately.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Oct 6 at 2015 12:38 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:38:01 -0400

Absolutely! When asked, "where are you going?", tell them, "I'm pursuing other interests." That way, you're not committing to a competitor in the face of your current employer.

Response by CPO Benjamin Walker made Oct 6 at 2015 1:35 PM

CPO Benjamin Walker — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:35:59 -0400

You have no legal responsibility to tell them where/whom you are transitioning too. They will ask, but you are not required to tell. In the past I have used the response of, "I have thought long and hard over this and the opportunity at this point in my career is not one I can pass on. While I have enjoyed my time here and appreciated the challenges and opportunities, this is something I have to do for myself and do not feel that it needs to go any further then this."
good luck in your new position.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Oct 6 at 2015 1:50 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:50:45 -0400

In some industries, it's mandatory. In yours, not so much. That said, it's pretty poor form for them to terminate you on the spot out of spite. I'd avoid answering and feed them a line of BS if they asked...either that or I'd talk to my future employer about the possibility of starting immediately.

Response by SPC Charles Slininger made Oct 6 at 2015 2:09 PM

SPC Charles Slininger — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:09:28 -0400

Essentially you should only have to provide your standard 2-week (or more) notice and confirm what your last day will be. While you may want to advise where you are going to, you are not required to as it is your personal information until your last day. The reason being is that if you are leaving your company to go to a direct competitor that would be deemed as a conflict of interest and would be grounds for immediate termination. That is normally covered in your employee handbook since the concern generally is that there could be intellectual property, contact lists or other company "secrets" that could be obtained and brought to the competitor while still an employee.

I understand that you may want to "do right" by your employer for your loyalty and respect given but it is your prerogative to inform your leadership or employer to let them know where you are going. Only be advised that if you are going to a competitor (known or otherwise) you should expect termination.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 3:05 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:05:17 -0400

Where you intend to be employed in the future is no business of your current employer.

Suggestions:

• A practical and effective way to protect a record of employment is to document the giving of "notice"- i.e. give it in a writing dated and signed, and delivered to the employer by a means that produces a receipt from your employer that is signed and dated (i.e. delivery by certified mail, return receipt requested).

• If you intend to be employed by a competitor of your current employer, do not violate any "trade secrets" of your current employer. Consult an attorney of choice regarding your obligations with respect to your current employer's "trade secrets".

• Respect any non-disclosure agreement that may be in place regarding your current employment and confer with an attorney of your choice regarding the duration and scope of your obligations under such an agreement after leaving your employ.

Response by SCPO Stephen Ibanez made Oct 6 at 2015 3:24 PM

SCPO Stephen Ibanez — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:24:58 -0400

You only owe them the required notice that you're leaving. It's none of their business where you're going.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 3:42 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:42:19 -0400

You are under no obligation to tell your current employer your next career choice. Giving your two week notice is all they need. If pressed for a response as to what company you are leaving for simply tell them you are leaving to explore other opportunities.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 3:45 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:45:36 -0400

Yes, but if you expecting a reference it may in your best interest to let them know. Otherwise it's not really any of their concern, but be careful not to burn bridges....you never know when a tactical retreat may be necessary.

Response by SSG David Rathjens made Oct 6 at 2015 3:56 PM

SSG David Rathjens — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:56:15 -0400

Depending on your employer you could expect to have your notice accepted with your last day being that day. When someone turns in their notice I get with my HR manager and we discuss how much exposure we have in keeping the employee on for the two weeks: Are they going to be recruiting for their next company? Are they going to give their best effort for their remianing time with us or will they spend their time wrapping things up? Often we determine that the risk is not worth the reward and accept their resignation and part ways.

Response by SGT Rudy Gibson made Oct 6 at 2015 4:29 PM

SGT Rudy Gibson — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:29:21 -0400

I work in employment services(veterans) and I hear this from my clients. "I gave them my two weeks notice and by COB that day I was shown the door". First think of leaving an employer like a bad breakup. Things are fine until you say you want to leave after that oh boy look out. Legally you are not required to provide your employer with any information. Unfortunately a lot of employers would rather you just leave now instead of on your terms.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 5:17 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:17:08 -0400

If you haven't signed a non-competition agreement, then I can't see what business they'd have to know.

Response by SP5 John Pratt made Oct 6 at 2015 6:09 PM

SP5 John Pratt — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:09:03 -0400

You do not have to disclose where your next job is under any circumstances, if asked simply politely refuse to divulge it as it is nonew of their business where you are going.

Response by SGT Paul Melendez made Oct 6 at 2015 6:34 PM

SGT Paul Melendez — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:34:13 -0400

Resignation letters do not need to stay of your new whereabouts.

Response by MAJ Terry Mathews made Oct 6 at 2015 7:06 PM

MAJ Terry Mathews — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 19:06:13 -0400

I agree with a lot of the other posts. Give them the effective date, and thank them for the opportunity they gave you.
I get calls on past employees verifying information and the one question I usually get is; would you hire this person again. If it was a good employee I will say yes or absolutely. If not I will simply answer no.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 8:45 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 20:45:19 -0400

I'm a retired Corporate Executive. You don't have to tell your current employer any more than I'm leaving in two weeks. As far as going to work for a competitor - been there - done that. Do you have an agreement you signed with your current employer about any conditions if you leave the company?

You aren't required to tell anyone where you are going to work. They can ask but it doesn't hold anything. And as far as immediate termination if they know?? That's standard in just about any industry too.

Response by MSG Kirt Highberger made Oct 6 at 2015 9:12 PM

MSG Kirt Highberger — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:12:56 -0400

You plans are not required to become public knowledge. The two week notice is fair of itself.

Response by SGT Felicia King made Oct 7 at 2015 1:39 AM

SGT Felicia King — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 01:39:55 -0400

I don't think it's required, just merely a form of courtesy. But if you feel there may be a touch of resentment, I'd keep my mouth shut as to where my next employment was located.

Response by LCpl Dan T made Oct 7 at 2015 3:23 AM

LCpl Dan T — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 03:23:31 -0400

Laws may vary by state but it's generally required to pay someone their two weeks whether they work or not. For salespeople moving laterally to a competitor it's typical for the employer to see you out the day you resign so you essentially get a two week paid vacation. You can refuse to share where you're going but they'll only reason it's a competitor, rightly so, and ask you to leave any way. As long as you don't take any proprietary material and abide by your employment agreement you won't be doing anything unprofessional. Just be tactful & gracious for the opportunity they've given you while explaining (only if they ask) that you feel the decision is in your best interest (I advise against offering any additional detail here) & you won't burn any bridges. good luck

Response by SGT Robert R. made Oct 7 at 2015 7:04 AM

SGT Robert R. — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:04:25 -0400

It is my experience if you give your two weeks notice, and they do not accept it, that you are entitled to the two weeks pay. It maybe different where you are.

As a manager, I do not want anyone in my offices who has any access to what can be competitive information. Their loyalty is not to me any longer, and I would not want to give anyone the temptation to take company information that could cause them serious legal issues.

Response by SPC Phillip Jackson made Oct 7 at 2015 7:18 AM

SPC Phillip Jackson — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:18:54 -0400

It is your personal choice. But, I would not recommend it. All you really need to say is you are taking a position that improves your own situation and you fell that this is what you need to do. That may open a new dialogue as far as trying to keep you or salary increase. You have to be careful in that type of situation so you don't look like you are doing it for those reasons. It's really not anyone's business unless you decide to tell.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 8:07 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:07:26 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, I don't think it matters who you are going to. When you turn in your two weeks, your loyalty, commitment, drive, whatever changes at the same time (at least in their eyes, if not yours.) I have NEVER turned in two-weeks notice and gotten two weeks of work. That doesn't mean anything bad, nor does it mean you aren't loyal to the old company. It just means they have to protect their business.

As Capt Mark Strobl noted, keep it short, simple, and pleasant. You might want to come back to them someday. I did that too, and it wouldn't have been possible if I'd pissed them off before leaving.

Response by PO1 Mike Pierson made Oct 7 at 2015 10:29 AM

PO1 Mike Pierson — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 10:29:39 -0400

Frankly, a two week notice is not required. Yes it is polite to do this especially if you think you may return to that company in the future. However, as you have seen the company has no loyalty to its employees when it fires them on the spot for giving a two week notice. A two day notice by you will suffice. "I am giving you a two day notice of my resignation. I am resigning TODAY." This way you will not lose your two weeks of pay even if you can support it. Just make sure that you do not want to work for that company again but realize since they may fire you anyway you may not be able to work there in the future.

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Oct 7 at 2015 10:54 AM

CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 10:54:20 -0400

There is no reason to tell your current employer anything except that you are leaving.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Oct 7 at 2015 12:04 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:04:54 -0400

You can say what you want, just don't say you are going to a competitor. Say you enjoyed working "here" but you feel it is time to move on. If they asks where to, just say I have been offered an opportunity to enhance your career and you feel this is to good to pass up.

Response by SSG Brad Kachurka made Oct 7 at 2015 2:03 PM

SSG Brad Kachurka — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:03:15 -0400

Check out your companies practiceses on two weeks notice. It has been a common trend in many companies to let you go the same day you turn in your resignation regardless of reason.

If this is the case, you can resign effectively immediately but offer to take phone calls the next two weeks and coordinate with your supervisor. Then if they let you go the same day, you don't lose any income you were expecting.

Response by PO2 David L. Parker made Oct 8 at 2015 12:38 PM

PO2 David L. Parker — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 12:38:40 -0400

As a manager for many years it is absolutely acceptable for you not to disclose and to respectfully decline the request. And if pressed, tell them I am reflecting on all the possibilities I am being afforded at this time (may be just one but its none of their business), it's not a lie but an answer that is truthful without specifics.

Response by SSG Katherine Likely made Oct 8 at 2015 2:37 PM

SSG Katherine Likely — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:37:08 -0400

I don't believe you need to state a ruckus when going to a competitive company. But, you also need to know - especially - if you signed a confidentiality agreement - you may not divulge secrets about the company you left, depending on the agreement your old company can actually prohibit you from working with a competitive company for x # of months after leaving them.

Say nothing to your buddy at the office - you never know when something would "accidentally" slip out.

.

Response by SFC John La Voie made Oct 8 at 2015 8:40 PM

SFC John La Voie — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 20:40:41 -0400

As you can see from all of the comments here - it depends. If you are leaving, you obviously have a good reason - it might be pay, it might be location, it might be because your current boss is basically a mule (and yes, you can read between the lines on that one). That being said, if you have an employment contract that has requirements that have to be meet, ensure you meet them. Tell them as little or as much as you feel is appropriate, but as noted earlier, all you really need to say is "I'm done here and X is my last day." Also as noted above, if you are in a Right to Work state, be prepared for them to say "There's the door, don't let the knob hit you in the 4th Point of Contact on your way out." Do what you feel is best, just don't do something that may follow you through informal channels and haunt you for a long time.

Response by TSgt Erica Claus-numsali made Oct 8 at 2015 9:53 PM

TSgt Erica Claus-numsali — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 21:53:58 -0400

I believe that no one should know where you will be going because it could be a way for them to sabotage and/or blackball you in the local area with the potential business partners you hope to gain along the way with your new job

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 9 at 2015 2:21 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 14:21:11 -0400

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 9 at 2015 4:36 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 16:36:51 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I am of the opinion that it is better to keep it as short and vague as possible.

"Good Day {HR Person's name},

This letter is to inform you that I will be terminating my employment effective {Effect date of resignation}. Thank you for the opportunities that I have had at {current company name}.

Thank You,
{Your Name}"

Anything beyond that is not really their concern. They may choose to terminate you, they may have you work out the time, they may have you train your replacement, they may move you to another job for the two weeks so they can hire a replacement. Regardless, remember the world war two OPSEC addage "Loose lips sink ships" and keep everything else private. If asked directly, you simply state I am moving to another opportunity. Keep it generic.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 9 at 2015 4:54 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 16:54:31 -0400

If you aren't constrained by a non-compete agreement or some type of conflict of interest clause in your agreement with your current employer, then they have no business in knowing what you're doing after you leave their employ. If you've entered into some type of training program or tuition reimbursement deal, the employer may have leverage on whether you leave or not. Outside of something like that you can leave for any reason you want or no reason at all.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 3:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 03:13:21 -0400

I think all you need to say is I am putting in my two week for a better opportunity elsewhere.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 15 at 2015 2:22 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:22:26 -0400

If they have been treating you like a turd, I'd give 2 weeks notice and tell them you got accepted into a submarine screen door repairer apprenticeship. Your new job obviously hired you despite their recommendation.

Response by SGT Ray Grooms made Oct 26 at 2015 9:19 PM

SGT Ray Grooms — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 21:19:37 -0400

Did you ever sign a non-compete clause with your employer? Non-compete clauses are enforced by the courts. There are some limitations, but common sense applies to most of the limits. Mainly, they cannot be indefinite and must be reasonable. An employer cannot make you pledge to never work as an XX after leaving. Nor can it be for a long time such as 20 years. All non-competes have a defined time limit and a court is the arbiter of what a reasonable amount of time is based on each industry. If you did sign one, you need to contact a lawyer before switching jobs to protect yourself.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 26 at 2015 10:10 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 22:10:50 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member AND?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 4:23 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:23:03 -0400

Well being self employed in the past over 20 some odd years i know a thing or two. The point i just reviewed on your question you make note of the 'NO-Compete' issue. Off the record there are behind the curtain moves a business manager can and will do if it is determined that you are looking to provide the client list to another firm and going to work there. It's called being Black-Balled. Even a good worker can be Black-Balled for standing up simply for his rights. If you complain about a culture of corruption. You may be forced out of the area to look for new employment. It's common in the world in which we now live. + But to you main question. Hell 'NO' you should not self disclose anything if you can get away with it. Be truthful and only state that (1) - say thank you for the job (2) - and that you are looking to better yourself and have to move on. And that's it. If a raise or better position is offered. Think it over and get it down on paper. Other wise do what you need to do and move on.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Oct 27 at 2015 11:45 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:45:45 -0400

I am just curious of why were you fired on the spot? Most companies only require a 2 weeks notice.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Oct 28 at 2015 1:00 PM

CW3 Jim Norris — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 13:00:49 -0400

Yep. Matter of fact, pretty smart actually. Kind your interoffice conversations to a minimum about your new job. After a couple of weeks, give your former buddies a call and fill them in.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Oct 28 at 2015 2:25 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:25:48 -0400

I think most employers would understand that you, for your own reasons, want to move on. But I am certain that there are going to be those spiteful employers who will terminate on the spot because your leaving them anyway.
But in a resignation letter I think it's best just to say this is a two week notice and it's been a valuable experience working here.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Oct 29 at 2015 5:41 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 17:41:18 -0400

It is your business no one else's.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 30 at 2015 1:21 AM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 01:21:12 -0400

I never state what the next job is that I'm quitting a job for in a notice letter. If they ask later, you can choose to say, but its not necessary.