HI ,,

That is a classic "text book" example of leaving a job and "everybody is still happy".

I wish it could be true and maybe it was a long-long time ago.

In todays professional and or blue collar world..it is far from it.

You used the word "contract"..maybe your referring to a jobber and not an employee. In which case your suggestions are more applicable..yah never know when you can come back on another contract.

But for an employee ..

#1 - keep your mouth shut

#2 - have employment letter "in hand" and make sure you can pass a physical and drug test

#3 - Say BYE ..and walk out the front door.

regards ..BadFrog

PeeEss ...It's a dog-eat-dog world and your employer won't die because you left.

I second and third and fourth Coryan's suggestion that you get confirmation IN WRITING from your next employer before quitting your current job.

Years ago, I resigned a job when I was verbally offerred one with an insurance company. Once the new company discovered that I'm diabetic, the offer was withdrawn.

Even if the Americans with Diabilities Act had been in force at the time, I wouldn't have had a leg to stand on.

Froggy--I live in a fire-at-will state. I've always been an obedient little doobie upon termination/resignation, but I can't help but wonder: if they can can me without notice, why can't I quit without it?

Granted, if you choose, you can walk the day you give your employer notice. If your only criteria in life is to look out for number one, this MAY be a strategy you can take.

But I would like to propose two other points of view:

1) Leaving your employer with no notice other than the letter you hand them as you leave, may not be in your best interest. The world is much smaller than we think, and our no-notice departure may reflect poorly on us with a potential future employer.

BTW, I always ask applicants how much notice they gave their prior employer (and check this when calling for references). I expect at least a week (2 preferred) and an honest answer.

2) Leaving your employer with no notice demonstrates an attitude of, "screw my employer, all that matters is me." Your comment made it clear that in your dog-eat-dog world, you live this way. Others of us do not view our employers as the enemy. I expect fair treatment from my employer, and I return the same...even when leaving.

Now, if my employer has not treated me fairly or staying the two weeks is simply unbearable, I may leave with less (or no) notice. But I've never been in this situation with any of the 7 employers I have had over the years. So for me, I will continue to give notice and recommend it to anyone leaving a job.

Sorry to hear of the withdrawn offer. But that happens often enough that getting the offer in writing is a must.

Also, I understand your point about employment-at-will states, but has that actually happened to you? Employers in those states rarely terminate employment without notice unless there is cause to fire the employee. Just because the law allows an employer to do this, does not mean it makes good business sense.

The same is true for employees leaving without notice. Absent a contract, you do not have to give any notice when leaving, but this does not mean it's a good idea. I stand by my recommendation to give two weeks notice when leaving a job under good terms.