Can I job tell you when you must quit by?

Question

My husband is up for a new position with state corrections. He had to get employment verifications from every employer he ever had. Since he had to get it from his current employer, they were aware that he may be leaving by Sept 5 or so. His boss told him that he must quit no later than Aug 22 if he is going to leave and he must put a two week notice before then. She said that she doesn't want him to mess up her months numbers. (its a sales call center) He doesn't know if he is even going to be accepted for bootcamp that starts Sept 9th. He can't possibly put in a notice now, because he still may not get accepted. Can they do this?

Answer 1

No the current job cannot demand that he resign by a certain date.  Just because the woman is too lazy to change her "numbers" is no reason to tell him to leave before he has his new job lined up.

Answer 2

I don't know that I like one job mandating how you deal with another. I suppose that they can give it as guidance (i.e., we need someone to start by this point, and don't want your other job to interfere), but they can't MAKE him do anything.

If he can't get notice from the other job, he may have to let this job fall by the wayside, not just because of the mandate, but just because of the timing. He has the right to ask how many other candidates are in the running, to gauge if its worth the risk, but that's about it.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Legally he does not have to give his notice, but you must all ready know that even if he does not the boss will find a way to fire him.  It would be in his best interest to quit this job rather than have the boss fire him, when they want you fired they always find a way to do it.

Answer 4

Legally, no, your husband is not required to give notice. There is not explicit law that states you must give advance notice of resignation. Anyone can quit a job on the spot and there's nothing the company can do legally. Now, there is what is called "professional courtesy" which says you should (but not required) to give advance notice that is commensurate with your length of service and importance of your position. Again, this is not a law but an understanding.

In your husband's care, he has nothing to worry about. Although the manager requested advance notice, legally, he doesn't have to give one. The manager can request but cannot demand advance notice of resignation. If the job comes through, then he hands in his resignation even if it's less than two weeks notice and nothing (legally) can come of it.

-- Liam