When do I resign?
 

I'll be going back to graduate school this fall, which means I'll be quitting my current position. How much notice should I give my employer?

I've read that I should just give them two no matter what, but they'll know I could have given them much more - no one decides spontaneously to go to graduate school two weeks before it starts. I don't want them to think I'm a jerk. On the other hand, I don't want to be eliminated early since I'll be leaving anyway ... and given my line of work, layoffs are a possibility.

Help!

Well from what I understand you are in no way required to give your employer any kind of notice. Two weeks is standard for common courtesy. However, you're employer is required to give either two weeks notice or a severance package in leu of notice. Many employers may prefer 2 weeks or more, but as far as I know you are not legally obligated to give any sort of notice.

That might be true in Canada, but definitely not here in the U.S.:

"If you are a civil service employee or if you are subject to a collective bargaining agreement your employer generally has to give some advance notice of the problem. Otherwise, the employer may terminate you at will and without prior warning, unless there is an express or implied promise to do the contrary."
http://www.consumerrights.net/employment_brochure.html

it depends on how much you like your employer...lol. honestly, if you give them lots of notice....and they lay you off....at least you will be able to collect unemployment!

I love my company. My boss, well, my momma said if you can't say anything nice ... so I won't.

Give one month's notice because they might need to hire or find your replacement which can take more than two weeks. Write a letter to HR and your boss or supervisor thanking them for the opportunity and explaining that it is time to move on. You can handle this with respect for the company and the boss and still use them as a reference in the future. :)

I agree that one month would be nice, so they can find a replacement and you can train them.

What she said ;)

100% Agreed. If you love the company and feel that you could obtain a good reference out of them (even if it's a few years down the road) 1 month written notice is a good idea. No need to burn a well-built bridge!!

Re: When do I resign?
 

I did one week before school started. Luckily, MBA programs will admit you provisionally.

In any case, I'd say more like 1 months notice. This gives them time to advertise and interview for the position and hopefully find you a replacement...but also it is short enough that they will still keep you on.

To be honest, I doubt they will replace me. I work for an airline, so we're losing money at a good clip. And my advice would be not to replace me, since I don't have anywhere near enough work to keep me busy. (Sad but true.)

And really, HR doesn't give references these days. Our policy like so many companies is just to state the bare facts - yes he/she was employed in this capacity these dates. And it'll be a cold day in hell before I voluntarily ask my boss for one.

Wow...how did I miss this when it first got posted?? I'm going through the same thing!! I plan to give a month's notice. I'm going to have to work part time while I'm in grad school so that will give me time to actively and openly look for another job as well. Ideally I'd like to stay with my hospital if I can (for continuity of insurance, etc.) but in a less stressful role and on a part time basis. Keep your fingers crossed!

Good luck, ladybug!

I think I am going to give one month's notice ... if nothing else it's just driving me nuts keeping my mouth shut.

This is one problem I'd love to have!!:D