In 31 years

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

I've only had 2 jobs, one for 24 years in the army and the other for 7 years teaching.

I attended an interview for my third job today. What a strange feeling to be doing that aged 47. I felt like I was in the head masters office while waiting for it to start.

I felt it went well, particularly when the main fella pointed out that he had been a "pads brat" (child of a squaddie) for 26 years and knew quite well what experience I had.

The problem is though, I'm relocating to the north east and can't resign from my current post until my house purchasers are past the point of no return. My work are being really awkward and are pushing for me to work two months notice, despite the house sale being only weeks from completion. This is despite them knowing unofficially for months that I was leaving as soon as my house sold.

Are there any HR bods on here that can enlighten me on any possible options?

[piskieinboots]

Firstly, good luck with the job, let's hope an offer comes forth. Second, I work with some HRers, I'll ask around for you. Do I have your permission to copy your text to them?

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

Firstly, good luck with the job, let's hope an offer comes forth. Second, I work with some HRers, I'll ask around for you. Do I have your permission to copy your text to them?

See my PM. I have been promised an answer on the job by no later than tomorrow am

[Incy]

When did you hand in your notice Ringo?
Sorry just realised you said you couldn't until the house sale gets to a certain point. I presume this is down to mortgage arrangements and needing to be employed in order to get one.
What is stated in your contract? If it says you have to give 2 months notice in writing then you are in a difficult position as I believe they can legally enforce it.
Most companies, however would be understanding about your situation. Have you spoken to your HR rep and explained why you haven't been able to give the formal notice?
You should at least be able to deduct any leave entitlement from the notice period.
Good luck with it.

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

When did you hand in your notice Ringo?

I told them I'd sold the house two weeks ago and gave them my "intention to resign" around 11 days ago. This was done at the suggestio of HR to allow my line maager to at least get the ball rolling for recruiting a replacement.

I still can't resign formally until my solicitor gets back to me to say she's confident the buyers are committed.

Surely it's not that uncommon for people to resign when relocating and to have this problem with the sale of the house?

[ginger ninger]

Good Luck with the job R.G.N, I hope things turn out OK for you. xx

[Flummery]

I don't have your HR answer - but I really wish you well with the move - it's not an easy thing to do. I came over the Pennines from Lancashire to Yorkshire nearly 40 years ago. I'm not sure I (or Yorkshire) have fully recovered!

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

I don't have your HR answer - but I really wish you well with the move - it's not an easy thing to do. I came over the Pennines from Lancashire to Yorkshire nearly 40 years ago. I'm not sure I (or Yorkshire) have fully recovered!

Thanks. Yeah but for me it's a home coming. I have always wanted to go back, but OH had been a little snooty about it until recently.

[Flummery]

I see what you mean. However, I'm not sure Lancashire's ready for me again either!

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

I see what you mean. However, I'm not sure Lancashire's ready for me again either!

Well it will certainly feel strange at first. When I left aged 16, at the suggestion of Norman Tebbitt, my home town was an extremely vibrant mining community. Now though.........................................

[piskieinboots]

Surely it's not that uncommon for people to resign when relocating and to have this problem with the sale of the house?

I work in Australia migration and we always ALWAYS advise clients not to take any irreversible action i.e. selling houses, giving in notices, etc., until the visa has been granted.

I understand you aren't migrating and a visa isn't being sought, but it is similar - the reason we have to advise that is because there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted. I guess this, again, is similar to your situation in that you haven't got a guarantee of a job offer. Or are you relocating anyway?

Fingers crossed all the pieces of the jigsaw slot in together for you!

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

I work in Australia migration and we always ALWAYS advise clients not to take any irreversible action i.e. selling houses, giving in notices, etc., until the visa has been granted.

I understand you aren't migrating and a visa isn't being sought, but it is similar - the reason we have to advise that is because there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted. I guess this, again, is similar to your situation in that you haven't got a guarantee of a job offer. Or are you relocating anyway?

Fingers crossed all the pieces of the jigsaw slot in together for you!

Yes, I am committed to relocating. I have a good pension and some other income to fall back on.

I know it might seem selfish, but my/our needs are greater than theirs. I might be difficult to replace long term, but they have people waiting in the wings that can do it on a short term contract until a long term replacement can be recruited.


The notice period is contractual, but all previous leavers have only worked a month of notice. This is personal and spiteful as my LM and I don't get on.

[zazen999]

I'd do what Incy suggested and see what arrangements you can come to with regards facilitating your leaving the company bearing in mind the housing situation.

All else fails; could you bed down with someone on their spare bed for a few weeks to complete your notice; or come to an arrangement where you stay until they have replaced you and you have a week's extreme handover?

Failing that; orchestrate a massive falling out, run out in tears and refuse to enter the building again [not to be advised of course]...but I did that once - happy days

[sweetiepea]

Sorry to hear of your dilemma RGN. I'm afraid I've no advice to give, but i do wish you the very best of luck with your move and I hope everything else works out for you too.

[Incy]

The notice period is contractual, but all previous leavers have only worked a month of notice. This is personal and spiteful as my LM and I don't get on.

If it is a question of your line manager and you not getting on, then I would deal directly and only with HR on this matter. They are more likely to be supportive than your LM. It is also not his call to make, he has to be guided by HR and if they decide to be supportive I suspect there is not a lot your LM can do about it.
Go talk to them and get them on your side. Good luck!