Quitting My Job

[crapmemory]

I am 8 weeks into a job where there is a 3 month trial period. I absolutely HATE it. Can I leave with immediate effect? TIA

[DSJ]

Have you got another job lined up?

[slinky.kate]

what kind of work is it,my son is looking for a job,he left his job in nov.and finding it hard to get another.maybe yours would suit him

[tonyav]

Yes you can quit with immediate effect, however it's not good form to quit without giving notice though.

[sandyRoe]

How easy would it be for you to find something else? If you do quit you'd not be eligible for benefits if you need to claim them.

[Peaspeculiars]

Check your contract of employment, it should say in black and white. Normally you can leave without notice in the first month, after that it is usually 1 month notice you have to give.

Can you not have a chat to the boss/ line manager and see what can be done to improve things?
Be careful about leaving without another job to go to - I left a job I hated after 3 months and it looks really bad on my CV now (even though my CV is very good otherwise). Prospective employers will always be cagey and may think that you were the problem if you give 'it was an awful job so I left' as an answer in interview. Even if it is the truth.

[rsvp]

not going to look too good on your CV - so much better to be able to say at the end of the three month 'Well I wasn't too sure to begin with but I did try my best, however I don't feel I will be an asset to the company.' - that is, of course, if they like you and decide offer the position to you.

[crapmemory]

No I haven't got another job lined up. I have worked since I was 16, but now I'm 59 and have never been in this position before. I hate it so much that it brings me to tears just thinking about it.

[albaqwerty]

just a thought, visit your doctor/phone surgery in the morning, too much stress etc and ask for a 4 week sick-note.

[berniecuddles]

if you do quit have you another job?
as i'm pretty sure if you quit you cant "sign on" for 12 weeks

[slinky.kate]

son has only been eligible to sign on(its the first time for him as well)

[Peaspeculiars]

Sorry to hear that CM, Can I ask why you left your old job?
Reason I ask is that, I left the previous job after 3 years there because although the job was fantastic, the money was poor.
The new job I went to was a daily screaming match of arguments between the staff there and I felt nervous even going into work as the place was so unprofessional. There was nothing to be done to make it better, I chatted to my boss who said they were all very set in their ways and that things weren't likely to change, so I'd better just get used to the noise. So I said Thank you, but it is not for me.
After 3 months job-hunting, I have luckily been contacted by my previous employer to ask if I would like to come back, with a pay-rise.

Could you contact your old boss and see if you could return to the old job?

If you do decide to leave, just make sure you budget well as you will not be able to sign on for a few months. And mentally go through how you will explain your reasons for leaving in an interview.
If I've learn't anything from this, it is that life is too short to work for a company that you absolutley hate. I was in tears at the end of each day wondering how I could get out. Luckily, when I gave my 1 month's notice, I suggested to the boss that they call up their second choice from the interview process, and see if they would like the job still. They did and were able to start within 2 weeks so I was released early.

[THECORBYLOON]

There is something called Employment On Trial which may not apply in this particular case if the OP has always worked. If someone has not worked in the thirteen weeks before a job starts, if they then work at least sixteen hours a week for more than four weeks but less than thirteen, they can leave and their JSA will not be affected. This does not apply to anyone who is dismissed for misconduct.

[crapmemory]

I have just checked my contract and it states that before the 3 month probation period is up, either side may give 1 weeks notice.
As I said before, the thought of going back there fills me with dread. Can I send an email today stating that I am leaving with immediate effect?

[boxtops]

I wouldn't do that, crap, it's very bad form. You can write to them giving the one week's notice though, then just make the most of it for another 5 working days. Another employer is going to ask this one why you left - to say you just walked out does you no favours at all. The contract says one week's notice, that's what it means. You are in breach of contract if you just don't turn in tomorrow.

[Peaspeculiars]

Boxtops is right. That is great news that you only have to give a week notice.
Ask to have a private chat with your boss tomorrow and if the boss thinks also that nothing can be done to improve the situation, have your notice ready to hand in.
A week really will go by fast even though you feel stressed, ride it out. Almost all new jobs will ask for a reference off your most recent employer, so try to leave on good terms.
All the very best :-)

[crapmemory]

As I have never been in this position before, what can I say in my resignation letter?

[THECORBYLOON]

Further to my previous post, if you leave voluntarily and the Employment on Trial does not apply, you can claim JSA but it will not be payable for the thirteen weeks after the date last worked if you can not show a good reason for leaving. You should remember this before you hand in your notice.

[Peaspeculiars]

Sorry CM, was just out walking the dog.
How about something like:

Dear ‘Boss’s Name’,
I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position of ‘Job Title’ within ‘Company Name Ltd’.
It is with sadness that this difficult decision has been made, however I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the professional development and care you have provided me in the last 2 months. I appreciate the support you have given me and wish you all the very best for the future.
If it is convenient, my finishing date will be Friday 21st March 2014 (to cover 1 weeks notice period). I am sure we will discuss shortly which date would be best.
Kindest Regards,
'Your name'

It doesn't have to be explanatory as you will no doubt have a chat with your boss to go over the reasons for leaving, but keep it pleasant and short.
Have you got any idea what you will do next? Have a break from work or go straight into job-hunting? What do your family/ partner think of your decision? - I'm sure they will offer you some support :-)

[Mosaic]

Sorry to read of the pressure you've been under CM. You've worked all your life. You need to be good to yourself now. Are there any other sources of work-related pension that you can pull now? This might tide you over until your state pension kicks in. Moreover pulling a pension doesn't prevent you from taking a bit of work that you enjoy, rather than becoming ill and demoralised with the daily 9 till 5.
Other people here have given good advice, but I'd still suggest you phone in and say you need to go to the doctor's tomorrow, then see your GP and get signed off sick. Then you can get your head together and resign when you feel a bit stronger.
Good luck and chin up.

[crapmemory]

Just to let you all know that after a lot of deliberation and with the backing of my family, I gave my notice in on Monday and I leave tomorrow (21st!). I haven't got anything lined up but I am already looking. I feel as if a weight has been lifted from me. Thank you all for your replies. I shall let you know if and when I find another job.