Gen X Accountant Seeking Advice on How to Give Notice
Hello, fellow accountants!
As a member of Gen X, I often find myself navigating life with a healthy dose of cynicism and anxiety. I hold a business degree with a focus on Accounting, but I chose to pivot away from the harder classes during my senior year. I briefly worked in Accounting before 2000, took some time off to have a baby, and returned to work part-time in administrative roles until 2019, when I jumped back into full-time Accounting roles, primarily in real estate. Since 2021, I’ve been working as an accountant.
Recently, I’ve become frustrated with my current position. Despite consistently receiving excellent reviews and expressing my desire for advancement, I haven’t been promoted to a senior accountant role. After my last review and a modest 3% pay raise (funny, right?), I started exploring other opportunities.
On Thursday, I had a second Teams interview for a Senior Accountant 1 position at a reputable competitor, and on Friday, I received an offer that exceeded my expectations—over $10k more than I requested (a 36% increase!)—along with the benefits of fully remote work, unlimited PTO, and a leap to Senior Accountant 2. I accepted the offer, and my start date is set for April 21.
Now, here’s where I could use some guidance: the new company will conduct a background check and drug test (neither of which are a concern for me). However, I haven’t yet received the details about taking the drug test or the paperwork for the background check; HR mentioned I would get an email with a link to complete. I’d like to inform my current employer on Monday to carve out a week off between jobs, but I’ve used up most of my vacation time for a February break.
Should I take the plunge and resign on Monday, or should I wait until I receive confirmation that the background check is in order? I’ve heard quite a few stories about job offers being rescinded at the last minute, and to be honest, I really need this new position as my husband is looking to retire from his physically demanding job for health reasons.
I appreciate any advice you can share and apologize for the lengthy message!
One response
Congratulations on your new job offer! It sounds like a great opportunity, and you deserve a chance to move up in your career, especially after your hard work and excellent reviews.
Regarding your question about giving notice, here are a few things to consider:
Timing: If your start date is April 21 and you want a week off, providing your notice on Monday gives you about three weeks before you start your new position. This is generally a sufficient time frame for most employers, though you’ll want to check your current company’s policies regarding notice periods.
Background Check and Drug Test: While it’s understandable to be anxious about the potential for the offer to be rescinded, it’s fairly common for companies to conduct background checks and drug tests after an official offer has been made. Given that you have no concerns on this front, it’s likely that everything will go smoothly.
Communication: When you do give your notice, it’s often best to do so in a way that maintains professionalism and leaves the door open for future opportunities. Express your gratitude for the time you’ve spent with the company and the positive experiences you’ve had there.
Risk Assessment: Think about the risks versus rewards. The likelihood of a job offer being rescinded is generally low, especially since they’ve already made an offer and you’re moving into the HR process. Trust your instincts and the information you have—if you feel confident about this new opportunity, it could be worth the leap.
Plan B: Before you give your notice, consider having a plan in case something goes awry with the new opportunity. This could involve maintaining a positive relationship with your current employer or having potential leads to pursue if necessary.
In summary, if you’re feeling confident about the new position and have no serious concerns, go ahead and give your notice on Monday. Taking that leap can feel daunting, but it often leads to growth and new opportunities. Best of luck with your transition—you’re embarking on an exciting new chapter!