Should I give my notice at the beginning of the day or before I leave work?

Deciding whether to give your notice at the start of the day or before you leave work? Consider the culture of your workplace, your relationship with your employer and colleagues, and your personal preferences to make the best decision for you

As you ponder the conundrum of whether to give your notice at the beginning of the day or before you leave work, you may find yourself in a quandary.

Why resign at the start of the day

On one hand, giving your notice at the beginning of the day allows you to have a more structured and focused final day, as you can mentally prepare for your departure and tie up any loose ends.

Why resign at the end of the day

On the other hand, giving your notice before you leave work allows you to leave on a high note and avoid any awkward interactions or potential backlash from your employer.

Factors you should consider before resigning at all

In order to make an informed decision, it is important to consider a few key factors.

Culture of workplace

First and foremost, you should consider the culture of your workplace.

Relaxed culture

If your workplace has a more relaxed and informal culture, giving your notice before you leave for the day may be more appropriate.

This allows you to inform your employer and colleagues of your decision in a casual and low-key manner, and avoid any potential awkwardness or tension that may arise if you were to give your notice at the beginning of the day.

Formal culture

On the other hand, if your workplace has a more formal and structured culture, giving your notice at the beginning of the day may be the better option.

This allows you to have a more structured and professional conversation with your employer, and also gives you the opportunity to formally inform your colleagues of your decision. This can be especially important if you have a close working relationship with your colleagues, as it allows you to properly say goodbye and thank them for their support during your time at the company.

Your relationship with people at work

Another factor to consider is your relationship with your employer and colleagues.

Good relationship

If you have a good working relationship with your employer and colleagues, giving your notice before you leave for the day may be a good option.

This allows you to have a more relaxed and informal conversation about your decision, and can help to maintain a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues even after you have left the company.

Strained relationship

On the other hand, if you have a more strained relationship with your employer and colleagues, giving your notice at the beginning of the day may be the better option.

This allows you to have a more formal and professional conversation about your decision, and can help to prevent any potential conflicts or awkwardness that may arise if you were to give your notice before you leave for the day.

So which is better - give notice at the start or end of the day?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to give your notice at the beginning of the day or before you leave work is a personal one, and will depend on a variety of factors.

By considering the culture of your workplace, your relationship with your employer and colleagues, and your own personal preferences, you can make an informed decision that is best for you and your situation.

Subscribe to Interview Question

Don’t miss out on the latest issues. Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
jamie@example.com
Subscribe