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Do you have to give notice if you quit your job?

One of your coworkers quits their job, and they put in two weeks’ notice before leaving. The employer still is not happy about it, but they spend those two weeks finding a replacement.

The whole experience makes you realize that you also want to quit your job. But do you really need to give notice? If you turn in an immediate resignation, your boss may tell you that it is “company policy” to provide two weeks’ notice before leaving, but does that mean you have to do it? 

Did you sign an employment contract? 

It all depends on the nature of your employment. If you signed an employment contract, it may already tell you what type of notice is required. That could be greater than two weeks, or a standard two weeks’ notice may apply. 

But if you do not have a contract and you are an at-will employee, there is no legal obligation for you to provide any notice at all. Quitting your job could be as simple as not going to work tomorrow. 

What about the company policy?

Unless it is in a contract, it doesn’t matter. You’re not bound by a company’s policies, especially after you quit the job. You can give two weeks’ notice if you want to maintain the relationship and perhaps get a good recommendation in the future, but you do not have to do so from a legal perspective.

Many employees run into significant issues with their employers, including disagreements over quitting policies. If you find yourself involved in a dispute, we need to know what legal options you have.