Is It Illegal to Quit a Job Without Notice?

Quitting a job is never a pleasant situation. The mere act of announcing your departure is already challenging; it becomes extra difficult when you have to quit without notice. In this article, we’ll talk about the legality of quitting without notice, why you should or shouldn’t do it, and how to approach such a situation properly. Read on!

The Answer

Yes, you can quit without notice. Normally, it’s best to give your two-week notice, but there may not be any legal reason you can’t resign on the spot. 

This applies especially if you have an “at-will employment,” which means either you or your employer has the right to sever the relationship without notice and for no stated cause. You’re free to walk out the door without giving your two weeks’ notice even if the company’s handbook says it’s the standard for the business. 

Unless Your Contract States Otherwise

Remember, though, that if your employment is covered by an employment agreement, the terms of the contract will apply unless you’re leaving for valid causes. 

Your contract may require you to give two weeks’ notice before leaving. It may also forfeit benefits such as unused vacation if you fail to provide sufficient notice. As a result, you must first check your contract and read it carefully. 

Should You Quit Without Notice? 

This can be a tough decision if you’re working under difficult circumstances. Or you may have just started a job and already know it’s not going to work out. The usual approach is to tough the two weeks out. 

If you’re 100% convinced that staying won’t make sense for you, you should consider the timing of your resignation. The most common reasons employees quit their jobs immediately include: 

• You have a medical condition or emergency
• You have a family reason or emergency 
• You haven’t been paid the agreed-upon wage. In that case, you should be hiring Windsor Lawyers that specialize in employment law.
• You have worked less than a month and signed no contract 
• You have been asked to do something illegal or unethical
• Your mental health is seriously affected by job stress
• Your wages have been withheld for an unacceptable amount of time. That is grounds for litigation
• You’re undergoing a personal crisis, deeming you unfit for the job
• An employee or boss has been abusive
• A co-worker or boss has sexually harassed you
• The work environment is hostile or unsafe for you to carry out your responsibilities 

If you’re resigning due to reasons way out of your control, let your employer know. This will help them sympathize with you. 

Advantages of Quitting With Notice

Offering your two weeks’ notice offers plenty of advantages for you, but the two biggest ones are: 

• You leave the company in good standing: if you leave the company on good terms, you can go back with relative ease in case circumstances change. On top of that, your boss is more likely to offer good references for your future employment. 
• You preserve co-worker relationships: your co-workers may feel some repercussions when you exit the company. Giving two weeks’ notice helps you preserve your professional and personal relationships with your colleagues. 

Beyond those, your employer will also enjoy the following benefits: 

• They gain time to prepare: they’ll have time to plan, post a job listing, assess candidates, schedule an exit interview, and ultimately find a suitable replacement. Your two weeks’ notice will also give the company some training overlap; you can train your replacement and foster a more seamless transition.
• They can tie up loose ends: your two weeks’ notice can also be used to finish any projects or tasks involving you. Departments can decide which projects to prioritize to prepare for your departure. 

How to Approach Quitting Without Notice 

If you’ve made up your mind, follow these steps to exit your company professionally and strategically: 

Consider the Risks

Review the risks and consequences of your decision. Generally, you should only quit when it’s truly in your best interest. If you hope your employer can give you positive references for future work and you’re in a close-knit industry, know that quitting without notice can end your professional relationship. This may give you a negative reputation in your field. 

Communicate Clearly 

Even if you can’t give your two weeks’ notice, try your best to talk with your employer. Let them know why you’re leaving, when your last day will be, and if you can no longer go to work. Inform them in person. If you can’t, a phone call or email is better than no contact at all. 

If you have a good relationship with your manager or superior, it’s best to tell them some information about why you want or have to leave without notice. This can help quit without notice while also avoiding burning bridges. 

Be Polite 

Use polite language when informing your boss about your plan. Show grace and dignity — yes, even if your employer doesn’t — as this can help you maintain your professional reputation.

If you share the reason behind your decision, be tactful and focus on the facts instead of looking to blame someone in particular. Meanwhile, if you’re resigning during a high-conflict situation, it may be best to quit through a written note, which can help you present a more professional tone. 

Acknowledge the Situation 

Recognize that the situation isn’t ideal for both parties. If you can, offer your last hours at work to help transition your responsibilities to another person. Apologize for any convenience, and acknowledge your manager’s challenges — this can keep your positive working relationship. This also tells them that you’re self-aware and challenges them to consider the situation from your perspective, too. 

Talk to HR 

Even after you’ve resigned, you’ll still need to connect with an HR representative to learn the next steps, such as getting your final check and receiving unpaid benefits. You may also have to attend an exit interview, where you can provide constructive feedback about any workplace conditions that contributed to your decision to quit. 

You should also provide them with your updated contact information so they can send documents and other things to the right place.