How on Earth do I give notice in this situation?

warden1989

Firstly, a bit of background. I was employed about 5 months ago, initially as a 6-month temp contract but with the promise of a longer contract at the end of it. Being a bit of a pessimist, I just thought 'We'll see'.

About a month and a half ago, my boss (and the owner of the business) went on a two-week holiday. Before that, he was a fairly regular presence in the office. Since then, he hasn't been seen, save for the odd e-mail. There is a big pile of letters on his desk from weeks ago, unopened.

I'm one of only a handful of employees, so obviously we were all speculating about what was going on. A few days ago, my co-worker received a text out of the blue from the boss, saying that he is leaving for a different job and is trying to find a way to keep the business going without him.

I found this hugely unprofessional and disrespectful. Were it not for my co-worker and I being quite good friends and him showing me the text, I wouldn't have the slightest clue what was going on. It doesn't take much to speak to us in person.

Anyway, I see the writing on the wall and even if he were to keep the business going, I don't want to work for him or this business anymore.

Is it acceptable for me to just send an e-mail with a rather generic reason for resigning? I want to remain professional and if I had the choice, I would speak to him in person about it but seeing as how he hasn't been near the office in a month and a half, it's impossible.

R_P_W

You don't need to give a reason. Just submit a letter of resignation and work your notice period.

phill99

You don't need to declare why you are leaving. Just say you're terminating your employment and here's the required notice.

maninthestreet

Are you and your co-workers still getting your pay?

ap1986

As long as you're still being paid correctly, I don't see why you don't just work to the end of your initial 6 month contract and say that you don't wish to take up a permanent position in the company if you're offered it. After all, you may not be offered it so you may as well stay there for now, it's only another month right?

Gives you time to have a look around for other work too

ValHaller

ap1986 wrote: »

As long as you're still being paid correctly, I don't see why you don't just work to the end of your initial 6 month contract and say that you don't wish to take up a permanent position in the company if you're offered it. After all, you may not be offered it so you may as well stay there for now, it's only another month right?

Gives you time to have a look around for other work too

I agree. As it is a fixed term contract, it rubs both ways of course. OP can leave without notice at the end of the 6 months unless the contract says different. Equally, if the boss does not renew, OP would be out of a job at 6 months. So just look for another job to start after the 6 months.

theoretica

If you want to speak with him in person you could send him an email asking to arrange an appointment - either to see him or for a phone call.

clairec79

is the place big enough to have a HR department?
I sent a copy to them and left a copy on the managers desk before