Advice for leaving job

Choppit69

Hi, looking for some advice/different perspectives.

I've worked for my current employer for 14 years, and 17 months ago was diagnosed with depression (brought on by a bullying manager). I took medication for 14 months, but didn't take any sick leave. Six months ago I came off the medication, but around a month ago found myself slipping back into depression, culminating 2 weeks ago with me going back on medication, and being signed off work for 4 weeks. Due to the depression, and to some degree the side effects of the medication my work performance has been patchy, and a couple of days ago I discovered that my work has been rated as below standard for the last year (prior years were rated as good or excellent), so I suspect that I'm now going to be "managed out".  As poor work/life balance are fairly standard for my job/employer, and given my current condition I really don't want the additional stress, so I'm strongly inclined to leave my job, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to do this (from both a financial, and "employability" perspective). I'm 51, own my home (no mortgage), have no debts, credit cards are cleared monthly, and have savings (25%) and investments (75%) that should allow me to comfortably support my family for at least 10 years if needed. The palatable options I've come up with are;

* Give my notice before my fit note expires.

* Return when my fit note expires, and give my notice. I have no particular concerns about working my notice if required, with the end in sight.

* Ask my GP to sign me off work for longer, giving me more time to think. This increases the likelihood that I'll be terminated.

Once I'm out I plan to take my time looking for another job, or another way to make a living, knowing I could be out of work for a long period (not the best time to be looking for work I know..), and that I'll probably be taking a 60%+ pay cut.

Any advice?

Anything else I should consider?

General_Grant

If they chose to terminate your employment, they would need to give you at least 12 weeks notice and pay you full pay for that time.   (That notice is statutory but could be longer if in your contract and you will know if it is.)
Try looking for alternative work now.

I would be looking for alternative work now but not resigning as yet.  How much notice do you need to give?  If you had to serve this in full, would this be detrimental to your being able to take up a new job?  That is, would it be longer than what would be usual for the kind of position you would be considering?  If so, you could well be able to negotiate a reduced notice period if they think you are not performing well at the moment.

Remember that while you are signed off sick you are still accruing holiday.

Marcon

Choppit69 said:

Once I'm out I plan to take my time looking for another job, or another way to make a living, knowing I could be out of work for a long period (not the best time to be looking for work I know..), and that I'll probably be taking a 60%+ pay cut.

Any advice?

Anything else I should consider?

Possibly how important a reference is in terms of helping you to get your next job - and whether having your employment  terminated by your employer on grounds of poor performance (which they can certainly include, and would almost certainly disclose if specifically asked) is going to seriously handicap the job hunt.

Diamandis

If your work is affecting you this badly and you dont really require the money right now I'd just hand in your notice now for the sake of your mental health.

Choppit69

General_Grant said:

How much notice do you need to give?  If you had to serve this in full, would this be detrimental to your being able to take up a new job?  That is, would it be longer than what would be usual for the kind of position you would be considering?  

Notice period is 4 weeks, at least according to the only contract I've signed (I've changed role several times), and I don't think this would present issues for starting new employment, although I'm not yet decided what type of position I'd apply for. Unfortunately, as along as I'm in this job, and particularly with the "performance management" that'll be coming, I'm not likely to be in a good place.

Choppit69

Marcon said:

Possibly how important a reference is in terms of helping you to get your next job - and whether having your employment  terminated by your employer on grounds of poor performance (which they can certainly include, and would almost certainly disclose if specifically asked) is going to seriously handicap the job hunt.

Unfortunately the poor performance has already happened, and is now on record, so I see this as being the difference between, "resigned with poor performance" and "terminated for poor performance"

General_Grant

Choppit69 said:

General_Grant said:

How much notice do you need to give?  If you had to serve this in full, would this be detrimental to your being able to take up a new job?  That is, would it be longer than what would be usual for the kind of position you would be considering?  

Notice period is 4 weeks, at least according to the only contract I've signed (I've changed role several times), and I don't think this would present issues for starting new employment, although I'm not yet decided what type of position I'd apply for. Unfortunately, as along as I'm in this job, and particularly with the "performance management" that'll be coming, I'm not likely to be in a good place.

As you were contemplating a reduction of 60+%, your salary appears to be above £42K as an absolute minimum and might have had a longer notice but if nothing is included in a staff handbook or other written document you have, then the 4 weeks would apply.  (You don't have to have signed anything but they do have to tell you in some way if there is a change.)  Most employers would be content to wait 4 weeks for a new employee to start.

oh_really

Do nothing rash. Let the employer start exit process and review options/ strategy then.

jobzwo888

Hand in your notice, its not worth the stress.
Sign back off work as it sounds as though this is affecting you mentally again so you dont work the final 4 weeks.
Take your time to find a new job that is better suited to you this time.

TELLIT01

oh_really said:

Do nothing rash. Let the employer start exit process and review options/ strategy then.

I agree.  With the OP's previously good work history it doesn't seem that the company has been particularly supportive so make the best of a bad situation.  If your GP will sign you off again do so.  Continue to get an income as long as you can, but try to use the time constructively by seeking new employment.

Iamdebtfree

Dude. Let me get this straight. House owned outright. No debt, savings and investments. Able to support self and family for years. What's the problem? Why do you put yourself through this crap?Just..leave. Tell them to go blip themselves and leave. Sit down with your family and discuss what's best for the future.

None of this will matter in a couple of dozen years' time when we're all six feet under. Live whilst you can.