Should I resign- can I give less notice period to the contact notice?

Blackelldan

I changed my job about 6 months ago to give me a better work/life balance working only 24 hours a week. However it is rare that I do just these hours. I haven’t really complained but I work virtually every weekend and a lot of lates which means I don’t see my family much.

This year is a special year for the family with significant birthdays and reunions that I am involved with.
I booked a weekend away before I started the company( and paid for it) , then booked a holiday for the big birthday I then requested time to take a family member to see her sibling abroad. Work has said I have to cancel the weekend away as they will not authorise 4 weekends off for me, as it is close to the birthday holiday.
I do intend to go on all these breaks ( it is an unusual year I don’t normally go away this often) but I’m not sure what to do. I do love my work( not the hours and shift times) but iam willing to resign if I can’t get the time off - my contract states 8 weeks notice- can I give less with their agreement?

Flugelhorn

If you resign, you can ask if they will allow a shorter notice period - a lot of employers are OK with this as they realise it is no good having an employee who doesn't want to be there - my last job (before retirement) - required 3 months and they agreed to 2 as we were moving house

Woodstok2000

Can you talk to your colleagues and see if anyone would be willing to cover (and you owe them a favour in future)?

If you can present a viable plan for your absences to your boss(es), showing you've addressed any potential issues for the company, theyre much more likely to treat it favourably.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6660245/should-i-resign-can-i-give-less-notice-period-to-the-contact-notice

With their agreement you can do whatever you want. Without their agreement no.

born_again

Or you could just go on your breaks & see if they let you go?

Undervalued

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81928179#Comment_81928179

You can but that would amount to gross misconduct. So you could be "let go" (i.e. dismissed) without notice or pay in lieu. It could be disclosed in any reference and if so wouldn't look good to any future employer.

Far better to try and negotiate.

Also, if it were the other way round how would you feel?

Spendless

This happened to me. Started a new job, gave my hols in that were already booked (and were in line with my previous employer) on my first day. 6 weeks later called to the manager's office and told I couldnt have them, same as you too many weekends off on the trot and if I did my contract would be terminated. I replied 'ok' and pointed out that Id handed them on the morning of the first day I started (so to me if they'd been looked at then they could have withdrawn the job offer).

I couldnt change them one is for a big bday and going with friends, the other accompanying my husband to a work conference abroad. I was pretty upset and decided that I would just give my notice a month before but not say anything. At work I withdrew one of the hols (the later one). My husband said to me 'your manager must be thick if she hasnt worked out what you intend doing'. Next thing my manager speaks to her boss and then asks me about a compromise that they will put in place for this year only, which is all I wanted, to have hols that I came to the company with authorised.

Id suggest speaking to them again ask if theres any compromise you can come to. If the answer is still no, put your notice in to finish just as your hol is about to start.

On-the-coast

of course you can agree less notice with mutual agreement. Maybe you can exchange a few more weekends working up front for reduced notice.
You say you’re already generally working more hours and weeks than you are contracted? If that’s the case you can also “agree” not to do that. Or you could say you’ll continue helping them if they will help you during an exceptional period.
If you generally like your job and are competent at it, it would be a foolish manager who lets you go over this - if you make it clear that you will leave if necessary.
I have.a friend who half jokingly says that he never asks for permission to take holiday - just permission to return to work afterwards.

monkey-fingers

Could you not approach your manager and explain that you're only supposed to do 24 hours and refuse to do more?

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81928201#Comment_81928201

Of course talking is better, but within 2 years they can still let them go.

OP could point out that 24 hours part of the contract is being abused.

ohreallƳ

Op, if this were me finding myself in that position, I'd withdraw co-operation with agreeing to work excess hours over agreed contract and do it sooner rather than later. You could perhaps agree to open discussion on the matter if they reciprocate with the A/L situation.

Given you quote resigning as an option can I take it losing this job would not be the end of the world.