Deciding whether or not to hand in your notice before signing a new employment contract can be a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, you may be eager to start your new job and make a clean break from your current employer. On the other hand, you don`t want to be left without a job if something falls through with your new offer.
The decision ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, but here are some factors to consider:
1. The likelihood of the job falling through
If you have already signed the contract and all the necessary background checks and other verifications have been completed, then the likelihood of the job falling through is low. However, if there are still a few steps to go before everything is finalised, then you may want to hold off on handing in your notice until the offer is more secure.
2. The length of your notice period
Some notice periods can be lengthy, sometimes up to three months or more. If this is the case for you, then you may want to hand in your notice once you have received a written offer letter from your new employer, even if the contract signing has not occurred yet. This way, you can ensure that you are not tied to your current role for a longer period than necessary.
3. Your financial situation
If you have savings or other sources of income to rely on, then you may feel comfortable handing in your notice before the job offer is finalised. However, if you are living paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford to be without a job, then it may be wiser to wait until the offer is more secure.
4. Your relationship with your current employer
If you have a good relationship with your current employer, you may want to give them as much notice as possible out of courtesy. However, if you are leaving due to a toxic work environment or other negative factors, you may feel comfortable giving the minimum notice required and leaving as soon as possible.
In summary, deciding whether or not to hand in your notice before signing a contract requires careful consideration of your individual circumstances. It`s essential to balance your eagerness to start a new job with the need for financial stability and job security. Ultimately, it`s always best to err on the side of caution and ensure that your new offer is secure before handing in your notice.