Putting in my two week notice after one week?

December 31, 2012 12:31 PM

Just hired, now I have to quit.

I took a job as a host at a restaurant on winter break, after being positive I wouldn't be returning to school this semester. When interviewed, I informed my employer as to the circumstances explaining why I was initially able to take the job. My parents could not afford another semester, thus I was planning on working until fall again, then resuming my education.

However, as a New Years present, my lovely aunt has decided to pay the rest of this semester's tuition. It was a surprise for my parents and I. She gave the payment to my parents, who have applied it to my balance. My holds have been released, and I should be beginning school on schedule on the 14th.

I will be putting in my two week notice tomorrow and I feel really bad about this inconvenience. Is there anything important to put in my letter, to avoid any repercussions and smooth things over? I realize there will be probably bad blood, and I don't expect a reference from this short work period. But I do like my place of work and employer and would like to leave on good terms. What else can I say or do?

posted by flying_trapeze to Work & Money (15 answers total)

Best answer: flying_trapeze: Is there anything important to put in my letter, to avoid any repercussions and smooth things over? I realize there will be probably bad blood, and I don't expect a reference from this short work period. But I do like my place of work and employer and would like to leave on good terms. What else can I say or do?

Nothing, really. It's kind of a crappy deal, so they will understandably not be happy about it. Keep in mind, this kind of thing happens all the time in the restaurant business, and at least by giving them two weeks you are ahead of all of the people who get hired and then just never show up for a shift.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:36 PM on December 31, 2012 [11 favorites]

Exactly what Rock Steady said. They're more than used to this in restaurants and, while inconvenient, neither replacing you, nor training your replacement is going to be particularly strenuous. Don't be surprised if you get canned on the spot, though, rather than getting that two weeks.
posted by griphus at 12:39 PM on December 31, 2012 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Just be straightforward - "I initially took this job because school was not financially feasible for me, but as it turns out a relative has offered their support. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience but I'll need to take this opportunity to go to school right now." They'll understand, if not be a little annoyed. Most people do not expect you to choose working at a restaurant over getting free tuition if it came to one or the other.
posted by windbox at 12:41 PM on December 31, 2012 [20 favorites]

Restaurants are pretty much the highest turnover employers in existence. If your boss is annoyed, it'll be for about fifteen minutes. He's got too many things to do than to spend any emotional energy on this.
posted by valkyryn at 12:41 PM on December 31, 2012 [1 favorite]

You are fine, two weeks notice is courteous and professional. It won't make their day but they will understand your reason for having to quit.
posted by just asking at 12:48 PM on December 31, 2012

Take a box of seasonal cookies or some such along, as appreciation for the wonderful workplace etc.
posted by infini at 12:53 PM on December 31, 2012

Best answer: "A relative surprised me with an offer to pay my tuition for the Spring semester, so I am submitting my two weeks notice of resignation as I am returning to school full time."

That's it. No need to get sappy or apologetic about it. It's a simple business decision based on what is best for you. If something happened in the business tomorrow which necessitated an immediate reduction in labor, they'd fire you without thinking twice.
posted by COD at 1:02 PM on December 31, 2012 [17 favorites]

Be sure to include in your planning that they might tell you not to come back in, so you might not get two more weeks.
posted by ftm at 1:09 PM on December 31, 2012 [8 favorites]

Giving two weeks notice on a host job seems like a nearly absurd amount of courtesy.
posted by The Whelk at 1:10 PM on December 31, 2012 [2 favorites]

Unless your life's dream is to work front of house in restaurants, and this particular restaurant is a Really Big Deal, no.

Frankly, I don't think you really need to put it in writing -- just let your supervisor know ASAP. Home baked cookies or some other break room treat on your last day would be above and beyond.
posted by Sara C. at 1:20 PM on December 31, 2012 [1 favorite]

In the restaurant business, if you leave with notice and don't filch the silverware on your way out, they're pretty much thrilled.
posted by xingcat at 1:31 PM on December 31, 2012 [11 favorites]

Ditto all of the above. And just think! You are now freeing up a spot for someone who will no doubt be thrilled to have a job.
posted by amanda at 1:43 PM on December 31, 2012 [2 favorites]

Dont feel bad. It is your life and things happen. Remember corporations and business have a bottom line. So do you. Your bottom line is YOU.
posted by pakora1 at 4:42 PM on December 31, 2012 [1 favorite]

This happens all. the. time. in restaurants. Two weeks of notice is a very nice (and unusual) gesture. Every restaurant has had people quit by simply not showing up.

And yaaay for your aunt's gift! Enjoy!
posted by third word on a random page at 5:11 PM on December 31, 2012

If it is a corporate chain, and you can't give two weeks notice, don't be surprised if they ban you from being hired by any restaurants in their corporation. In that case, it would be a waste of time applying there again over a summer, or if you graduate into a bad economy and you can't find anything else.

But, if you give them reasonable notice and keep your mouth shut (don't say disparaging things about working there) while you finish up, generally they'll wish you well and send you on your way.
posted by Nanukthedog at 11:18 PM on December 31, 2012