> > I don't know yet when I will be starting, because I have to see how little notice I can get away with where I am now. Two weeks at the most, though.
>
> When quitting a job, it is customary to give at least two weeks notice. This allows the company to begin recruiting for a replacement, to transfer any current project assignments and responsibilites to other team members, and to make a smooth transition on your way out.
>
> When being fired, it is customary to be given no notice whatsoever in order to throw your life into chaos.
>
> Break off into small groups and discuss.
>
> -Faux Pas

Ah, but around these here parts, we have compulsory pre-hire contracts between the employer and the employee, which sets out such things in writing. The usual thing is that either party has to give two (sometimes three) weeks' notice, but if they don't want to do that for some reason, there's a financial forfeit usually the equivalent of a week's pay.

In this case, I am not prepared to forgo a week's pay just to get out of my old job sooner, but in cases where the new job was a tremendous opportunity and they wouldn't hold it for me, I would do that.

Brunnen-"and I can't think of anything I could do in one day which would make them fire me on the spot and give me a week's pay for nothing"G