When to give notice

[Myra]

Two weeks ago we found out that we will be moving across the country for my husband's new job. His start date is the end of June. While I would like to give my company as much notice as possible, the timing is not great.

Couple issues--I was promoted just a few months ago, so I feel a little guilty. Also, my assistant started the day we found out about DH's new job, and she's not working out great (yet). I would like to give at least one month's notice, partly out of courtesy, partly because I think they can help me find a job in the new location.

Just looking for some input here--would you tell them ASAP or wait another week or two? Or maybe just wait until they're in a really good mood? Thanks!

[TazLuv]

Do they know this is a possibility? If not, I would say a month is more than enough. If they know its a possibility I think its fine to tell them whenever your comfortable, even if its more than a month.

When my DH and I moved cross country a few years ago they knew it was coming so as soon as I knew I told them approximately when I would be leaving and then gave them exacts when it got closer.

These things happen and while they'll probably be disappointed they will understand you have to do what you have to do, hopefully.

[roberta]

I was just in a similar position. DH took a new job that started mid-March. I knew I would need time off to house hunt. We were not sure when exactly we would be purchasing a house and I would be moving. We did have time limits set by the relocation package DH received (2 months of corporate housing, a bonus if we sold our house within 30 days of listing) It ended up that I gave about seven weeks notice, later shortened to four weeks due to our moving needs. My position required four weeks notice in order to receive any benefits pay outs like left over PTO time. I too felt guilty as I had only been in my position for 6 six months and I really like it. But the longer DH and I lived apart and closer it gets to the move, I am ready to leave.
Here was my timeline to give you idea of we did because it worked best for us.
started my job- June 2005
trip to new city- December 2005
notified my boss that I would be relocating “soon”- February
DH started new job in new city- mid-march 2006
Gave official notice to my job- March 21
House hunting trip to new city- last weekend in march
Last day at my job- April 25th
Movers come to pack and load- April 26 and 27
DH closes on new house- April 27
DH flies home- April 28
DH, I and dogs drive to new city-April 29-30
Movers arrive at new house- May 2-5

I guess it depends on what your moving needs are going to be. Are you buying a house in the new city? Are you going to be renting? Is DH living in corporate housing? How long does the housing benefit last? How much time off will DH have to help with the move? Is DH’s new company providing moving services? What do you need to do in terms of job hunting for yourself? It can be really overwhelming. Talk it over with your DH and decide what will work best for both of you. Good luck!

[Bee]

We just went through something like this too, though not all the way across country!

DH accepted his job offer before Thanksgiving with the start date for the new job right after New Years. We had the same benefit of 60 days corporate housing & bonus for selling our house.

I had also just hired a new person & didn't feel comfortable leaving him in less than a month. I told my company that I would stay through January. They were fine with that & a week or so later offered for me to work remotely in our new location... which worked out great!

If his start date is at the end of June, I'd go ahead & tell them soon (when the mood is good!). Then as your plans finalize, like the PP said, you may have to move your date up for reloaction reasons.

good luck!