Giving two weeks’ notice before leaving a job has become widespread. Yet, what if you would rather get out of there sooner? Perhaps you have a better offer from an employer wanting you to start immediately. Or maybe you just cannot bear the thought of returning to your place of employment for another draining or soul-destroying shift.
Can you just walk out the door right now? Or would there be consequences?
It depends on your employment situation
If you signed a contract that mentions giving notice, you need to respect that. Otherwise, your employer might be within their rights to take action certain actions against you. If your employer never gave you a contract then you are free to walk out the door whenever you please, as you are an at-will-employee
It works in reverse too. Employers can fire at-will employees on the spur of the moment but could face legal complications if they do not respect the terms they agreed to for a worker with a written contract.
Giving some notice may still be preferable
Switch positions for a moment and consider what losing a member of staff with no notice would mean for your employer. Would it mean they are unable to open the restaurant tonight? Would it leave them having to reschedule a meeting to cover you?
Giving at least some notice may make things simpler for your employer and leave them more likely to write a glowing reference, which could make your life easier going forward. However, sometimes, it is better to get out of there as soon as possible.
Legal guidance can help if you are unclear about your situation, or fear your employer might retaliate.