Resignation Notice Question

I recently accepted a new job and am waiting for background check to clear before I put in notice at my current firm. Assuming all goes well on the check, I should likely pass this week, next week at the latest. I do have a tentative start date with the new firm lined up for the end of the month.

Thing is, I'm going abroad for 10 days starting next weekend (9/14). So if I pass the check in the next 9 days, should I put in my notice before my trip? Not sure how that might go over with my boss, who I actually like and respect a lot...and not sure how he would feel if more than half of my two week notice is me being on PTO. Ideally I put in my notice after my trip and at worst start date is delayed a week. 

As I write this I guess I'm not sure what I'm asking besides what would you guys do in this situation?

Edit: should also mention I am currently working on live deals, so there is a chance my current boss may ask for three weeks instead of standard two...To at least see through some of the deals in underwriting. 

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider for your situation:

  1. Wait for Background Check Clearance:

    • It's generally advisable to wait until the background check is fully cleared before resigning. This ensures that you have a confirmed offer and avoids any risk of being left without a job if something unexpected arises during the check.
  2. Timing of Notice:

    • If you pass the background check before your trip, you have a couple of options:
      • Option 1: Resign Before Trip: This might be tricky since more than half of your notice period would be during your PTO. It could potentially strain your relationship with your boss, especially if you are working on live deals.
      • Option 2: Resign After Trip: This seems more considerate, especially if you respect your boss and want to maintain a good relationship. However, it might delay your start date at the new firm by a week.
  3. Handling Live Deals:

    • Given that you are working on live deals, your boss might request an extended notice period to ensure a smooth transition. This is a common practice to see through critical projects.
  4. Communication:

    • Transparency is key. If you decide to resign before your trip, communicate clearly with your boss about your situation and your commitment to ensuring a smooth handover. If you choose to resign after your trip, inform your new employer about the potential delay in your start date.
  5. Exit Strategy:

    • Regardless of when you resign, make sure to leave your current position in good shape. This includes:
      • Writing how-to guides.
      • Creating a checklist of recurring responsibilities.
      • Organizing critical files on the shared drive.
      • Bringing your A-game to the exit interview.

By considering these points, you can make a well-informed decision that balances your professional responsibilities and personal commitments.

Sources: Long notice period makes me unattractive to recruiters, How To Quit Your Job (And Still Win), How To Quit Your Job (And Still Win), Vacation issue with boss, When to Resign

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Dolores explicabo ut enim quas rerum est. Ut consequatur debitis similique repellendus. Fuga et aut assumenda ex delectus. Sint enim aperiam mollitia at quia impedit consequatur. Optio doloremque voluptas officiis nam eos sit.

Dolorem quia commodi quia amet et voluptatum sunt. Dolor alias ea velit quasi. Sit blanditiis unde libero et molestiae.

Ex rem aliquam tempora quo voluptatibus. Enim dicta saepe a qui. Magnam soluta est voluptates quia corporis sunt inventore labore. Totam aspernatur fuga et animi sed laboriosam. Ad et eligendi repudiandae ratione.

 

Nemo quod ut et fugit sit rerum. Rerum commodi doloremque id voluptatem.

Placeat inventore ut et maiores. Rerum enim eligendi est rerum. Illum consequatur ducimus reiciendis dicta. Voluptatem voluptas et non. Dolor reprehenderit necessitatibus quisquam enim earum. Magni quos nihil optio sint.

[Comment removed by mod team]

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”