Jump Back
Timing is everything. When it comes to moving jobs it’s typically a straight forward trade off between notice period and start date. There is nothing straight forward these days. Challenges with on-boarding and changing trading conditions for companies are creating some tricky situations out there for some employers and employees. We thought it might help to share some of the situations we have seen and explain how they unfolded, just in case you find yourself caught between a rock and a hard place out there over the coming months.
- Verbally accepted an offer but the offer was then retracted before contracts:
This has happened a lot out there over the last few weeks; it’s a natural consequence of a rapidly changing situation. Companies are holding on making long term commitments for the time being. It does not mean that the need has gone away – the hire has just been deferred. If this has happened to you then it’s quite likely that the company will reinstate your offer once they have more visibility in time. Be understanding, keep the dialogue going and keep optimistic. You’ve not resigned so you have a job. That’s a good thing.
- Contracts signed but start date has been moved to the end of April or May:
Most companies that have moved start dates have done so for the purposes of on-boarding; not everyone can do it virtually. 80% of the companies we have worked with in this situation have brought the individual onto payroll for the original start date but deferred their first day until they have better visibility on on-boarding options. Others have asked individuals to consider taking some early annual leave, some have offered a mix of paid and unpaid time up to the new start date and others have done nothing but move the start date. If you do find yourself caught between two payrolls with no income it’s tricky but it’s a short term problem and you may qualify for some state support in the interim.
- Contracts signed, notice given to current employer and offer then rescinded:
This is the trickiest of all and it is happening out there; albeit less commonly. First conversation is with your current employer to see if they can retain you or if there is project work you could take on contract with them. This has thankfully worked out in all of the situations we have seen. If this does not work out it’s key to assess if the role will be re-offered to you at a later date (if then you still want to entertain it!) and you can plan the search for contract/interim or permanent work again. There are still companies hiring out there but it might just take a little more time to land the right thing.
If you do find yourself in a tricky situation between jobs the only good news is that:
- There are good social welfare supports in play right now
- You may be able to seek relief/forbearance from your bank/landlord (get on that immediately), and
- This too shall pass – this is definitely going to be a short term cash flow challenge for you but it will be exactly that. Short term. Good accountants always find their feet.
Want more advice?
When it comes to your career we’re here to help you in whatever way we can. So get in touch with us at hello@barden.ie, and we’ll take it from there. Simple.