Do I have to put in a two weeks notice at my job?

I've been working at this hotel for about five months now and I just don't think this is the best place for me anymore. I work night audit full-time and I do my job pretty well. I don't get any complaints, but the problem is that I don't want to stay here if I'm not going to have an opportunity to grow within the company. I've completed my regular front desk training and so I asked my GM about potentially being considered for a position in sales. She told me that I could work on some of the sales training modules, when it's slow at work. I have a lot of time when doing night audit so I've been completing the sales training modules. I called the hotel owner yesterday, who I was told is in charge of promotions and hiring people, and I told her about what I had been learning. She got really upset and was like "Did I tell you to work on sales training? That's unauthorized. You can't just do whatever you want." She was not happy with what I did. It doesn't seem like this is a company where I'll be able to grow. Also, I've had about four or five different GMs since I've started and people keep quitting all the time. The turnover rate seems kind of high. I'm thinking about leaving a letter in the morning stating that I'm resigning from my position. Do I have to leave a two weeks notice specifically though? I just don't see myself working here for another two weeks. I need to get back on a regular sleep schedule too.

Jobadvisor:

You are not legally required to give a two-week' notice when resigning from your job, including your hotel night audit position. However, it is widely considered a professional courtesy and a common practice in many workplaces to help ensure a smooth transition. Employers generally appreciate the extra time to find a replacement or adjust schedules.

In your case, since you're experiencing issues with management and high turnover, and you want to prioritize your health and sleep schedule, you can technically leave with no notice if that’s what feels best for you. Just keep in mind that leaving without notice may affect future references or relationships with the company.

If you want to leave on better terms, you could offer a shorter notice period than two weeks, or simply communicate your resignation clearly in writing when you leave. Some employers may ask you to leave immediately upon receiving your notice, or they might pay you for the notice period even if you don’t work through it.

Given your specific situation, trust your judgment on what is best for your well-being, but providing even a brief notice is often seen as respectful and professional. 

35M am I too old for a major change?

I’m 35M with 2 young kids(3 and under 1). I live in Canada and have been an electrician for 10+ years but never loved it. I bounced around from high school with trying to find post secondary but didn’t find anything I thought I would love so I joined a trade. Now I’m 35 with wife, kids and mortgage and overall things are pretty good but I never felt satisfied with my career. Now with all my responsibilities I can feel stuck sometimes. Considering a change but have no idea where to begin. Do I look into going back to school or can I find other career paths unrelated to my current work without going back to school. As I get older I want to get off the tools and I value family time and work/life balance over money. I’m pretty much open to everything including going back to school if needed and ideally getting into a career path that has hybrid work or wfh would be ideal but it isn’t necessary. Anyone else done something similar or have any advice or insight in to what I could do to help get me out of this rut and bring some actual fulfillment into the career aspect of my life. Thanks in advance for any input.

Jobadvisor:

You are definitely not too old for a major career change at 35, especially with your family responsibilities and desire for fulfillment and work-life balance. Many people successfully change careers in their 30s and beyond. Your experience and transferable skills from being an electrician give you a strong foundation to pivot effectively.

Here are some practical insights and advice based on current trends and real-life examples:

1. Your Age is an Advantage:

   • At 35, you balance valuable work experience, financial stability, and a clearer understanding of your priorities.

   • Many employers value soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership, which you have likely developed over your career.

   • Research shows career changes are common; the average worker may switch careers 10-15 times in their life. It’s a strategic move, not starting over from scratch.

2. Explore Less Physically Demanding and Flexible Work:

   • Considering your goal to get off the tools, look into less physically intensive roles that leverage your skills or interests.

   • Careers in fields like project management, technical sales, operations, or customer support in the trades or related industries might be a fit.

   • Hybrid or work-from-home positions are growing, especially in tech, administrative roles, consulting, and customer service.

3. Consider Upskilling Without Full-time School:

   • You don’t necessarily need to go back to traditional post-secondary education. Many online courses and certificate programs offer flexible, affordable skill training in fields like IT, digital marketing, or trades-related technical support.

   • Upskilling in digital tools, business fundamentals, or emerging tech can open doors to new career paths.

4. Start with Exploration and Experimentation:

   • Try short-term projects, freelancing, or part-time opportunities in fields that interest you to get a taste before fully committing.

   • Networking, informational interviews, and career coaching can provide clarity and connections to new opportunities.

5. Prioritize Mental and Physical Wellbeing:

   • Balancing family, work, and change can be stressful. Consider setting realistic goals and pacing your transition.

   • A healthy lifestyle and mindset are vital to sustain energy and motivation through the change.

6. Examples of Successful Mid-Career Changes:

   • People have transitioned from manual trades to tech roles by leveraging their problem-solving abilities and upskilling smartly.

   • Others have moved into project or operations management within their existing sectors to reduce physical strain and gain better work-life balance.

Ultimately, a career change at 35 can bring greater satisfaction and balance to your life. It’s never too late to find fulfillment and growth that align with your values and responsibilities. Exploring flexible work and building on your existing skills can make the transition smoother and more rewarding.