Starting a FT with a startup and it has a minimum 8 weeks notice to leave the team. Although i have no intention to leave rn, and I’d like to grow with it for some more time, this is extremely long from the average 2 weeks.

Is this common in start-ups? It’s an awkward point to bring up when about to sign on… is this worth negotiating?

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Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Or what? Like it’s in your employment agreement with some sort of penalty attached?

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It’s meaningless. Take the job if you want it and quit with whatever notice you want

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It's a good question because it's important to point out that working for startups is not at all the same as a typical job.

Your question or fears may be based in some presumptions or misunderstanding, or it may be justified if they literally said what they said.

Startup work is NOT stable, consistent, or permanent. It never is. 90%+ of all startups fail within a few years so while congratulations on landing one, start looking for your next role now. It might work out (maybe; slim chance) but you want to be prepared for the high likelihood that it doesn't.

Now, what if what they said should taken literally? You really have to give 8 weeks notice??

No. That's ridiculous, and it's the first red flag that this startup is going to fail. They're inexperienced and controlling. Please, share this answer with them. Send it to them anonymously if you just. I'm happy for them to know what I said and that I said it.

Asking anyone to give 8 weeks notice is horrific, it's unrealistic, and it's unfair.

You have every right to leave tomorrow. Just say, "this isn't working out, I'm happy to stick around a bit to help as long as I'm paid well, maintain benefits, and keep accruing anything else like vacation time, for which I'll be paid out, this has been great but our time is over." Or, if they're an awful employer, say, "I'm out, right now. Thank you. Good luck."

Employers can't make you work. Most places are now Right To Work, meaning they recognize the human rights of individualism. Giving notice is a courtesy.

Still, some places have backwards governments that still make people give sufficient notice or stick around a bit. You'll probably find that workers have been winning lawsuits or cases otherwise.

Obligating someone to work against their will is a terrible violation of ethics and morals.

Okay, that all said, is that *really* what they said?

Startups must pivot teams very frequently and jobs change almost daily. Who takes out the trash?? I do, and I'm a CEO. Or you do, just because it needs to be done. That's what startups are.

You don't have a fixed job and role in a startup. Things need to get done.

Most startups put probationary periods in place. Usually 90 days, though 8 weeks sounds awfully similar in circumstance. We do this. During a probationary period, usually you're not actually hired (yet). You work as though hired, but it's to see if there is a fit in culture, work ethic, etc. To see if you get things done. Then we hire.

Why? Unfortunately, take it from me alone granted, but I've worked with startups for 20+ years, most people are terrible at working for startups. It's not a 9-5, it's all the time, it's not defined, structured, nor managed, it's figure it out and do it. Most people don't like that and can't work that way.

Working for a startup is a fantasy to most people, a dream or ideal. And so startups need a better way to build their teams, than fully committing to employment, only to have to remove most from the organization.

Hence, probationary periods.

Not all startups start with that same kind of period I explained. It could be different.

Maybe they made it clear that your role, title, or the job could drastically change. This is true, valid, and fair.

It would be unfair *to you* if they promised security, stability, and a long term career! That's so unlikely to happen that you'd be better off making a living gambling in a casino!

So welcome to working for startups. Odds are very high that you'll be working somewhere else next year. Odds are good you'll be doing something completely different in a few months. Odds are pretty certain your job will change by next week.

And by the way, this goes for compensation too. Unless you're in a country where employment agreements are required, and compensation is fixed, your compensation will go down and up, as needed (if you're willing to ride out the downs). For example, it's likely they don't want to let you go, at some point, but they can't afford right now the same pay - so now what? You can help the startup succeed and stick around, or you can demand the money.

This variable pay and variable compensation is, by the way, why countries WITHOUT fixed compensation and benefit requirements, are more entrepreneurial and innovative. If you live somewhere where employers must do more for employees, you'll see a higher rate of startup failure - the need startups have to quickly change, pivot, and vary, just doesn't work well in places where the country requires otherwise.

likesmart

No but sometimes startups either dont know better or will try under the guide of being new and different. Just negotiate it out

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You're at will. No one can make you stay if it's a policy or offer letter and you're in the US.

This could actually work to your benefit, might be nice to have a calm, 8 week transition out instead of cramming all your hand-off work into 2 weeks. Assuming you’re able to negotiate a delayed start at your next job.

I'm surprised at the answers here. Is a short notice period an American thing? I'm working in the UK but my notice period is three months.

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