quitting federal government -- two weeks' notice still standard?

[Anonymous]

I was talking with a friend last night about my departure and she asked if I was just going to give three weeks' notice like that was the standard. But it's still two weeks, right? I don't really have any loose ends (like short-term projects) to tie up right now so it seems like 2 weeks will be sufficient.

On a related note, any recently departed feds know what exactly is involved in terms of outprocessing? (I guess this may vary depending on agency.)

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'm curious about this as well.

[Anonymous]

I would give as long as you can once you know you are definitely going. My co-worker just gave about 4.

[Anonymous]

I would give 3-4, maybe more.

[Anonymous]

I feel like 3-4 is more appropriate in a professional position, but 2 is OK.
Just left feds, and outprocessing was easy. My vacation was just paid out on the regular pay day -- a breeze!
Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Are you leaving the federal government entirely, or moving to another agency? Technically, if you are moving to another agency and it is not a promotion, your current employer can hold you for 30-45 days.

If you are leaving govt work entirely, I think it all really depends. If it would take you three-four weeks to wrap up projects and transition others to co-workers you should. If you can do it faster, you should leave faster.

There isn't a whole lot of out-processing in general, but there can be hurdles to jump through if you have a clearance, travel card, credentials, blackberry/laptop, etc.

[Anonymous]

It's all just courtesy, so you do what works for you. In my experience, my coworkers have given quite long notice (often 2-3 months) because they were moving and it took some time to plan and execute that. Having the extra transition time was really helpful.

[Anonymous]

If it's it not an inter-agency move and you're resigning or retiring, there are no requirements. It's up to you and your conscience.

I know someone who retired on 1 day's notice, left the office on Weds. saying he was taking annual leave Thurs. and Friday and retiring effective Sunday.

I got a buyout and retired this year and gave my office director (I was a manager) about 35 days notice, I told him the day before the buyout list was going to be given to him.

I did it as a courtesy since I like him and knew that my leaving would increase his load and cause him to have to scramble to cover what I did. Otherwise I would have been ready to wait until much closer given the lack of professionalism and incompetence permeating our management ranks below his level.

But I'm aware of no requirement for any notice period, there's also the question of how quickly your organization and HR can process your retirement or resignation.

[Anonymous]

^^^^

p.s. I knew about 3+ months before I left that I was going but I kept that to myself until 4-5 weeks prior ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it's it not an inter-agency move and you're resigning or retiring, there are no requirements. It's up to you and your conscience.

I know someone who retired on 1 day's notice, left the office on Weds. saying he was taking annual leave Thurs. and Friday and retiring effective Sunday.

I got a buyout and retired this year and gave my office director (I was a manager) about 35 days notice, I told him the day before the buyout list was going to be given to him.

I did it as a courtesy since I like him and knew that my leaving would increase his load and cause him to have to scramble to cover what I did. Otherwise I would have been ready to wait until much closer given the lack of professionalism and incompetence permeating our management ranks below his level.

But I'm aware of no requirement for any notice period, there's also the question of how quickly your organization and HR can process your retirement or resignation.

Did he hate his job and co workers? Did they speak badly about him after he left?

[Anonymous]

I think two weeks is sufficient.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- thanks to everybody for their responses. I think I will shoot for 3 weeks.

[Anonymous]

As someone who has given more than 2 or 3 weeks notice several times in the past, I've regretted it every time. After two weeks of notice you are so ready to leave and people are ready for you to go. No one is so important that things cannot be wrapped up with steady work over 2 weeks. But three is very courteous and prevents anyone from speaking ill, ever. Dont do more than that (imho)

[Anonymous]

Easiest if you plan your departure for the end of a pay period. It's not like the private sector where they can terminate you on the spot, so give as much notice as you're comfortable with. Depending on where you are, there can be a bunch of outprocessing.

[Anonymous]

Re the rule of 30 days for switching within government. Does anyone know if this applies if you are switching from a term position to a permanent position (on another agency)?