I can't imagine anyone holding a black mark against someone for leaving a "part time, short term" job for a better one without sufficient notice.

Exactly. This is part of the expectation when you hire someone with decent qualifications for a minimum wage job.

Concern for "references" is a bit overblown these days. In fact, many employers won't even give them anymore, beyond confirming employment and duties - liability issue.

This being DCUM, the situation OP describes is very common with congressional staff jobs - start tomorrow or we go to the next person.

I can't imagine anyone holding a black mark against someone for leaving a "part time, short term" job for a better one without sufficient notice.

Agree, the new job is the priority. Start when you have to.

No need to burn bridges at the old place, though. Give the notice you can and then don't worry about it. As you said, you aren't in a critical position.

I did once have a similar experience where I needed to start a new job ASAP. I proposed to both parties that I start at the new place and then go back to the old one for a couple days to wrap some things up. It worked out just fine. I ended up doing a bit more work as a "consultant" for the old place, working from home some hours in the evenings, until they found a replacement for me.

You may find, at the next job (after the one you're about to take), they specifically request to check a reference at both of your former employers. Then you may be screwed if you didn't give decent notice at job #1.

I would try to wrangle at least a week or two. How much will the new team really do in the first week? I don't think it will make a huge difference to your authority.

If your current job is analogous to a crappy minimum wage job, and you won't be putting it on your resume in the future nor will you need a reference for it, then you should just be honest that you must leave immediately, you are sorry, you are grateful for the experience, and what can you do to help make this abrupt transition better?

Just go!

Anonymous wrote:When I had applied to the better job I wasn't working so I listed my availability as right now. In the meantime I got this little crappy job (basically equal to a min wage retail job)
They aren't asking me to leave with no notice but I will be the lead on a new team they are putting together. I'm afraid if I am late to start it may undermine my authority with the people I will be leading...
Plus I hate the little crappy min wage job (it will be basically costing me $ to stay)

Sorry, but if I worked for you and you came late I would either think 1) you were really important at your last job and you had to wrap things up or 2) I wouldn't think about it at all. My respect for your authority would have nothing to do with whether you showed up the first week when I did. OP, you do realize authority is based on a lot more personal qualities than whether you show up the first week, right? I understand you're nervous about the new position but hang in there, you can do it! Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:I think it's strange that the new position needs you to start ASAP and does not seem to understand that you need to give notice at your current position. I would be wary of a company that would want you to leave your current company like that. If they want you, they can wait two weeks.

Agreed. Push back, OP. They want you. They will probably compromise.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's strange that the new position needs you to start ASAP and does not seem to understand that you need to give notice at your current position. I would be wary of a company that would want you to leave your current company like that. If they want you, they can wait two weeks.

This. It does not seem professional that your new company wouldnt expect you to give a 2 week notice. I also agree the world is a very very small place.

Have to agree - you need to give at least one week's notice. Tell the new employer that you would do the same for them and that it is a matter of personal integrity to you that you leave your current position on good terms.

When I had applied to the better job I wasn't working so I listed my availability as right now. In the meantime I got this little crappy job (basically equal to a min wage retail job)
They aren't asking me to leave with no notice but I will be the lead on a new team they are putting together. I'm afraid if I am late to start it may undermine my authority with the people I will be leading...
Plus I hate the little crappy min wage job (it will be basically costing me $ to stay)

Anonymous wrote:I think it's strange that the new position needs you to start ASAP and does not seem to understand that you need to give notice at your current position. I would be wary of a company that would want you to leave your current company like that. If they want you, they can wait two weeks.

This. It does not seem professional that your new company wouldnt expect you to give a 2 week notice. I also agree the world is a very very small place.

I think it's strange that the new position needs you to start ASAP and does not seem to understand that you need to give notice at your current position. I would be wary of a company that would want you to leave your current company like that. If they want you, they can wait two weeks.

Even if it's 2 days, give something. And wrap your shit up before you leave. You may not need them for a reference but the world is a small place and you just never know where/when you will run into people again, or the shit they will remember about you.

Leave. Your boss can let you with no notice, so you can also leave with no notice.
As you said, you do not need a reference from them

Give notice at once and negotiate to leave as soon as possible.
Explain to the other job that you will start at X date.

I have never left a job on these terms before and my boss has been understanding. But I have been offered a much better job for a lot more money. But they need me to start right away.
I don't need this current job for a reference since it was just a short term part time job
Any thoughts? I hate the idea of leaving with no notice even though there wouldn't be any repercussions (I don't have any type of essential job)