KEY questions answered by the experts.

Q: I HAVE had as much as I can take at work. Do I have to work my notice period if I find a new job?

A: Contractually you will almost certainly be obliged to work your notice period. The question is whether your employer will allow you to leave early. If you really have had as much as you can take, your company will probably be quite glad to see the back of you, and they may be itching to get somebody else in. Alternatively you may have holiday owing, in which case you could take it during your notice period.

The important thing here is to talk to your boss, whatever your intentions. It is true they are unlikely to sue you if you don’t work your notice period, but it is never a good idea to leave under a cloud. You never know when you might need a favour from them. The important thing is to get out there on your job search campaign.

Looking for a new role is a full time job in itself, so you might decide to leave work even before you get a job, in order to devote yourself fully to getting the right position. A full time search will improve your chances of getting a job you really enjoy.

Harry Freedman
Chief executive, Career Energy