Long notice period leaves job seeker caught between two employers

A working professional has sparked debate on social media after sharing his struggle to take up a new job offer because of a rigid 90-day notice period at his current organisation. His situation, posted anonymously on Reddit, highlights a common challenge faced by many employees transitioning between roles in India’s corporate sector.

The individual revealed that he has secured an offer from a major multinational company, which expects him to join within 35 days. However, his present employer requires a full three-month notice period, creating a significant conflict. He reportedly submitted his resignation, citing personal reasons, and even expressed willingness to buy out the remaining notice period. Despite this, he has not received a response from his employer’s HR leadership.

The employee is concerned that joining the new organisation without formal clearance may raise issues during background verification. He fears being labelled as having abandoned his role, which could jeopardise his future employment records. The post titled “Stuck between a long notice period and a new job offer,” quickly gained traction, drawing a wave of opinions from fellow professionals.

Users responding to the post offered mixed advice. Some urged him to avoid joining without proper release, warning that overlapping employment dates could raise red flags for his new employer. Others suggested reviewing his appointment contract to determine whether a notice-period buyout is officially permitted. Several commenters recommended negotiating with the multinational company for an extension, while others encouraged clear and persistent communication with both organisations to avoid complications.

The situation sheds light on the growing debate around extended notice periods, employee mobility, and the need for more flexible exit policies in today’s competitive job market.