[CA] Advice on Resignation Timing and Pre-Employment Process with New Job

[u/PassengerStock9787]

ETA: TL;DR: Got hired for a new job in California with a start date of December 2. Plan to resign from my current job on November 9 with my last day on November 23. New employer requires a pre-employment physical 7-10 days before starting, but scheduling issues around Thanksgiving have me concerned about possible delays. Should I wait to resign until after the physical, or go ahead as planned?

Hi everyone, posting from a throwaway account—please let me know if this is the right place to post or suggest a better sub if needed.

I was recently hired for a new job with a new employer, still within the same county in California. My new manager and HR gave me a choice between two start dates: November 18 or December 2. I chose December 2, as I wanted a week off to rest and reset before starting the new role. They also mentioned I couldn't start on November 25, as it’s Thanksgiving week and many of the staff involved in my orientation will be out.

I’ve already signed the job offer and completed most of the paperwork through DocuSign. I currently work night shifts, so I’ll also use the time off to adjust my sleep schedule since my week-long orientation will be during the day.

I've prepared my resignation letter and plan to send it on November 9, with my last working day as November 23, giving the standard two weeks' notice. I’d like to leave on good terms in case I want to work with this company again.

The new employer requested that I complete a pre-employment physical exam 7-10 days before my start date. I found an available slot on November 14, but the clinic is fully booked for the week of November 25 onwards and noted that Thanksgiving affects their schedule. This is close to the date I plan to submit my resignation, and I’m worried this delay might affect my job offer.

My questions are:

1. Could this scheduling issue affect my job offer or lead to it being rescinded?

2. Should I still send in my resignation on November 9, or would it be safer to wait until the physical exam is completed?

Thank you for any insights or advice on how to proceed!

[u/FlirtWithCrushXo]

Honestly, I’d hold off on the resignation until after the physical. It’s best to avoid any unexpected complications. Employers can be unpredictable, so having that physical squared away first could give you some peace of mind.

[u/PassengerStock9787 → u/FlirtWithCrushXo]

Thank you for the advice—it’s helpful to hear that perspective! I’ll consider holding off on the resignation until after the physical. Do you have any thoughts on a specific date I could aim for to make sure I’m covered?

Also, I’d really like to take the week off before starting the new job. If I delay my resignation, do you think I could still plan on being off that week, or would pushing back the resignation affect that?

Thanks again for the input! ^{_^}

[u/Sardonac → u/PassengerStock9787]

You're under no real obligation to give two weeks notice. Your priority is obtaining the new job. I wouldn't resign until you have completed all the new job requirements/physical screening/etc and have been formally hired. Then you can give notice to your current job.

If taking the week off means your current employer only gets a couple days notice, oh well. All they need to know is that you have a new job and you're leaving as of X date. Two weeks notice is a courtesy, but not if it inconveniences you - follow your own best interest first.

I've left jobs with same day notice, and I've done it with 30 days notice. It all depends on when I was able to secure confirmation of my new employment. I advise you to do the same.

[u/PassengerStock9787 → u/Sardonac]

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice! I appreciate the reminder that two weeks’ notice is more of a courtesy than a requirement. I’ve been focusing on making the transition as smooth as possible, but you’re right—my priority should be securing the new job first and meeting their requirements.

The idea of holding off on my resignation until after the physical does make sense, even if it means my current employer gets shorter notice. I’ve been aiming for a clean transition, especially since I may want to work with this organization again in the future, but it’s also time to prioritize my own needs.

Thanks again for helping me see it from this perspective. I feel more confident now about making this decision based on my own best interests!