Struggling through my notice period at work! Advice?

[gracielou22]

Hi all, I'm hoping for some advice. I resigned from my job two weeks ago, but due to my contract terms I have to see out 6 weeks of notice before I can finally be free of the place! I'm finding it really difficult to get through the notice period. It's a small office environment and the only other employee who is in office for the same hours I am is being quite passive-aggressive and hostile towards me, and it's making me extremely anxious and miserable.

Has anyone had any experience re-negotiating notice periods due to mental health issues? If so do you have any advice for how I could approach my situation? My boss is also pretty inflexible and stubborn sometimes so I'm wondering if I need to go to my GP for a medical certificate or something official to help me escape this corporate nightmare! They're yet to find a replacement for my role so I imagine that will also factor in. Additionally, I have no capacity to work from home so I'm really feeling stuck in the situation!

Thanks!

[jaz28]

Hi gracielou,

I am not sure how you can escape the notice period, is this written under contract? Are you risking losing final pay or money by breaching this? Is that something you could sacrifice?

I would consider the doctors note, it couldn't hurt. Hopefully, someone else might know what to do.

I am sorry you're going through this. At least you will never have to deal with these people again once you leave.

Jaz.

[Dean07]

Hi gracielou22.

Talking to your GP wont hurt. They will know what is possible.

Your coworkers behavior reflects on their character not yours. Their opinions don't matter in the long run.

I hope you find a good solution.

[Mark Z.]

Hi gracielou22,

You gotta do this in a smart way instead of having conflict with your boss.

I'm not sure why you have 6 weeks notice in your contract, either you've been working for the company for a long time, or your position is very important. But it doesn't mean that it's unfair, because the restriction is for both sides. If it is your company to dismiss you, they should give at least 6 weeks notice as well.

Moreover, from your description I guess it is your coworker who's hurting you, not your boss. In most of the cases you'd better maintain good relation with your ex-boss for a positive reference.

So, my suggestion is similar with Jaz and Dean, having some proof form your GP about your mental issue, discuss gently with your boss about your pain caused by your coworker, but appreciate your boss's support. Give him options, either agree to release you earlier, or stop your coworker's poor behavior.

Your resignation is also a challenge to your boss, as it is hard to find a replacement, so you and your boss need to understand and support each other.

Mark

[Dean07]

Hi gracielou22.

How are you going?

Just wondering how you are getting on.

Hope things are working out for you.