I've seen a few posts recently about people getting grief after giving/trying to give notice so I thought I'd share my pre notice check list. For the record I am not a lawyer, this is just the list I've put together over the years.
1) Have a firm offer from your new employer that confirms the offer, title, start date and salary. Until you have that official offer mum is the word.
2) Before giving notice use any and all benefits you have accrued. PTO of any type, any sort of benefit – use it. Anything you don't use is in effect money you are leaving on the table.
3) Make sure you do not have any liabilities to your soon to be former employer. If you were given a signing or retention bonus that has a service time obligation, make sure you have met that obligation before giving notice. I had a former colleague who gave notice and was subject to a claw back of 1 months' worth of a bonus. If she had timed it slightly different (1 week iirc) wouldn't have been an issue. Totally petty BS on the part of the employer but you don't want to have to deal with nonsense. Along those lines if you accrue PTO make sure your balance is neutral.
4) Make sure you have been paid any reimbursements. Not submitted, not approved in the system and pending but actually paid. It is amazing how many times I have had friends and colleagues get stiffed or they have had to go to war to get reimbursed for that one last business trip/lunch/whatever.
5) If you have been issued any equipment that you will have to return then before you give notice gather it, make an inventory and take photos. If you are returning equipment via UPS/USPS/Fedex take photos of the equipment neatly packed in the box. Be sure to retain the tracking number.
6) I know this isn't easy for everyone and I don't mean to be insensitive but if possible have a financial buffer to cover that final two weeks. If they get so nasty you can't deal or they play games with scheduling having that buffer is a great way to preserve your sanity.
Remember, unless contractually obligated (again not a lawyer) giving 2 weeks is a business custom. It is best practice to follow that expectation (always leave them smiling) but if the situation becomes toxic then you can contact the appropriate person and just say “I know I'm x amount of time from my official end date but I've come down with a flu bug therefore today is my last day.” Be polite. Be professional and walk out with your head held high.
Whether you're making a lateral move to get out of a bad environment or transitioning to your dream job congrats! You're doing what is best for your situation and you're a winner. I know this is all basic stuff but I hope it is helpful. Onward and upward. 🙂