The Two Weeks' Notice

 

Why You Don’t Owe a Two-Week Notice Anymore

A reader writes:
"I like your take on what you call 'Wacky Hiring Practices.' So, how about the employee? What’s your take on workers ghosting jobs or leaving without a two-week notice?"

Great question. Let’s dig in.

Two Weeks Was Built for a Different Era

There was a time when people worked 35 or 40 years for one company, then retired with a pension and a gold watch. That era is over. Today, the smartest way to move up—financially or professionally—is to change jobs every 2–5 years. Loyalty doesn’t pay like it used to. And given how common toxic jobs and managers are, sticking around too long can actually hurt your career.

The two-week notice tradition came from an age when companies viewed employees as people, not “resources.” Managers knew how to lead, not just bark orders. And when someone left, companies had the time and willingness to train a replacement. In that world, giving notice made sense. In this one? Not so much.

Corporate Culture Changed—So Should You

Modern companies lay people off with zero notice. They rescind offers, freeze hiring, and ghost applicants—without blinking. Many will manipulate performance reviews to deny unemployment. Others promote toxic leaders because they hit numbers, not because they build teams. If you're still giving two weeks out of some sense of moral duty, ask yourself: Would they do the same for me? You already know the answer.

Objections… and Why They Don’t Hold Up

Let’s look at the common arguments in favor of giving two weeks—and why they don’t stand up anymore:

• “It’s the honorable thing to do.”
  Maybe. But when companies routinely fire people without warning, honor has to be mutual to matter.

• “It says more about your character than theirs.”
  True to a point. That’s why I don’t recommend ghosting. Communicate your departure clearly—but professionally. That's all they deserve.

• “You’ll burn bridges or lose a reference.”
  Reality check: Most employers today only confirm dates of employment and job title. Over 98% don’t provide references at all. And frankly, any company still doing reference calls is waving its own red flag.

• “Your coworkers will have to pick up the slack.”
  That’s on management, not you. If one resignation breaks the system, the system was already broken.

The Better Way to Quit

Here’s my stance: In today’s job market, a two-week notice is optional. Not wrong, but also not required. Unless you're in a tight niche where relationships are delicate—or you're leaving to work with your current company in a new role—there’s no obligation.

That said, ghosting is still tacky. You can leave abruptly and still be professional. Try something like this:

“This letter is to announce my resignation from [Company], effective immediately. Given the sensitive nature of my role, I believe this is the most appropriate course of action.”

That’s it. Short. Direct. Respectful. You don’t owe them more.

Final Thoughts

The workplace has changed. Companies no longer offer the loyalty they once did. It’s time for employees to stop pretending they owe them the old rules in return. You are not required to give two weeks. Communicate your intent, be courteous, and exit cleanly.

Just remember: You’re not the problem. You’re just catching up to reality.

What say you?