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Hi,

I've been negociating a job for a few months (4) and start day was supposed to be in 3 months from now (september). this would give me ample time to hand over my file/projects and help the new person plus take some time off before diving into a new role.

Last week, I received a call from my new employer asking me to start asap i.e. in about 3 weeks. As much as I want to start this job, I also want to get some time off before I dive in it. Is it fair to be firm on the fact that I can't start as fast as they want to take some time off. It is a small company hence the change of plans.

Thanks

Matt

gehrhorn's picture
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It's a tough call. 3 months is outside the norm in my experience. MT's guidance was a 6 week transition plan to wrap-up your current stuff (if I recall correctly, and some of this was pre-work before you actually gave your notice) and this didn't account for time off. A small company may not be able to handle the delayed start. 

mrreliable's picture

If a small company can go three months without filling an empty position, I can't imagine that position being of any great importance to that company.

This could be an opportunity to start out by going out of your way to solve a problem for the company, and make a good first impression.

Without knowing more about how the process worked, if the company agreed to a three-month delay, then switched to a three-week delay, it could indicate disorganization.

In terms of career advancement, a change in jobs should be a significant turning point. If you pass up an opportunity to hit the ground running with your new company so you can take some time off, I can't see that as doing anything positive for your career track. Whatever you tell them, if you delay your start two months to take some time off, that doesn't seem like you're very anxious to climb a career ladder.