A legal expert in labor law explains the practical implications of leaving a job before the year ends. The discussion centers on how voluntary resignations between mid and late December interact with the two week notice period and the way holidays are counted within that timeframe.
The key point is that if an employee submits a formal resignation between December 19 and December 23, the two week notice period typically extends into the New Year holiday. In this window, holiday days are included as part of the notice period, which can affect the total number of working days an employee remains on the payroll before their departure.
Each working day has value, and its perceived worth shifts with the calendar. In January, for instance, holidays reduce the number of paid working days, yet the daily wage often rises due to a smaller share of actual working days in the month. This means a January departure may not automatically yield higher earnings, as the holidays reduce the count of billable days and the overall compensation for that month can be affected by the schedule.
The expert notes that resigning in January could mean missing out on earning more money with fewer hours overall. For someone still seeking a next role, this may not be the most advantageous move, especially if a better match or higher pay is a priority and a new position has already been secured.
For workers who have already found new employment, there is often a financial incentive to adjust the official start date to January 1. Registering the new job from the start of the year can allow the employee to receive a full month of work credit, ensuring a smoother transition and avoiding gaps in compensation during the handover between jobs.
Bonuses add another layer of complexity. Many firms award annual bonuses, but these payments are sometimes tied to ongoing employment or achievement of goals before the year ends. In some contracts or local regulations, a bonus may be forfeited if the employee leaves before the payout date. In practice, this can create disputed situations, but the consensus is to avoid such issues by planning the resignation after the bonus is issued, if possible.
A prior public poll indicated that only a small portion of workers expected to receive annual bonuses around the New Year, highlighting the financial considerations employees weigh when deciding when to resign.
Industry analysts have noted a shift in demand within the labor market, with expectations that certain categories of inexperienced or younger workers will see increased hiring activity in the coming year. This reflects broader trends in workforce dynamics and the timing of employment cycles across sectors.
Historically, there has been discussion at the national policy level about adjusting the number of working days before major holidays. These debates reflect ongoing concerns about work-life balance, productivity, and the impact of calendar-based schedules on both employees and employers. The results of such discussions can influence corporate policies, compensation practices, and the timing of contractual changes at the start of the new year.