
Is there ever any circumstance where you don't need to give a 2 week notice to an employer, or it won't matter if you do or don't?
In my case, I finally found a job after a long drought of being unemployed. I was glad to get the job and tried my hardest to be a productive team member; however, I'm not catching on to the job as fast as I would like and they would like, and I feel that it is just a matter of time before I am terminated.
The company is an at will company, and I have only been there for a little less than 2 weeks, about 10 days exact. The position I originally applied for was filled prior to my offer of employment, so I can't ask to be placed somewhere else. I feel as though the hr lady was trying to help me initially and give me a chance, because the job she offered me paid a significant amount more than the original job I applied for.
The new job has me operating a machine I don't have a lot of experience on, nor do have a recent experience. I feel as though with time, I can learn the job, but they are only giving me 3 weeks or 4 weeks tops to learn it.
Just recently an incident happened and me and the hr lady had a small conflict. At this point, it has been resolved, but now she is cold towards me and I am sure she is trying to push me out the door as quick as she can. (I posted about this in another conversation) She has already placed an ad on a lot of jobsites that they have an opening in the position and shift I was working.
I know for a fact that there were no more positions, and unless there was someone that left, or another position was created, I was told that I filled the last position that was available and no more positions were open.
So my question is this, since the hr lady seems to be the problem, do I need to try in talk to her, or just chalk this job to a loss, take a possible pay cut and just find something temp to hire or direct hire through a temp service and start there soon as I can.
Others have said I need to leave a 2 week notice, but at this point, it is sort of a hostile environment. I feel her disdain for me and I feel like I am not wanted there. I am stressed out enough dealing with being a single mom of 5 and now the added stress of this job and trying to run a machine I have no clue on how to run is too much!
Each day brings a new challenge, now after all this time of working, she called me to the office to say that my references didn't check out? I called all the numbers, and all seemed to be working when I called them. She is reaching for a way to sabotage my job.
I am supposed to return to work Monday, but at this point, I don't even want to. what do I need to do?

I disagree. Stay at this job until you find another one or they fire you. If they fire you you can collect unemployment insurance. Do not give the employer the upper hand.

Sorry for the position you are in , I know it's hard trying to do something you don't know how to but at least you're trying that has to say something. Not sure why the HR lady is being like that, she offered you the job knowing you didn't have experience with that kind of machinery. But with all jobs good or bad you should ALWAYS give a 2 wks notice and just ride it out till you figure out what you're going to do. Don't let her bother you, some people are SO immature it will all work out for you. Just take care of your 5 kiddies. Good Luck ! :)

I know how it is to be in a place that you feel unwelcome and that you feel is hostile. Still, it is unprofessional not to give appropriate notice. I agree with Amy that you should give your notice ASAP. Sometimes it helps the way you feel if you know you have taken the appropriate steps and that there is going closure to the issue. Start getting your resume out immediately to get back into the workforce quickly. Taking positive steps towards your goal can make you feel much better.

It would be a courtesy to put in a two weeks, especially if you ever want to use them as on your resume. If you have been there a short time and really dislike the place, just leave, but you probably will not be able to use them on your resume or a reference

I would talk to HR first. Differences can be resolved. State your case and the appreciation of them to find you work. Tell them that it was not the position you intended to apply for and the challenge is more than you thought. They have put you in a position where you are more apt to fail than succeed that is not good. That is the exact opposite of what an HR department is there to do. Ask for their input and state as of right now you are considering putting in your notice. The notice is an act of professionalism. That is never bad. They will probably tell you to leave now or milk you until they find a replacement but you still acted as a professional. Though you may view this as a unique situation it happens more than it should. HR catches no grief when they make hires. Good, bad or indifferent. They either gave you a real shot or they did this to cover their behinds. Don't let it bother you much.

First of all, yes, you should give 2 weeks notice if you are going to leave this position in writing and verbal. Always cover your bases. At least this will give you two weeks of additional income. Next, though the numbers for your references are working, make sure that the people that you are using for references are still there. If possible connect with them and see if you can use their cell number for contact purposes for other prospective employers. As far as the HR lady is concerned, talking to her to try to resolve any ill feelings is always an option. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding or some form of perceived slight. If you do this, remain calm and try to end the conversation on a positive note. Apologize if needed if you believe that there is still some unresolved anger still existing on her part. If this doesn't work talk to your supervisor to enlist his/her advice. As to the machine....if you have not had training on it, as your supervisor for clarification to ensure that you are running it correctly and efficiently. Tell them what you're doing and ask if it's correct. If not, ask for clarification or for him/her to show you how it should be done and take notes. The last thought is, if all of this doesn't work, (1) start looking for other jobs and (2) you may want to talk to an employment lawyer about your current work situation for advice and options. Hope this helps!

Giving your two week notice will be a liberating weight off your shoulders, plus you never know when you land the best job ever and they require a thorough background check of every job you've had.
I applied and interviewed for one of my dream jobs, but the hiring process is extremely long. I had to accept a questionable position with another company in the short-term and with my profession they're always looking for qualified personnel and are always short handed, but at times require unwavering loyalty in the face of seriously questionable practices.
When I accepted the job I really wanted, after taking the required drug test, a background disclosure consent packet was handed to me and despite being vetted by numerous government bureaus prior to employment, another and indeed more thorough background check was required.
Even though I knew my last employment would be a stepping stone on the path to what I wanted, I was relieved I had left every position previously employed in a respectful and honorable fashion to prevent any issues with obtaining my dream.
You never know what tomorrow holds, plan to handle it as best as you can today.

Hang in there! I know the feeling! Try not to quit until you find another job! Best wishes to you!

I have 3 things to say here:
- I would give my 2 week notice and see how HR reacts - like someone said in another post they just might give you your walking papers right then and there. I myself have only given a 2 week notice once in my life but with me living in Colorado and the market being super hot and my jobs skills I can take those risks since I'm in IT.
- Can get unemployment to tide you over or live with relatives and share the costs of raising 5 young ones and I think not since you didn't mention it.
- I would sign up for 3/4 agencies and increase your odds of finding another job. I live in CO and there are tons of agencies here and their recruiters need to eat too!
Sorry to hear your In such a horrible situation. I would definitely give a two week notice and definitely let your supervisor know about your problems with the HR lady. Maybe something can be done if you want to keep this job or if they value you as an employee maybe they will do something about the situation at hand. Best of luck to you. Keep your head up!!