Notice Periods, Counter-offers & Resigning

Beginner · 10 min read · Behavioral Playbook, Behavioral Playbook

Long notice periods, buy-outs, counter-offers and leaving well — common in India.

In India, long notice periods are common: two or three months is typical at many companies, written into the employment contract. That shapes the whole job switch.

Talking about notice period in interviews

Buy-outs and early release

Some employers let you leave early if you or the new employer pay for the remaining notice period (a "buy-out"), or simply release you early after a good handover. If the new company wants you sooner:

Counter-offers

When you resign, your current employer may offer more money or a promotion to keep you. Think it through before you resign:

Resigning well

Between accepting and joining

Further reading

Key takeaways

• Long notice periods are common in India; state yours accurately and say what's realistically possible.
• Buy-outs and early release are negotiable; get promises in writing and never skip a proper relieving process.
• Judge counter-offers on whether they fix your reasons for leaving, not on the number.
• Resign to your manager first, hand over properly, collect your letters, and keep the relationship.

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