SINGAPORE: In a startling revelation on social media, a worker from Singapore has reached out for advice, facing a conflict between his boss's demands and his employment contract.

Despite his contract explicitly stating a one-month notice period, his employer has insisted on a three-month departure window.

The worker, who shared his predicament on the r/askSingapore Reddit forum, recently landed an exciting job offer that comes with a substantial 60% salary increase.

"I aimed to submit my resignation in January as per my contract," he explained. However, during a recent meeting, his boss unexpectedly suggested that he should extend his notice.

"My boss claimed that finding a replacement for my role has been challenging, even before I joined the company," he stated. This resignation is not just a quest for a better paycheck; the current role has proven to be taxing, involving an overwhelming workload and the responsibility of managing the entire department single-handedly.

"This is my first job after graduating, and while I've gained invaluable experience over the past three years, the lack of a promotion and the below-market salary spurred me to look elsewhere," he added.

Turning to the online community for guidance, he posed a critical question: "Should I adhere to my contract and submit my resignation with just one month’s notice, or should I entertain my boss's request for three months? I’m keen on leaving on good terms."

The responses from Redditors were insightful. Many users advocated for him to stick to the contractual agreement, reminding him that employment contracts are legally binding.

"Always go with the terms laid out in your contract; you’ve fulfilled your obligations if you provide the required notice," one user advised.

Others echoed similar sentiments, with one commenter suggesting that it might be a simple case of his boss being unaware of the contract’s specifics.

"It’s possible they may have previously required a longer notice period. Clarifying this won’t hurt and empowers you," they added.

Further input highlighted a crucial point: "If you’re being underpaid and overworked, burning a bridge might not be the worst choice. Ultimately, the continuity of the business is your boss’s responsibility, not yours."

Conversely, there were voices urging caution and goodwill. Some users encouraged the worker to consider extending his notice period to assist in the transition, citing the importance of maintaining professional relationships, especially at the start of one's career.

When asked if employers could arbitrarily extend an employee’s notice period, experts clarified that any changes to the notice period must be mutually agreed upon between the employer and employee.

If no agreement is reached, the contractual notice period applies.

In a job market that is constantly evolving and with the current global shifts in employment practices, scenarios like this underline the importance of understanding one’s rights and navigating workplace dynamics wisely.

The debate continues, but one thing is for sure: this worker's dilemma resonates with many, sparking discussions about employee rights, workplace ethics, and the often tricky balance of loyalty and self-interest.

What would you do in this situation? Drop your thoughts below!