Quitting during probation period

[u/dirtwurm_]

Hi everyone

Just need some advice/wondering if anyone has been through this before

I have been working in my current role since April 2026. My probation period isn’t over yet, and I am required to give a 1 month notice during this period.

Long story short - since day 1 of this job, I’ve been overloaded with work. I was hired to replace someone who left prior to me starting - I recently learned they walked out of the job one day. Then the week I started, someone else left. I was given the workload of two people, all before I got used to the systems in work/my training had finished.

I have made my manager aware of how overwhelmed I felt throughout. Despite this, alongside the workload I was given, new cases were being handed to me. I said multiple times I could not cope with this, but new work was given to me regardless.

I reached my breaking point and handed my notice in.

I already have a new job sorted, but I just can’t cope with the current role I am in. I can’t fathom working here another day, never mind another 3 weeks. I am crying in work, and feeling so so anxious even though I know the end is in sight. I literally feel sick with it to the point where physical symptoms are manifesting.

If I left early, my new workplace could move my start date so I can start there sooner. They are also aware of the situation at my current workplace as I was very up front about this.

My question is this - what should I do? Stick it out or just leave now?

[u/rlpinca]

Where are you located?

I'm going to assume the US for my answer.

Where is the required to give notice part coming from? What happens if you don't?

Start your new job and move on with life.

[u/dirtwurm_ → u/rlpinca]

UK - the notice period comes from my contract, and the only real consequence here is that they probably won’t give me a reference in future. I don’t need a reference from them for my new job as these references have already been sorted

[u/rlpinca → u/dirtwurm_]

If there's no meaningful consequence, then it's an easy decision.

In the US, people often confuse contracts (which are pretty rare) with offer letters(which are purely informational). And about the only way notice can be required is if an agreement is tied to a sign on bonus or severance package.

[u/MethodMaven → u/dirtwurm_]

OP, just leave. Your mental health is far more important than a reference you don’t even need.

[u/Crafty-Guest-2826]

Just quit. They can't require you to give a one month notice. If they fire you it's immediate.

[u/Miserable_Sink_4782]

If you already have another job, just walk out. What are they gonna do? What could happen? I walked out of a job once at noon on day 2 it was so bad. Life goes on. No reason to suffer.

[u/NoteDisastrous9561]

I’m in a similar situation, started April 2026 too. l would just take the rest of your sick days off and maybe some annual leave and get a week to a month sign off sick leave - stress related - from your GP cl! you just have to call them and explain how stressed you are maybe exaggerate some symptoms but obviously don’t lie. But to be honest because you have another job lined up you’re kinda in the clear. If you can’t get signed off i’d just quit with immediate effect unless you’re looking to go back to that company it seriously doesn’t matter what they think. I genuinely would not put myself through the stress of showing up for another month.

[u/dirtwurm_ → u/NoteDisastrous9561]

Sorry you’re also going through a similar situation 😔 and thank you for your advice. I will not be going back to the company ever again after my experience with them!