Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based chartered accountant has reignited the debate over long notice periods after sharing how a friend’s dream job reportedly slipped away because of a contractual obligation to serve a lengthy exit period.

CA Meenal Goel shared the incident on social media, revealing that her friend had secured an offer from a dream company with a 60 per cent salary hike, taking the annual package to around ₹40 lakh. However, the opportunity was reportedly withdrawn because the candidate could not join within the employer’s required timeline.

Notice period became the biggest hurdle

According to Goel, the candidate’s existing employer required a two-month notice period, while the new organisation was looking for someone who could join much sooner.

Despite the candidate’s qualifications and successful selection process, the company allegedly decided to move ahead with another applicant who was immediately available, resulting in the loss of the lucrative offer.

The incident has once again highlighted the challenges many professionals face when transitioning between jobs in India’s competitive employment market.

Social media sparks discussion

Goel’s post quickly gained traction online, with professionals sharing similar experiences of losing opportunities due to long notice periods.

Many argued that lengthy notice clauses often disadvantage employees in a fast-moving job market where companies prefer candidates who can join at short notice. Others, however, pointed out that notice periods also help organisations manage business continuity and ensure smooth handovers.

Growing call for flexible hiring practices

The viral post has renewed discussions about whether organisations should adopt more flexible exit policies or whether recruiters should provide greater accommodation for experienced candidates serving contractual notice periods.

As India’s job market continues to evolve, employment experts believe that balancing business requirements with employee mobility will remain a key challenge for both companies and job seekers