Resigning immediately after banking bonus

I'm sure I'm not alone but here's the situation.

I have another offer and want to leave my current company ( an IT consulting firm) ASAP but have held off till the bonus hits my bank account and my new employer has been quite understanding of that even though I've had the offer for a while. I intend to hand in notice the day after I see the money. The reason is that I want to start the new job as soon as possible and don't want to delay things too much if I am required to see out my notice.

This is likely to come as a shock to my current employer who would has no inkling.

Is this sort of thing expected and par for the course or is this going to paint me as a sort of ruthless mercenary who will struggle to get a reference if I need in the future ?

Any insights from anyone who has experienced a similar situation will be appreciated.

I would say this is par for the course. I personally handed in my notice within 24 hours of my bonus hitting the bank - which was also 10 minutes after the Partner had told my team that all leave between Xmas and New Year was cancelled because he'd dropped us in it with the client by organising a 2nd January presentation. It was definitely a surprise that I was leaving but I've been on good terms with the firm ever since. I think it's just par for the course... Tony

Thanks Tony,

That's good to know and a relief.

You've earned it; it's not an advance. Think of it just the same as taking your monthly pay, there's not much difference. Or tink ofit the other way - you'd be a lunatic to leave before you got it.

Yes I know all that. The issue was whether resigning at the very instant it hits the bank account is likely to be viewed unfavourably in general. That seems not to be the case.

Its patr for the course- I have heard partners say 'bonuses are paid next week, I wonder how many resignations we'll get'- or 'we can't sell him there, bonuses have just been paid- he'll walk'.

So bank it, resign, and good luck in your new job!

(but before you do, just double check there isn't a clawback clause in your contract- never seen one, but have heard rumours...)

Handing over the Resignation Letter is the easy bit - You can do that a minute after the money is in your account. What will be tough is negotiating the day when you can leave(depends on how long your notice period is and what kind of project you are in).

I have planned to see through my contractually agreed notice period ( only a month fortunately) and my new employer is cool with that. I am not too worried about that particular issue to be honest.