Please help the escape

I have been offered a job with a non-competitor to my firm, and would like to take it. I need to give 12 weeks notice, but want to leave much earlier - basically, work 8 more weeks and then take 4 weeks long leave before I start my new job (freshen up).

Issues are: I've used up my pro-rata holiday entitlement and am contracted at a client till October! I really don't envisage the account director letting me go early. Is there a way out quickly? Any suggestions/ideas welcome?

Tell your account director he has two options:

1. Pay out your 3 months as gardening leave

2. Let you go immediately (afterall, he wouldn't want a consultant who's not 100% committed anywhere near his client, would he?)

That's it. Your account director has a Hobson's Choice. You're leaving anyway...... enjoy the beach!