Question 1

How much notice do I need to give when leaving a job in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Your minimum notice period depends on your length of service and is set by the Fair Work Act or your employment contract (whichever is greater). For employees with over 5 years of service, the minimum is 4 weeks (5 weeks if over 45 years old). Most professional roles require 4 weeks by convention, but your contract may specify more. Check your contract first — you may be required to 'garden leave' for part of your notice period.

Question 2

How much should I negotiate when changing jobs?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that people who negotiate at least once receive significantly more over their careers than those who don't. Use salary benchmarks for your role, industry, and city — combine data from Seek Salary Insights, LinkedIn Salary, and industry association surveys. Aim to negotiate 10–20% above your current salary as a starting point; the new employer expects it. The Salary by Industry comparison gives you a solid starting base.

Question 3

How does changing jobs affect my superannuation?

Accepted Answer

Your super balance stays in your current fund unless you actively choose to change it. You can keep the same fund, roll over to your new employer's default fund, or consolidate into your chosen fund. Check that your new employer pays super on time — the ATO's online services allow you to view your super contributions. If you've accrued any unrestricted non-preserved super, changing jobs may also trigger access rights.

Question 4

What financial buffer should I have before changing jobs?

Accepted Answer

Aim for at least 3 months of living expenses before making a move, ideally 6 months if there's any risk of a gap in employment. This covers you if your new role falls through, if there's a delay in payroll setup, or if you need time to negotiate rather than take the first offer. Use the Savings Goal Calculator to work out how long it will take to build your buffer.

Question 5

Do I get paid out my annual leave when I leave a job?

Accepted Answer

Yes — accrued but untaken annual leave must be paid out when your employment ends, regardless of the reason for leaving. This is paid at your ordinary rate of pay (or higher if your agreement specifies). Long service leave payout depends on your state and how long you've worked there — most states require at least 7 years of service for a proportional payout.

🔄Changing Jobs

Salary After Tax