I've been working with the same technology company for a half-decade now. I have developed some solid contacts and professional relationships with my colleagues, and get along with the whole of the office. This office is based in Toronto, Canada, if that helps with the legal considerations of this question.

Over the years, I have managed to work my way into a niche role. I am the only person in the office familiar with many aspects of our products, both technical and non-technical. I can say with certainty that it would not be an easy role to fill outright, and would likely end up being split amongst multiple people, with some work requiring a new hire (ie: a specialist) to take over.

I plan to go and work for a company that might be considered by some as a competitor, but I will be working with different technology that does not overlap with my current duties, so my existing non-compete agreement would not apply.

That being said, is there any harm in offering more than the two weeks of notice my contract demands? I am a full time regular employee, not a contract worker. Also, if I were to give, for example, two month's notice (ie: "Thank you for the opportunity. My final day of employment will be XXXXXXX.", and the company says "Thanks. Please grab your bag. Security will escort you immediately", would my current employer be required to pay severance for the two month period, or just the two weeks my contract requires of me, or maybe even the total amount of severance I have accumulated? If I were to be let go right now, I have accumulated about 7 months of severance pay, as our company has a generous severance package (ie: 2 months plus 1 month pear year worked).

My intent is not to goad my employer into paying me extra severance, but rather to give more than the minimum due notice as a sign of good faith, and not leave myself without income for a whole month or two if they decide to be vindictive. They've been really good to me, and I feel I owe them more than the bare minimum, since I know this position is not easy to fill. Although I have no official fiduciary duties written into my contract, a lot of people come to me routinely with questions and requests for help.

Thank you in advance for your advice.