Would you give two weeks notice if you're quitting due to a bad company decision that negatively affects you?

Question

I quit because my employer was demoting me and giving my coworker my job, because I was going to be leaving for college in three months, even though she told me before I could keep my position until I left. I wasn't happy with this decision, so I wrote a letter of resignation and told her that I would rather she found someone to take my shift but I would work if she needed me to (someone else took my shift). I didn't give two weeks notice, but I couldn't stand being in the building any longer since I was so upset. Would you have handled this differently?

Answer 1

Something, or sorts, happened to a former supervisor of mind. He got a better offer and instead of giving the company 2 weeks notice, which is the required amount, he gave them a month notice. He figure he would help them out and give them more than 2 weeks to find his replacement. The company let him go immediately (they didn't like him finding another job).

Bottom-line, most companies can let you go when they want (its called "at will" employment). You can quit or they can let you go without reason. Your employer may have felt they needed someone who is going to be with the company and you were on your way out. The person who told you that you could keep your position was lying to you on purpose. This gave them time to figure out how they wanted to do this and who they were going to have take your place. Since you are going away to college and felt betrayed, I would have probably done the exact same thing. You were honest with them and they were not honest with you. I would resign, state my reason and left, stating that I was a professional and you could have been truthful if you were going to replace me so soon. Don't settle for whatever they throw at you. If you need the money, work, but move on and next time you will have your eyes wide open in the next situation. Remember, the company only cares about the company, no matter how much smoke they blow up your behind.

Answer 2

I would say that you should've given two weeks notice. You said that your employer told you that you could keep your position until you left for college, sounds to me like your boss was trying to keep you informed of what was going to be going on. Since you are going away to college, the business must still be ran, and needs someone to take your place, and in doing so, they also need time to train that person.

You have to realize that a business does what is best for the business, not the employees. If you're going to college you might want to try taking a few business courses.

In reference to a previous answer:
An employer may not be able to give a negative reference, by badmouthing the employee, but they are able to tell a company whether or not you are eligible for rehire.

Answer 3

Yes.

Do NOT ever leave any job on bad terms. Even if you are mad, you should write a two week notice and thank them for the opportunities, then leave in civilized manner.

Why?

That's because you never know when you are going to need one of them to help you some day. It cost you nothing to be nice, write the two week notice and thank them. Then, you are labeled as the nice person who handled the bad news well. If somebody are to ask them about you, they will likely to speak highly of you. If you write nasty letters and fly out the door, then it can come back to hurt you, especially when your NEXT employer wants references and call them to ask about you.

Remember - your mind is made up. You are leaving. Make the best out of the situation. Make the situation work for you by giving them every chance to benefit you later.

By the way, all you have to say in your letter is:

Please accept this letter as my two week notice to resign from as of . I would like to take this opportunity to thank the company and the staff for the experience and the opportunity.

Trust me, it makes difference in your future.

Answer 4

Every so often there are layoff rumors that go around my company. Everytime people start freaking out thinking they need to hurry and find a new job. I relate this back to a story that an old coworker of mine told me. He was in Vietnam and man an M-60 on a Huey. One day they were out on their patrol and took a hit. That damage whatever system was needed for making the vertical landing helicopters make. So, the pilot informed the crew they were going to have to go in like a plane. Well, my coworker said he was sure they were going to crash and die, so when the helicopter got close enought to the ground he decided to jump. He severely injured both of his knees. The helicopter skidded to a stop and the crew walked off without a scratch. So I use that theory. Just because things look bad does not mean you have to jump off.

Answer 5

I haven't been in your position, but I believe for future reference - you probably should have requested a private conference with your boss to discuss the reasoning behind his or her decision. If they could not provide an adequate explanation, then it is reasonable for you to give notice. However, whether you give immediate or two week notice, I would advise you to stand by your decision for future employment references. Employers have the upper hand, irregardless of your performance. If their intention was to be rid of you anyway, they just gave you an out without dismissing you.

Answer 6

You did the right thing, But DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY AS A FUTURE JOB REF. Now in the future try getting a Job recommendation from them before leaving, This shows up good when trying to seek other employment. You keep it with your resume. And it is better to leave before getting fired so you did the RIGHT THING

Answer 7

Buck up little soldier! That's life. You are actually better off than a lot of people. Many people are given pink slips and escorted out the door in one afternoon. Put on happy face or get out of there if it bothers you that much. If you chose to get out of there, give your proper notice. Period.

Point being, we all put up with work situations (lots of them rapidly changing) that we don't want to deal with. Problem? We have to deal with these situations because we are the CEOs of our own lives. We pay our overhead and without these jobs our overhead doesn't get paid. Get it?

It will be okay, look at it as a learning experience!

Answer 8

You can give a two week notice as a courtesy but you dont have to. Just like your employer can fire you on the spot with out giving you a notice. I probably would have handled it the same way that you did.

Answer 9

If you have to rely on this manager or others at this company for references in the future, you may come to regret it. Conventional "career success" wisdom is to not burn any of your bridges, no matter how justified you are in being p*ssed-off.

On the other hand, I totally sympathize with your feelings. As the prophet said, "Take this job and shove it!"

Answer 10

lots of people say you should for future references, but if you're still in college it's probably not that big of a deal, but I tend to walk out when I get pissed, too. I think ya gotta do what ya gotta do and then live with the consquences. Good luck God Bless.