Petty boss, great co-workers?

Question

My employer and I have agreed to terminate empolyment under fairly amiable terms. However, I was directed not to tell my co-workers who are part of my project team? Is this ethical? Should I tell them anyway?

Answer 1

Unless you are receiving some sort of benefit from your employer under your separation agreement that would be lost by discussing this with your team there's nothing that they can do to stop you.

Do consider the possible impact on any recommendation that they may make in the future, though if you have a solid relationship with your teammates you could just use them for recommendations.

As often as not, the best answer is that you're moving on for "other opportunities." I'm leaving my current position in one week and of the 100 or so folks that I work with, only 2 or 3 know the real reason and I know that they'll keep things under their hats.

Answer 2

My question is how is your boss going to stop you from telling your co-workers? Since you're leaving what repercussions will this have with you? Are you expecting this boss to give you references in the future? If so, then I wouldn't talk.