Is it ever ok to give notice and quit on the spot? ?

Question

I will try to make this short.

I gave my two week resignation today. My manager was NOT happy with me and walked out of my office telling me to put it in writing. She didn't respond to me when I called her back to explain I had a letter already to go. She left the office early ( that was planned )

I got a call about 1/2 hour later from her when she said she was sorry about the about her behavior. She then asked me if I would consider staying a month as this was customary for management. She also then asked me when I got the job offer. I told her on Friday. She said to me " oh that was when you were having oral surgery?" ( That is honest to god what I was having done ) She also said, " I know your husband is working part time now". What do you need the extra money for? I couldn't answer her! I was floored.

I tried to explain that I have been told that this company often will escort you out of the office upon resignation and that I was expecting this that is why I gave a 2 week notice.

She told me that THIS office never does that and if you want to leave today you can.

I told her I had things to complete before my resignation date and would like to do so. She said Honey, we can talk in the morning about it....

I personally feel so traumatized that I can't complete my time I promised. I am in tears and emotionally a wreck.

Advice? I called off sick today due to the stress and I am able to start at my new job..... asap

Answer 1

Sounds to me like  you really needed to get out of that place.  Nothing quite like a head job to make you desperate to leave.

As to quitting, that's iffy.  You may have to explain it later on in an interview.  But it may be  perceived as a criticism of your employer.

Stick it out.

Answer 2

I was in a similar situation last year.  I gave three weeks notice and my boss nearly had an aneurism when I told him.  Like your boss, he calmed down soon after that.  And he also asked me a bunch of personal questions which I felt were none of his business.

I stayed the three weeks and also negotiated to stay as a consultant (with a 50% pay increase).  I didn't have a job lined up and left because part of the reason I quit was because they were bleeding me dry with 50-60 hours of work every week.  So my boss and I came to an agreement that worked out for both of us - I stayed on and helped train my replacement, and I got paid for the hours I worked.

Despite the rocky start, I left on very good terms.  My former boss has been an excellent reference, which I've found was much needed in my job search.

I'm really not one to burn bridges, because you just never know when you may need that reference.  Even though I live in a city, I work in nonprofit and everyone knows each other.  And of course people talk.  

You did the right thing by giving notice, and your boss is kind of a jerk.  But I would try to take the high road.  Even though you can start your new job right away, finish out your time at your current job.  That way you can leave knowing you did everything you could to leave with as few loose ends as possible and you've given your employer one less potential bad thing they could say about you.

Hope this helps - Julie

Answer 3

I don't think it is worth it to stay there if you already have another job lined up. The way you will be treated your last few weeks there will probably be heck and do you think it is worth it to have that on your resume? Sounds like the lady is clearly ticked off. I would have said are you firing me? You could then get unemployment while in between jobs.

You don't owe anyone anything when it comes down to it. If they are gonna be nasty to you then you just say I am not coming back and leave it at that and move on.

Some people just aren't nice when it comes down to it. They can turn real quick on you when they are stuck.  

Answer 4

See your doctor and get a sick note and send it by mail to the company and phone them as well and tell them you sent off your sick note and that you are not coming back.. Tell the doctor the situation and he will write you a sick note that covers you for 2 weeks.. if you don't want to do that.. tell them you have a family emergency and you have to leave at once and after that you start your new job right away.. Try to not fall out with them.. The best way would be to go into the office and be open about it and tell them that their reaction to your wanting to resign has caused you a lot of stress and for that reason you need to resign right away.. hand over the letter and wish them good bye and leave. that would be the most honest thing to do and to tell them you can start your new job right away.. they cannot hold you against your will .. this is the maturest way to deal with the situation by being honest...

Answer 5

I have been in the work force for a few years (age 50 and have been working since age 15) and can tell you that your soon to be ex-boss's behavior is very unprofessional and intrusive.

If she is making things awkward and uncomfortable, by all means don't return.  Not worth it.

Once, I turned in my two weeks notice, and management begged me to stay long enough to train my replacement.  I felt bad so I stayed, then they begged me to stay two more weeks to give the replacement time to adjust.  I said okay -- next day, they fired me.  That has followed me throughout my life.  No matter how I explain it, I was fired.  That is the only job I have ever been fired from, and now when I give two weeks notice, I MEAN it.

Just goes to show you, doesn't it?

Answer 6

Her behavior was very selfish and unprofessional.   You have a right to take another job, and 2 weeks is adequate notice.  You did what was right.  

She was probably upset about the surprise and was thinking about what kind of hassles the situation would cause her.  Keep your word.  Her behavior may change after she cools down.   Since you already have the other job offer, she can't really hurt you, even if she is unpleasant.   You try to be pleasant and not be pulled into an argument or a scene.