Resignation via email (1 Viewer)

[Sand]

When an employer terminates an employee, it is almost always effective immediately.

But when an employee resigns, he's expected to give two weeks' notice.

Double standard?

Not really. If he just wants to give a #### you and walk away a resignation by any method is fine. If he wants to give his two weeks and get recommendations in the future it better be done in person. Our company treats people well and never just shows someone the door (as long as they didn't do something really bad to get fired). Asking for the return isn't too much to ask.

 

[NutterButter]

is a recommendation the same as a reference? I've been asked for references before usually when I'm about to receive an offer and I usually just give the contact info of some fellow developers that I was friends with. I'd never mention anyone that was above me.

 

[El Floppo]

When an employer terminates an employee, it is almost always effective immediately.

But when an employee resigns, he's expected to give two weeks' notice.

Double standard?

Not really. If he just wants to give a #### you and walk away a resignation by any method is fine. If he wants to give his two weeks and get recommendations in the future it better be done in person. Our company treats people well and never just shows someone the door (as long as they didn't do something really bad to get fired). Asking for the return isn't too much to ask.

I've been laid off twice- neither time was immediate.

it's a mutual sense of common courtesy and respect (and self respect) to do your best to finish your job (or get it to a place where the next person can take over) for your employer or provide a bit of time for the your employee to get their feet settled to find their next gig.

only people I've heard of being terminated immediately- fired- is because the employee isn't doing their job. I could see quitting without notice if my employer stopped paying me or there were other extreme elements of them not doing their "job"- but otherwise, it's just wrong either way.

I have always talked to my boss in person when resigning and given a letter of resignation that highlights what I just talked about. In person allows for a dialogue about why I'm leaving (if they're interested.

 

[HughHoney]

Just had an employee resign with an email. Is this ever OK? In what circumstance?

Personally, I would never, ever do it. Whenever I've left a company I always had the courtesy to speak to my boss directly. Twice I've called CEO's to let them know (one I loved, the other I despised, but gave both the courtesy) and once I flew to HQ on my own dime to tell our President face/face. Always uncomfortable conversations, but I always felt one had to man up and do what's right. A formal resignation letter should follow telling your boss, correct?

I'm so pissed at this guy....

If your thought processes at work are anything like the thought processes of your posts in the Tiger Woods thread, consider yourself lucky that you got a resignation at all.

cliff notes?

 

[Sand]

only people I've heard of being terminated immediately- fired- is because the employee isn't doing their job.

The only guy I remember getting walked out was a person who managed to steal the salary list of everyone in the building and got caught giving it to people.

 

[the moops]

only people I've heard of being terminated immediately- fired- is because the employee isn't doing their job.

Have a lot of friends who worked at Target. Couple months back, as you may have heard, they laid off 1400 people. It was effective immediately for everyone I knew. They were called into an office, offered their severance package, and told to get their #### out by the end of the day

 

[Ned]

only people I've heard of being terminated immediately- fired- is because the employee isn't doing their job.

The only guy I remember getting walked out was a person who managed to steal the salary list of everyone in the building and got caught giving it to people.

The company I work for escorts you out immediately when laid off.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I think a severance package is respectful and does not count as being immediate. Immediate for the work, but not really the pay.

 

[Apple Jack]

Not sure what jacks experience is, but people who are fired are typically shown the door immediately. People who are laid off are typically given notice. Also depends on the person's exposure to sensitive info. If you are laid off from a software company and could end up at a competitor, it makes sense that you would not continue to have exposure to info that could be used against them.

 

[Mister CIA]

only people I've heard of being terminated immediately- fired- is because the employee isn't doing their job.

The only guy I remember getting walked out was a person who managed to steal the salary list of everyone in the building and got caught giving it to people.

The company I work for escorts you out immediately when laid off.

A place I once worked at, their first action was to take away your keyboard. This is back in the day before smartphones, tablets and whatnot.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

only people I've heard of being terminated immediately- fired- is because the employee isn't doing their job.

The only guy I remember getting walked out was a person who managed to steal the salary list of everyone in the building and got caught giving it to people.

The company I work for escorts you out immediately when laid off.

Where I work they escort you out even if you're leaving on good terms and eligible for rehire. So freaking awkward.

 

[KCitons]

Would be great if someone started a thread just to tell their boss they quit.

 

[El Floppo]

Would be great if someone started a thread just to tell their boss they quit.

somebody like Rude?

 

[matuski]

Just had an employee resign with an email. Is this ever OK? In what circumstance?

Personally, I would never, ever do it. Whenever I've left a company I always had the courtesy to speak to my boss directly. Twice I've called CEO's to let them know (one I loved, the other I despised, but gave both the courtesy) and once I flew to HQ on my own dime to tell our President face/face. Always uncomfortable conversations, but I always felt one had to man up and do what's right. A formal resignation letter should follow telling your boss, correct?

I'm so pissed at this guy....

judge, not the same guy who got "sick" after drinking at the strip club all night was it?

the email thing very unprofessional IMO

update?

 

[Joe T]

We had a guy resign by text message. Waited until the whole sales team was in training and snuck in to put his computer on the boss's desk.

Did the text message say, "adios"?

If so, this is the shark move.

 

[Fennis]

We had a guy resign by text message. Waited until the whole sales team was in training and snuck in to put his computer on the boss's desk.

Did the text message say, "adios"?

If so, this is the shark move.

"c Ya wouldnt wnt to b Ya - LOLZ"

 

[Judge Smails]

Just catching up after a weekend at a music festival.

1) Yes - same guy. Have no idea what the personal issue was. Some guesses but they are just that. He told me today he hopes he can tell me some day. I didn't press and offered the various assistance programs we have for employees. I moved on and let HR handle the separation, comp, return of equipment, etc. Just asked for a document to transition accounts which he is doing.

2) I'm incoherent in a lot of threads, surprised that just the Tiger Woods thread was mentioned. Not sure what the posty was referring to though.

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

 

[Otis]

Just catching up after a weekend at a music festival.

1) Yes - same guy. Have no idea what the personal issue was. Some guesses but they are just that. He told me today he hopes he can tell me some day. I didn't press and offered the various assistance programs we have for employees. I moved on and let HR handle the separation, comp, return of equipment, etc. Just asked for a document to transition accounts which he is doing.

2) I'm incoherent in a lot of threads, surprised that just the Tiger Woods thread was mentioned. Not sure what the posty was referring to though.

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

You've set up a straw man here. Nobody said it was the norm. Many of us are saying it's not a big deal. As in, why do you care?

 

[SWC]

A woman where I work recently quit by typing her resignation letter out and leaving it on her boss' desk for him to see when he first got to work in the morning. I thought that was low budget. I know she was stung by them promoting her twice, but never following through on the raises they promised (she got them, but they weren't what she thought they would be), but I thought that was LB.

Call me old school, but if you are gonna quit, man up and tell your boss to his face.

yeah she should have manned up actually hey man whatever you like when the lights are out i guess i will not judge take that to the bank

 

[SWC]

Just catching up after a weekend at a music festival.

1) Yes - same guy. Have no idea what the personal issue was. Some guesses but they are just that. He told me today he hopes he can tell me some day. I didn't press and offered the various assistance programs we have for employees. I moved on and let HR handle the separation, comp, return of equipment, etc. Just asked for a document to transition accounts which he is doing.

2) I'm incoherent in a lot of threads, surprised that just the Tiger Woods thread was mentioned. Not sure what the posty was referring to though.

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

listen brohan not being a jerk here but you let this guy walk all over you with the getting drunk lying and then pulling the old i am sick crapola and now you are surprised that he walked all over you on the way out the door come on man you had to see that coming i mean the sky is blue and the sun comes up in the east this is sort of crazy bromigo take that to the bank

 

[Jack White]

Not sure what jacks experience is, but people who are fired are typically shown the door immediately. People who are laid off are typically given notice. Also depends on the person's exposure to sensitive info. If you are laid off from a software company and could end up at a competitor, it makes sense that you would not continue to have exposure to info that could be used against them.

I put it out there for discussion. I don't necessarily think it's a double standard.

During the time I worked as an employee, I was laid off one time. It wasn't a firing; the company eliminated three positions.

They brought the three of us into a room at 4:00 on a Friday and dropped the hammer.

A member of management followed each of us to our desks and stood there while we gathered our personal stuff and walked us to the door.

This all came us a surprise to each of us, but the process was disconcerting, if not humiliating.

Apparently, however, there are legitimate reasons for the company to handle it in this manner.

BTW, when Peggy quit, she gave two weeks' notice, and Don told her not to bother (that's a Mad Men reference, just in case you haven't been living in that thread for the last two months).

 

[Hang 10]

That's what you get for giving him a second chance. No good deed goes unpunished.

 

[RUSF18]

Just catching up after a weekend at a music festival.

1) Yes - same guy. Have no idea what the personal issue was. Some guesses but they are just that. He told me today he hopes he can tell me some day. I didn't press and offered the various assistance programs we have for employees. I moved on and let HR handle the separation, comp, return of equipment, etc. Just asked for a document to transition accounts which he is doing.

2) I'm incoherent in a lot of threads, surprised that just the Tiger Woods thread was mentioned. Not sure what the posty was referring to though.

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

If he left because of some kind of personal issue, he probably doesn't give a #### about getting references. Hope that clears things up for you.

 

[jon_mx]

That's what you get for giving him a second chance. No good deed goes unpunished.

He probably lost respect for him after he was not fired.

 

[Joe T]

Just catching up after a weekend at a music festival.

1) Yes - same guy. Have no idea what the personal issue was. Some guesses but they are just that. He told me today he hopes he can tell me some day. I didn't press and offered the various assistance programs we have for employees. I moved on and let HR handle the separation, comp, return of equipment, etc. Just asked for a document to transition accounts which he is doing.

2) I'm incoherent in a lot of threads, surprised that just the Tiger Woods thread was mentioned. Not sure what the posty was referring to though.

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

I'm not saying it is the norm. Obviously, resigning in person is the norm.

There are instances when resigning via email or other form of FU is appropriate.

 

[James Daulton]

Just catching up after a weekend at a music festival.

1) Yes - same guy. Have no idea what the personal issue was. Some guesses but they are just that. He told me today he hopes he can tell me some day. I didn't press and offered the various assistance programs we have for employees. I moved on and let HR handle the separation, comp, return of equipment, etc. Just asked for a document to transition accounts which he is doing.

2) I'm incoherent in a lot of threads, surprised that just the Tiger Woods thread was mentioned. Not sure what the posty was referring to though.

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

So you've got a job opening that a drunk, unreliable mid-40's guy kept until he resigned? Where's the application?

 

[mquinnjr]

Just had an employee resign with an email. Is this ever OK? In what circumstance?

Personally, I would never, ever do it. Whenever I've left a company I always had the courtesy to speak to my boss directly. Twice I've called CEO's to let them know (one I loved, the other I despised, but gave both the courtesy) and once I flew to HQ on my own dime to tell our President face/face. Always uncomfortable conversations, but I always felt one had to man up and do what's right. A formal resignation letter should follow telling your boss, correct?

I'm so pissed at this guy....

Guy's a ▼

 

[Fennis]

whoever hired the guy should be fired.

 

[Ned]

Sounds like a good future interview question.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I like instagram for this.

 

[Donkey Derp]

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

It's 2015. Email is a perfectly acceptable form of communication. If someone gave me adequate notice of their last work day (two weeks notice+), I couldn't care less how they told me. That shows professionalism by allowing me some time to transition projects and post the open job. That is FAR more important to the continuity of the business. I would certainly be peeved if someone resigned and their last day was the day they told me even if they did it face to face. Otherwise, I really don't see why it would bother someone.

 

[Soulfly3]

I've been part of multi-million dollars "moves" that have happened over email, that affected thousands of employees.

If it's good enough for that, it's good enough for some shlub to tell you he's ####### off.

 

[jon_mx]

I'd fire him!

 

[Donkey Derp]

A buddy of mine worked for a company that scheduled a fire drill in the afternoon. While everyone was in the parking lot, the company had security go to the entrances. People were laid off during this fire drill and were escorted back up one by one with security to get their belongings.

 

[Osaurus]

I resigned from a job by leaving my resignation letter, company credit card, and office key on the boss's desk before he got in. I explained in my letter that I didn't feel like waiting for him to show up nor did they deserve a 2 week notice. I realize it comes across as a ###### move and I agree. Simply a response to how I felt I was treated. I am not condoning this as standard professional behavior by any means. It was just my response to an intolerable situation.

 

[Judge Smails]

whoever hired the guy should be fired.

I thought about that. Never been so wrong on a guy in my life. Two recruiters who I respect very much thought that the guy was gold, one of the best out there.

Oh well

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

It's 2015. Email is a perfectly acceptable form of communication. If someone gave me adequate notice of their last work day (two weeks notice+), I couldn't care less how they told me. That shows professionalism by allowing me some time to transition projects and post the open job. That is FAR more important to the continuity of the business. I would certainly be peeved if someone resigned and their last day was the day they told me even if they did it face to face. Otherwise, I really don't see why it would bother someone.

Point taken. Guess it just bothered me to have someone who I talk to sometimes 5X a day leave via email. Oh well. I'm in the minority here. I learned something. Moved on.

 

[johnnycakes]

whoever hired the guy should be fired.

I thought about that. Never been so wrong on a guy in my life. Two recruiters who I respect very much thought that the guy was gold, one of the best out there. Oh well

3) Call it old school, call it what you will. There are still some things that should not be done via text, email, etc. Resigning is one of them. It's part of leaving the right way, getting references. Honestly sorta shocked that so many thought it was the norm, no big deal.

It's 2015. Email is a perfectly acceptable form of communication. If someone gave me adequate notice of their last work day (two weeks notice+), I couldn't care less how they told me. That shows professionalism by allowing me some time to transition projects and post the open job. That is FAR more important to the continuity of the business. I would certainly be peeved if someone resigned and their last day was the day they told me even if they did it face to face. Otherwise, I really don't see why it would bother someone.

Point taken. Guess it just bothered me to have someone who I talk to sometimes 5X a day leave via email. Oh well. I'm in the minority here. I learned something. Moved on.

Fair, about the only time I'd get my undies in a twist over this is of it was someone I was FRIENDLY with. Not just worked closely with.

 

[lombardi]

I find it weird that so many people thing this is ok. A lot of "he doesn't owe you anything" and allusions to pride and respect. It's neither of those things, it's called professionalism.

If you're a professional, a serious person with a serious career, then how you leave a job is important. You're stewarding a career and not only do you want to preserve a good reference/recommendation but you also have no idea whether somewhere down the road you're going to need some of the relationships you've built up in the job you're leaving. You may end up 5 or 10 years down the road applying for a job with someone you worked with in that company, even if it's somewhere else. When you build up a reputation in an industry it's really important to maintain it at the highest level possible so that when life's surprises hit or opportunities present themselves, you've given yourself a chance at success.

This guy just burned bridges. He may have needed that bridge somewhere down the road that he doesn't even realize.

If you're a cashier at McDonalds you can key "I quit!" into the hood of your bosses car if you want, but if you are a professional and want people to take you seriously then you do things the right way for your OWN well being as much as having respect for others.

It's hard to believe some people don't get this. Maybe it's a generational thing.

 

[John Bender]

I find it weird that so many people thing this is ok. A lot of "he doesn't owe you anything" and allusions to pride and respect. It's neither of those things, it's called professionalism.

If you're a professional, a serious person with a serious career, then how you leave a job is important. You're stewarding a career and not only do you want to preserve a good reference/recommendation but you also have no idea whether somewhere down the road you're going to need some of the relationships you've built up in the job you're leaving. You may end up 5 or 10 years down the road applying for a job with someone you worked with in that company, even if it's somewhere else. When you build up a reputation in an industry it's really important to maintain it at the highest level possible so that when life's surprises hit or opportunities present themselves, you've given yourself a chance at success.

This guy just burned bridges. He may have needed that bridge somewhere down the road that he doesn't even realize.

If you're a cashier at McDonalds you can key "I quit!" into the hood of your bosses car if you want, but if you are a professional and want people to take you seriously then you do things the right way for your OWN well being as much as having respect for others.

It's hard to believe some people don't get this. Maybe it's a generational thing.

This is spot on. I'm younger than Smails (32) and quitting via email would never cross my mind.

I'm not necessarily sure it lacks decorum, however, it does potentially burn a bridge.

Someone always knows someone who knows someone who works at the next place you're going to interview at, unless you're moving to Mali.

It's not so much that it's unacceptable as a form of quitting, as it shows a lack of care about your career itself, or, at the very least, ignorance.

That said, I may have missed how young this guy was. If he's in early mid-twenties, he probably just doesn't know better (lord knows, I didn't at that age) and he'll learn as he goes. But someday, he might be applying for a job with someone who knows someone who knows Smails and this could cost him.

Just my opinion. Now get off my lawn!

 

[Keerock]

I'm old.

 

[Cjw_55106]

I find it weird that so many people thing this is ok. A lot of "he doesn't owe you anything" and allusions to pride and respect. It's neither of those things, it's called professionalism.

If you're a professional, a serious person with a serious career, then how you leave a job is important. You're stewarding a career and not only do you want to preserve a good reference/recommendation but you also have no idea whether somewhere down the road you're going to need some of the relationships you've built up in the job you're leaving. You may end up 5 or 10 years down the road applying for a job with someone you worked with in that company, even if it's somewhere else. When you build up a reputation in an industry it's really important to maintain it at the highest level possible so that when life's surprises hit or opportunities present themselves, you've given yourself a chance at success.

This guy just burned bridges. He may have needed that bridge somewhere down the road that he doesn't even realize.

If you're a cashier at McDonalds you can key "I quit!" into the hood of your bosses car if you want, but if you are a professional and want people to take you seriously then you do things the right way for your OWN well being as much as having respect for others.

It's hard to believe some people don't get this. Maybe it's a generational thing.

Apples and oranges. The issue wasnt whether or not you would do it. The OP was pissed that someone did it to him. Burning bridges, professionalism, respect, etc. is on the guy leaving. One can easily say both, I dont have a problem with it and Id never do it myself.

 

[Hang 10]

Me thinks it was less about the email and more about Smails completely whiffing on hiring this guy in first place. The email just sealed the failure.

 

[James Daulton]

Meanwhile this dude is moving on to greener pastures. He must be a hell of a salesman.

 

[Brony]

meh. Next employer will care more about how the dude performed. I doubt the last question on the reference check will be "Now this guy sounds great, but how did he leave the company?"

 

[El Floppo]

meh. Next employer will care more about how the dude performed. I doubt the last question on the reference check will be "Now this guy sounds great, but how did he leave the company?"

next employer calls Smails and asks his opinion. the previous incident might have gotten written off- but leaving in a manner that Smails doesn't like might now make it worth repeating. but yeah- if this guy was killing his sales numbers, none of that would matter.

 

[Brony]

meh. Next employer will care more about how the dude performed. I doubt the last question on the reference check will be "Now this guy sounds great, but how did he leave the company?"

next employer calls Smails and asks his opinion. the previous incident might have gotten written off- but leaving in a manner that Smails doesn't like might now make it worth repeating. but yeah- if this guy was killing his sales numbers, none of that would matter.

True, but if the guy does face to face exit, he could just as easily do something smarmy in that exit discussion that Smails wouldn't be happy with and would be posting about. People's opinions about an employee are usually locked in after 3 or 4 months and that rarely changes.

 

[Cjw_55106]

meh. Next employer will care more about how the dude performed. I doubt the last question on the reference check will be "Now this guy sounds great, but how did he leave the company?"

next employer calls Smails and asks his opinion. the previous incident might have gotten written off- but leaving in a manner that Smails doesn't like might now make it worth repeating. but yeah- if this guy was killing his sales numbers, none of that would matter.

Thats illegal in some states.

 

[Hang 10]

meh. Next employer will care more about how the dude performed. I doubt the last question on the reference check will be "Now this guy sounds great, but how did he leave the company?"

next employer calls Smails and asks his opinion. the previous incident might have gotten written off- but leaving in a manner that Smails doesn't like might now make it worth repeating. but yeah- if this guy was killing his sales numbers, none of that would matter.

These days previous employers do little more than just verify the period an employee worked there. You tell the truth and say the guy sucked and you can actually get into some trouble for it. It's not worth the headaches so companies don't say anything.

 

[Bonfire]

I resigned from a job by leaving my resignation letter, company credit card, and office key on the boss's desk before he got in. I explained in my letter that I didn't feel like waiting for him to show up nor did they deserve a 2 week notice. I realize it comes across as a ###### move and I agree. Simply a response to how I felt I was treated. I am not condoning this as standard professional behavior by any means. It was just my response to an intolerable situation.

I think whether it would be acceptable is a lot based on how the company has treated you, and other people (so therefore how you'd expect them to treat you in XYZ situation). If they have jerked you around, broken promises, and generally treated you poorly why do them any favors? If you've heard them bad-mouth previous employees and have nothing for contempt for their staff current and present, then screw them.

The instant response is 'why would you work here in the first place' but people have been forced by situation, tricked, and somehow fell into terrible situations plenty of times.

On the flip side, if the company has treated you well, then yes this is a jerk-store move.

Just pointing out, that it is based on working situation, and not so black in white in all circumstances IMO.

 

[Jack White]

meh. Next employer will care more about how the dude performed. I doubt the last question on the reference check will be "Now this guy sounds great, but how did he leave the company?"

next employer calls Smails and asks his opinion. the previous incident might have gotten written off- but leaving in a manner that Smails doesn't like might now make it worth repeating. but yeah- if this guy was killing his sales numbers, none of that would matter.

These days previous employers do little more than just verify the period an employee worked there. You tell the truth and say the guy sucked and you can actually get into some trouble for it. It's not worth the headaches so companies don't say anything.

True, smart companies don't do anything beyond verifying employment dates.