Woman Hands In “Heartfelt” And “Genuine” 2 Weeks’ Notice, Gets Insulted In Front Of Her Whole Team
As Peter Kiefer pointed out on Insider, the rigid office hierarchies of the Mad Men era have been replaced by open floor plans and a more casual egalitarianism.
Strict adherence to corporate titles is now often frowned upon, and in some instances replaced by whimsical stand-ins. For example, service technicians at Apple retail stores are known as “geniuses” and receptionists at Houghton Mifflin became “directors of first impressions.”
This new culture is supposed to make it easier to exchange ideas and bring more fun to the workplace. But it can also confuse people’s understanding of relationships, most notably with the higher-ups.
But TikTok user Sophia has recently uploaded a video that serves as a grim reminder of the age-old lesson: your boss is not your friend.
More info: TikTok
After spending two years with the company, Sophia handed in her 2 weeks’ notice
Image credits: sophiazp5
However, her bosses, who she respected, weren’t exactly happy to learn about her decision
@sophiazp5 #corporatehorrorstories #corporate #corporatetiktok #2weeksnotice #greatresignation ♬ Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift
They wanted her to make it a 6 weeks’ notice instead
Image credits: sophiazp5
Sophia really tried to keep it professional
Image credits: sophiazp5
But the CEO and COO started blatantly insulting her
Image credits: LinkedIn Sales Solutions (not the actual photo)
Eventually, they organized an impromptu staff meeting
Image credits: sophiazp5
And pushed fake narratives about her to everyone
Image credits: Chris Montgomery (not the actual photo)
Image credits: sophiazp5
Image credits: sophiazp5
Bill George, a senior fellow at Harvard Business School and former CEO of medical technology company Medtronic, has spent two decades studying leadership failures in the workplace. Hwe told CNBC Make It that bosses are doomed the moment they lose sight of their “true north,” referring to their deeply held beliefs, values and purpose as leaders.
Those traits help guide people to make good decisions and lead effectively. “[They’re] what makes you authentic, and people naturally want to follow authentic leaders,” George explained.
According to him, losing your sight of your values has nothing to do with how smart you are. It happens when you get distracted by extrinsic motivations like money, fame and power — all at the expense of your moral compass.
In their new book, ‘True North: Leading Authentically in Today’s Workplace, Emerging Leader Edition,’ George and co-author Zach Clayton identify five different archetypes of bosses that you never want to become or work for: imposters, rationalizers, glory seekers, loners, and shooting stars.
Judging from Sophia’s TikTok, her CEO and COO likely belong to the first category.
George said that imposters fight relentlessly to get to the top of organizations, but once they’re there, they have no idea how to effectively lead because they lack a sense of self-awareness.
These bosses don’t have an accurate depiction of their own character, actions or feelings — and they struggle to recognize how other people see them. And that’s a problem because self-awareness helps you understand what’s going right and wrong in your leadership. It shows you how your actions may be helping or hurting employees, and what you can improve to lead them more effectively.
These two also weren’t able to take a pause and look at the situation from a different perspective. They kept escalating, appeasing their childish pride, nad fabricated a problem where there was none.
Facing high economic uncertainty, Sophia (and everyone else who seeks to recession-proof their career), should know which fields to prioritize when looking for a new job. Luckily, the team at ELVTR, an online education platform, put together the top 5 professions that, according to them, are in high demand, with each paying up to around $100,000 a year:
Product Management
In a world driven by technology, there’s no shortage of innovation or demand for talent in the IT sector, but companies aren’t just seeking technologists. They also require those with product management skills to ensure the success of their products. According to Glassdoor, there are 17,725 current openings in the product management field.
IT product managers can expect a respectable salary and opportunities to progress. Offering a pathway into the lucrative tech industry that doesn’t require the ability to code, more and more career-seekers are looking to follow in the footsteps of former product managers such as Susan Wojcicki and Sundar Pichai.
Average salary, Glassdoor: $96,496 per year
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Management
According to LinkedIn, the number of ‘head of diversity’ professionals has more than doubled since 2015, with companies such as Electronic Arts, Deloitte and Amazon among those hiring. Shown to boost productivity, employee retention and morale, and with 75% of job seekers evaluating a company’s diversity when considering a job offer, investment in DEI management positions will only increase.
By mastering skills such as communication, issue identification and conflict management, candidates can secure a career in this growing field. Besides offering a lucrative career choice, such roles are perfect for those hoping to leave a positive mark on our workplaces and society.
Average salary, Glassdoor: $89,804 per year
Game Production
The gaming industry grew by 26% between 2019 and 2021 and will continue on this trajectory despite the recession, according to PwC, as consumers seek low-cost entertainment.
With gaming a favorite hobby among young consumers, this ranks as the most desirable industry among job-seekers, with new professionals seeking a career doing what they love most. To beat the competition, candidates will need to master scarcely available skills. This is not just an opportunity for those with coding knowledge and experience. To meet demand, the industry will need to recruit a diverse range of skills — from UX/UI to sound engineering, programming to script writing.
Average salary, Glassdoor: $87,024 per year
Creative Direction
With sector job prospects projected to grow 11% this decade, faster than the US job market average, there is an evident need for art direction skills. A decline is unlikely despite the economic situation, as people continue to seek entertainment during tough times and businesses increase their advertising efforts to maintain recognition and loyalty.
Opposing the ‘starving artist’ stereotype, art direction roles enable creative types to showcase their creativity with the guarantee of reward.
Average salary, Glassdoor: $72,694 per year
Data Analysis
With an ever-growing amount of data available to businesses, professionals with the analysis skills to transform this into valuable insight are in high demand. According to LinkedIn, data science vacancies have been growing by 37% annually in the US.
With roles spread across almost all industries, those competent in data analysis have the freedom to pick a role and sector that appeals to them, such as banking, healthcare, retail or tech. Also requiring above-average computer literacy and mathematical skills, this is by no means an easy profession, but the rewards are equal to the requirements with even entry-level analysts commanding above-average salaries.
Average salary, Glassdoor: $63,731 per year
Roman Peskin, co-founder and CEO of ELVTR, told Bored Panda in a statement that, “Following decades of wage stagnation, our workforce is finally seeking more. Close to a quarter of employees are considering their options and scrambling to expand their expertize. But so too are thousands of others. ‘Skills inflation’ hits, the supply of candidates increases and the number of available roles plummets. Ultimately, mastering mass market skills are unlikely to improve a job seeker’s prospects. Instead, employees should focus on acquiring skills that are less common among today’s workforce, yet no less valuable and desirable to employers.”
People were absolutely appalled by the way Sophia was treated
Some people replied to OP with 'employers are not your friends' type statements. Agreed, but in this case, she was looking for professionalism, not friendship. If I didn't need a reference or anything from them, it would be tempting to reply to any email where they asked me to stay 6 weeks, include the 25 people in that meeting ('since it seems as though you all have been included in this conversation') and just clarify that they no longer are looking for the 6 weeks.
Professionalism seems to be a dead art these days. I could hazard a guess as to why, but I'd rather not stir that hornets nest.
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I would've walked out after the first insult, but we don't know if she was depending on a PTO payout. Also, the rest of her coworkers should take it as a warning that this is no reflection on her but will be the way the people in management will treat them.
There is no law about giving a 2 week notice, people don't want to burn bridges. So even if she walked out the company would still have to pay out pto if they do the "pto bucket" as opposed to "take whatever time you want" small companies normally don't have traditional pto buckets because it's costly.
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I handed in my notice to my manager a few weeks ago, and he was very nice about it. Last week, I announced my resignation to my team (via a Teams Meeting), and it just blew up! They all started ranting and raving at the the manager about understaffing, heavy workload, being kept out of the loop, etc. No one said anything to me, or asked me any questions. I've worked there for five years, and none of them cared where I was going or why I decided to leave. I understand that my departure leaves them with more work and more pressure, but still!
They saw it as you got out and they now have a bigger work load. Most times management won't fill the req spot immediately, if at all. I won't say my company but my coworker passed away 6m ago, his work load just combined with mine. They even told me you're holding up good we don't need another req. Company's will never be your friend.
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If you're ever in this situation, immediately file a complaint with your state DOL. This is wildly illegal and may entitle you to compensation. Something very close to this happened to me and I walked away with a 5 figure check about two months later.
Since the MANagement made this an office wide event, so should any further interactions. Reply to their 6 weeks email, and CC everyone they felt needed to be included. Say something like, "since you felt it necessary to publicly discuss my departure terms I thought we should make the rest of the conversation public as well."
You're not even obligated to give one at all. It's just a professional courtesy.
I'd have then handed them an envelope with a short note inside that said "Please consider this my notice. Please notice I don't work here anymore . Then I would have moon walked outta that place while singing a made up song about them being twatwaffles with my middle fingers held high over my head.
I was once caught in a company-wide RIF (reduction in force) layoff. They couldn't provide specific end dates - our managers were to look at current workloads, training etc. And the would then "let each of us know" (seriously). I put my resume out and within a little over a week I had had six interviews and three offers (a four came in after I had accepted one of the three) I accepted an offer and negotiated a start date. I handed in a 2+ week notice and was told that i was essential to budgeting process. They claimed I HAD to work out to my end date (that they still not not calculated) or they would not give me the separation package (two weeks pay plus 6 months health insurance co-pay) since the new job covered more of my insurance premium (for better coverage) , I told them two weeks or I'd walk onthespot. I worked out my notice AND they gave me the pay. They were expecting I'd manage their annual budget process for next year before they dumped me.
As similar thing happened to someone I knew. His company was closing.. Because he was management, they told him he had to remain and be the last to go. So he could not actively look for another job. If he left before THEY physically locked the front door, he would not receive his (very large) separation package. It's amazing what companies can get away with.
Load More Replies...
Unless your employer states otherwise two weeks is sufficient notice. Learn now (not later) employers don't care. True some people are more caring and some manager sort of care, but bottom line you owe a fair day's labor for a day's wage. End of. The job is not your priority YOU are!!!! Never mistake your job for family... and always put yourself first!! Trust me.. when push comes to shove they will shove you to save money, reorganize, etc. You did the right thing....
Two weeks notice is a courtesy unless you're military or a first responder. Not giving notice may hurt your prospects at future jobs, but somebody will hire you, and almost definitely for more than you were making.
Load More Replies...
After that kind of behaviour from them, I wouldn’t be able to set foot back in that hostile, disrespectful environment. I assume she had another job to go to if she handed in her notice, so I would just use that time to ready myself for a new and hopefully more satisfying future work experience, if I was her.
Just finish out your two weeks and bounce no need to stoop to their level, how ridiculous.
The situation really sucks for the OP. If it were me, I probably would have sent another email saying something like I felt I was insulted and then asking for an apology; Meanwhile, expecting nothing and getting ready to leave that day... MAYBE download a copy of the emails incase they want to bash me professionally infront of other employers. The two weeks notice is usually just a courtesy. It may vary from state to state but we can usually quit or be fired with no notice.
I don't normally talk like this but, f**k those employers. You don't have to be friends with your workers, but professionalism and respect should be given
What a crazy experience! Why on earth would anyone stay connected in a meeting while being insulted and put down? No one owes anything to an employer who does this. She was unfortunately held captive by some kind of mental hold they had on her. Stay strong and know your worth!
Not give her a chance to speak. I probably would have put up with that nonsense at her age, but now, they would have had to mute me to shut me up, since professional behavior went out the window anyway. And then I would break out the flashcards lol. Followed by that dance described by another comment lol
I don't know what the laws are in your area or if this would be possible at all, but maybe get a legal take on your supervisors telling your personal, private matters to your whole team without your permission. There's a reason for HR beyond taking care of personnel.
Actually sue them for a boat load. They have created a boat load if witnesses. Sue sue sue
This just doesn't sound right. For an employer to deliberately insult an employee publicly? Sounds like it would make a perfect case for hostile workplace environment suit. As I read all of these comments, it makes me so glad I'm retired.
I'm really worried about what this vindictive employer will say if OP tries to use them as a reference. Hopefully HR is sane and can be a reliable reference.
The "employer is not your friend" isn't always true. I worked at a company for 18 years and when I left, I still was around because of how close we were. But I will say: a two week notice is a courtesy. If they aren't courteous back, you are under no obligation to stay. I would have walked that Friday. I actually did that at a job. Gave them notice on a Tuesday due to a hostile work environment and got an indifferent response. I did not come back Wednesday.
Ive been there. Stay strong. Stay professional. Never give an employer more than two weeks. Sometimes the last two weeks can be awkward but after you leave you will never look back.
I would of just said that they were payinge less to train people who were new and making more than me and to suck a d**k and if they skimp on payment I will sue them. Just talk over them during the meeting, maybe accidentally spill boiling hot coffee on their face. Accidentally run them both over, you know, accidental stuff
En France, ça se serait terminé par un arrêt maladie de la part de cette salariée, qui du coup serait partie plus tôt, et ses dirigeants ne se seraient jamais permis de l'insulter (en public du moins) car il y a des recours pour les salariés abusés !!
My French isn't what it once was, but let me see if I can understand. In France, this would have ended with sick leave for the employee, who would have left much sooner, and these managers would never be permitted to insult her (at least not in public), because there is recourse (English is not my native language either, but I think this is the right word, or maybe remediation) against employee abuse. Sorry, if that's wrong.
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I had an employer pull that sh*t on me. Although I really wanted to tell him to go f*ck himself I didn't. We were in the conference with about a dozen or so other employees and he was basically telling everyone I was leaving because I couldn't "cut it" (yeah, right). I simply stood up and told the room at large I was actually leaving because he (the owner) seemed to be obsessed with the size of my bust. And then I walked out. F*ck your 2 week notice.
It amazes me when I hear stories about people like this. These men were awful and frankly I am getting so tired of not hearing real names. If these men and women are so bad I wouldn't hesitate to say their real names. Then the people in their home lives and their friends can see them for what they truly are. Abusive obnoxious jerks.
Just saying, my job requires a 4 weeks notice or I am subject to compensation penalties. In a professional world, what could possibly happen that would make 2 weeks the earliest you know you're leaving? If you knew a few weeks ago you're leaving, you should've said something. The only jobs I've left with little notice weren't professional. you want to be treated professionally, act like a professional and give adequate notice. How long did it take you to get hired at your most recent job? That's how long it takes to interview, orient, and train someone to replace you. Not saying that's the case here, but I've seen this a lot. Read your contracts.
Oh, poor her. Something tells me this is gonna happen a lot more often.
Someone actually reads this shite? Another useless post with a woman who enjoys being the center of attention in every unneeded picture of hers.
Waaaaaaaaa.....it's a tuff world out there thanks to Nazi Kancel Kulture. Appreciate you sharing your 1 sided slant with the world. Good luck finding a place that trusta you aren't in it for some kinda settlement. Suns rays are pretty strong so grow some thicker skin cuz you'll be in it no matter what. Never support Marxism..... ever
The title and the person who replied the "these men" bit just sounds a little sexist, and unprovoked. Like, where did it come from, and what did it have to do with anything? 🤷 If she was a co-worker with the OP, then maybe it would make sense...
Some people replied to OP with 'employers are not your friends' type statements. Agreed, but in this case, she was looking for professionalism, not friendship. If I didn't need a reference or anything from them, it would be tempting to reply to any email where they asked me to stay 6 weeks, include the 25 people in that meeting ('since it seems as though you all have been included in this conversation') and just clarify that they no longer are looking for the 6 weeks.
Professionalism seems to be a dead art these days. I could hazard a guess as to why, but I'd rather not stir that hornets nest.
Load More Replies... I would've walked out after the first insult, but we don't know if she was depending on a PTO payout. Also, the rest of her coworkers should take it as a warning that this is no reflection on her but will be the way the people in management will treat them.
There is no law about giving a 2 week notice, people don't want to burn bridges. So even if she walked out the company would still have to pay out pto if they do the "pto bucket" as opposed to "take whatever time you want" small companies normally don't have traditional pto buckets because it's costly.
Load More Replies... I handed in my notice to my manager a few weeks ago, and he was very nice about it. Last week, I announced my resignation to my team (via a Teams Meeting), and it just blew up! They all started ranting and raving at the the manager about understaffing, heavy workload, being kept out of the loop, etc. No one said anything to me, or asked me any questions. I've worked there for five years, and none of them cared where I was going or why I decided to leave. I understand that my departure leaves them with more work and more pressure, but still!
They saw it as you got out and they now have a bigger work load. Most times management won't fill the req spot immediately, if at all. I won't say my company but my coworker passed away 6m ago, his work load just combined with mine. They even told me you're holding up good we don't need another req. Company's will never be your friend.
Load More Replies... If you're ever in this situation, immediately file a complaint with your state DOL. This is wildly illegal and may entitle you to compensation. Something very close to this happened to me and I walked away with a 5 figure check about two months later.
Since the MANagement made this an office wide event, so should any further interactions. Reply to their 6 weeks email, and CC everyone they felt needed to be included. Say something like, "since you felt it necessary to publicly discuss my departure terms I thought we should make the rest of the conversation public as well."
You're not even obligated to give one at all. It's just a professional courtesy.
I'd have then handed them an envelope with a short note inside that said "Please consider this my notice. Please notice I don't work here anymore . Then I would have moon walked outta that place while singing a made up song about them being twatwaffles with my middle fingers held high over my head.
I was once caught in a company-wide RIF (reduction in force) layoff. They couldn't provide specific end dates - our managers were to look at current workloads, training etc. And the would then "let each of us know" (seriously). I put my resume out and within a little over a week I had had six interviews and three offers (a four came in after I had accepted one of the three) I accepted an offer and negotiated a start date. I handed in a 2+ week notice and was told that i was essential to budgeting process. They claimed I HAD to work out to my end date (that they still not not calculated) or they would not give me the separation package (two weeks pay plus 6 months health insurance co-pay) since the new job covered more of my insurance premium (for better coverage) , I told them two weeks or I'd walk onthespot. I worked out my notice AND they gave me the pay. They were expecting I'd manage their annual budget process for next year before they dumped me.
As similar thing happened to someone I knew. His company was closing.. Because he was management, they told him he had to remain and be the last to go. So he could not actively look for another job. If he left before THEY physically locked the front door, he would not receive his (very large) separation package. It's amazing what companies can get away with.
Load More Replies... Unless your employer states otherwise two weeks is sufficient notice. Learn now (not later) employers don't care. True some people are more caring and some manager sort of care, but bottom line you owe a fair day's labor for a day's wage. End of. The job is not your priority YOU are!!!! Never mistake your job for family... and always put yourself first!! Trust me.. when push comes to shove they will shove you to save money, reorganize, etc. You did the right thing....
Two weeks notice is a courtesy unless you're military or a first responder. Not giving notice may hurt your prospects at future jobs, but somebody will hire you, and almost definitely for more than you were making.
Load More Replies... After that kind of behaviour from them, I wouldn’t be able to set foot back in that hostile, disrespectful environment. I assume she had another job to go to if she handed in her notice, so I would just use that time to ready myself for a new and hopefully more satisfying future work experience, if I was her.
Just finish out your two weeks and bounce no need to stoop to their level, how ridiculous.
The situation really sucks for the OP. If it were me, I probably would have sent another email saying something like I felt I was insulted and then asking for an apology; Meanwhile, expecting nothing and getting ready to leave that day... MAYBE download a copy of the emails incase they want to bash me professionally infront of other employers. The two weeks notice is usually just a courtesy. It may vary from state to state but we can usually quit or be fired with no notice.
I don't normally talk like this but, f**k those employers. You don't have to be friends with your workers, but professionalism and respect should be given
What a crazy experience! Why on earth would anyone stay connected in a meeting while being insulted and put down? No one owes anything to an employer who does this. She was unfortunately held captive by some kind of mental hold they had on her. Stay strong and know your worth!
Not give her a chance to speak. I probably would have put up with that nonsense at her age, but now, they would have had to mute me to shut me up, since professional behavior went out the window anyway. And then I would break out the flashcards lol. Followed by that dance described by another comment lol
I don't know what the laws are in your area or if this would be possible at all, but maybe get a legal take on your supervisors telling your personal, private matters to your whole team without your permission. There's a reason for HR beyond taking care of personnel.
Actually sue them for a boat load. They have created a boat load if witnesses. Sue sue sue
This just doesn't sound right. For an employer to deliberately insult an employee publicly? Sounds like it would make a perfect case for hostile workplace environment suit. As I read all of these comments, it makes me so glad I'm retired.
I'm really worried about what this vindictive employer will say if OP tries to use them as a reference. Hopefully HR is sane and can be a reliable reference.
The "employer is not your friend" isn't always true. I worked at a company for 18 years and when I left, I still was around because of how close we were. But I will say: a two week notice is a courtesy. If they aren't courteous back, you are under no obligation to stay. I would have walked that Friday. I actually did that at a job. Gave them notice on a Tuesday due to a hostile work environment and got an indifferent response. I did not come back Wednesday.
Ive been there. Stay strong. Stay professional. Never give an employer more than two weeks. Sometimes the last two weeks can be awkward but after you leave you will never look back.
I would of just said that they were payinge less to train people who were new and making more than me and to suck a d**k and if they skimp on payment I will sue them. Just talk over them during the meeting, maybe accidentally spill boiling hot coffee on their face. Accidentally run them both over, you know, accidental stuff
En France, ça se serait terminé par un arrêt maladie de la part de cette salariée, qui du coup serait partie plus tôt, et ses dirigeants ne se seraient jamais permis de l'insulter (en public du moins) car il y a des recours pour les salariés abusés !!
My French isn't what it once was, but let me see if I can understand. In France, this would have ended with sick leave for the employee, who would have left much sooner, and these managers would never be permitted to insult her (at least not in public), because there is recourse (English is not my native language either, but I think this is the right word, or maybe remediation) against employee abuse. Sorry, if that's wrong.
Load More Replies... I had an employer pull that sh*t on me. Although I really wanted to tell him to go f*ck himself I didn't. We were in the conference with about a dozen or so other employees and he was basically telling everyone I was leaving because I couldn't "cut it" (yeah, right). I simply stood up and told the room at large I was actually leaving because he (the owner) seemed to be obsessed with the size of my bust. And then I walked out. F*ck your 2 week notice.
It amazes me when I hear stories about people like this. These men were awful and frankly I am getting so tired of not hearing real names. If these men and women are so bad I wouldn't hesitate to say their real names. Then the people in their home lives and their friends can see them for what they truly are. Abusive obnoxious jerks.
Just saying, my job requires a 4 weeks notice or I am subject to compensation penalties. In a professional world, what could possibly happen that would make 2 weeks the earliest you know you're leaving? If you knew a few weeks ago you're leaving, you should've said something. The only jobs I've left with little notice weren't professional. you want to be treated professionally, act like a professional and give adequate notice. How long did it take you to get hired at your most recent job? That's how long it takes to interview, orient, and train someone to replace you. Not saying that's the case here, but I've seen this a lot. Read your contracts.
Oh, poor her. Something tells me this is gonna happen a lot more often.
Someone actually reads this shite? Another useless post with a woman who enjoys being the center of attention in every unneeded picture of hers.
Waaaaaaaaa.....it's a tuff world out there thanks to Nazi Kancel Kulture. Appreciate you sharing your 1 sided slant with the world. Good luck finding a place that trusta you aren't in it for some kinda settlement. Suns rays are pretty strong so grow some thicker skin cuz you'll be in it no matter what. Never support Marxism..... ever
The title and the person who replied the "these men" bit just sounds a little sexist, and unprovoked. Like, where did it come from, and what did it have to do with anything? 🤷 If she was a co-worker with the OP, then maybe it would make sense...
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