Guy Puts In His “Notice Of Immediate Resignation” After Boss Disregards Their Verbal Agreement, Warns Others To Always Write Things Down
One of the best lessons you’ll get from work industry veterans is this: have everything in writing. Trust is something that’s earned. And though the vast majority of your coworkers might be good people, nobody should be naive to think that everyone will be excellent. The same goes for bosses: you’re bound to run into a few great ones, as well as several terrible ones throughout your entire career.
One of the signs of a horrible manager (and, frankly, any person) is that they don’t keep their promises. In a workplace setting, that can cause a lot of chaos and resentment. After all if you informally agreed on certain terms, but they go back on their word when it’s convenient for them, barely any employee would want to stick around.
Redditor u/obdx2 is one such employee. They shared a bunch of screenshots of their message exchange with their boss on the r/antiwork subreddit. The two chatted about how much paid time off the OP had, and apparently, the boss changed their ‘handshake deal’ from two years back. The employee resigned then and there. Scroll down for the full story and to see how the internet reacted, dear Pandas.
Keeping a trail of work-related documents helps keep everyone on the same page
Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio (not the actual photo)
An employee shared how they quit after realizing that their boss lied to them and failed to keep their promise about paid time off
Image credits: obdx2
The employee sent over their notice of resignation after realizing that their boss had lied about the two weeks of paid time off. It just goes to show that empty promises are rife even in professional settings. When you find yourself in a situation where it’s your word against someone else’s, the odds are (unfortunately!) that the person with more influence will come out on top.
Instead of trying to fight the boss over the important issue, the redditor decided to cut their losses and quit. They saw that there was no longer any trust there and wanted to move on. Whatever the situation might look like, no matter how bad things get, many of you Pandas will probably agree—it would be civil for the boss to show up to say ‘goodbye.’ This type of closure can help both sides.
However, in the comments, the OP pointed out that the boss wasn’t even there when they showed up to return their key and collect their final paycheck. Some people avoid any type of conflict at all costs. And managers are no different. Instead of dealing with uncomfortable situations, they shy away. It would have been the mature thing to do to look your employee in the eye one last time as they quit. Alas! That did not happen.
What redditor u/obdx2 said on r/antiwork absolutely holds true: you have to have things in writing. Your job description, the terms of your employment, your wage, and how much paid time off you get each year—these are just some of the things that should be clearly stated in your contract. You can’t operate merely on good faith in professional settings. Keeping a paper trail is essential, no matter what sector of the job industry you might find yourself in.
Look, the fact of the matter is simple: people aren’t perfect. They’re fallible. They might forget about what they promised you. They might remember the conversations you had very differently, as more and more time goes by. In fact, every time that you remember an event from your past, your brain changes slightly.
“A memory is not simply an image produced by time traveling back to the original event—it can be an image that is somewhat distorted because of the prior times you remembered it. Your memory of an event can grow less precise even to the point of being totally false with each retrieval,” Donna Bridge, a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explains.
What this means is that we need to have unchanging reminders of what everyone agreed on. Contracts, emails, notes: whatever gets the job done. That way, everyone’s on the same page. Literally.
The OP shared a few more details about what happened in the comments beneath their post
The US is HORRIBLE when it comes to vacation. Not only are our businesses stingy about how many days you get, but there is so much resentment from your boss and coworkers when you actually take your vacation days because our companies never hire enough people to make it easy to cover for anyone who's out. You're expected to schedule your vacation when it's convenient for everyone else, and they still make you feel guilty, like you're being lazy for not coming in. The "Puritan work ethic" is a nightmare that needs to die.
Totally agree. I feel sorry for the workers in the US. Here in NZ, the decent employers encourage you to take your leave each year, so that you actually get a break to relax, unwind and refresh. Also if you don't, it's a cost they have to carry over to the following year, which they don't want to do. Where I work we are chased up if we have too much leave untaken. Some staff are too busy or too work-minded to take leave so it soon adds up, then the bosses are chasing them to take it. Glad I live in NZ.
What social media platforms does New Zealand have? Oh wait none just our American platforms.Typical.
....sweetie, "social media platforms" is a TERRIBLE metric to judge a society by. Get your head out of your a** with your "'Murica!" cr*p. Sincerely, an American capable of realizing the US is anything but civilized.
Right? In Australia if you accrue too much leave they force you to take some when you pass a certain amount (I think it's 8 weeks; depends on the employer). Ostensibly this is to prevent people from hanging on to their leave because it is cashed out of you change jobs/retire.
It's terrible! We've 6 weeks a year and you HAVE to take it. If you wish your boss has to give you 3 weeks at once, one time a year and if you get sick during your vacation, you get a doctors note and get the days back. And if someone from work calls you, to make you work even a bit, this doesn't count as a vacation day either. Sick leave is unlimited.
I agree...and it seems like the bigger the Corp, the worse they are. My 1st "real" job was for Kmart and you had to work for a year to earn a week of "paid vacation". They'd average out your previous month's pay to figure it. They'd make you give a month's notice, then cut your hours down to almost nothing. I literally went from 39¾ hrs a week (benefits start at 40) to 10 after I put in for vacay. Then immediately quit upon returning... just like everyone else (except F/T management who received benefits).
Not sure if it's a labor law thing, but in Canada everywhere I've worked since the mid-80s you got 1 week PTO and you earned more the longer you worked there. I'm in retail and after 15 years I get three weeks PTO a year. The US is a capitalist-run dystopia with the oligarchs fooling the slave population that "they're the best country in the world" so the don't question anything.
Most of us who work here in the 🇺🇸 know employers are here to screw us out of our time, sweat, and wages. Now they're 'stunned' that there are so many people telling them to FO. Even $15 an HR is a freaking JOKE with the housing cost rape, and even fast food is too damn expensive to purchase anymore.
This is something I don't get - American keep on saying if "the libs" get in we will end up like the U.K. ... you know what - I am 60 years old and have met a lot of people in my life. I am basic working class (all be it in I.T.). Most of the people I know own their own house and I have NEVER met any one who has a second job. Most of them - their wife is a SAHM all on one wage - those where they both work tend to have a bigger house and 2 or 3 foreign holidays a year.. I guess our taxes ain't that high after all.
Think the worst scenario in 3rd world countries.
"Fast food" isn't meant to be "inexpensive." It's meant to be convenient. Also, "frozen food" is no better than is Fast Food.
It's supposed to be fast AND cheap. Always has been. That's why they automate as much as they possibly can, so.one "chef" can make meals for dozens of customers an hour. Less workers mean lower prices. That's also why anytime anyone starts talking about raising the minimum wage in the US the right starts screaming about how upset we'll all be when a double cheeseburger costs $50 or whatever.super inflated, completely unrealistic number they come up with. It's also why they all used to have dollar menus. Where the hell did you get the idea fast food wasn't supposed to be cheap. It's fast and cheap but not that good. That's just the way it is
Here in NZ it is legally a minimum four weeks paid annual leave, or pro rata if part time. Casuals, I think it works out at 8% paid out on top of wages same time you get paid each week/fortnight. Minimum 10 days paid sick leave accruing to maximum of 20 if working for same business more than two years. 12 public holidays a year which are usually on a Monday or Friday to give people a long weekend. If you work any public holiday, you get paid time and a half and get a lieu day that you take when you want (in agreement with work so it works for both of you). Because I work most public holidays (in retail) I end up with around 9-10 lieu days, effectively giving me a total of six week's leave, which I can take pretty much when I want (with notice and agreement with managers). Spring to Christmas is the busiest work period so minimal leave allowed, but rest of year is fine.
You're absolutely right, and nothing will change because the atrocious education system is incapable of teaching most people how to think critically, so they continue to vote against their own economic, social, and health interests, to the continuing bafflement and consternation of social scientists. When I started university in 2001, the statistics were 20% of U.S. HS graduates go to college. Even less graduate. However, I have some hope the upcoming generations will finally change things for the better, especially with climate...I just hope it isn't too late for the rest of the 8 billion people on the planet.
If you've noticed, not everyone is fooled by this BS and the tide is changing, thankfully.
In Canada, assuming you're paid minimum wage, I'm quite certain the minimum vacation is 2 weeks, or 4% pay in lieu of. That may vary from one province to another, but that's what it is in NS and what it was when I worked in ON a few decades ago. If you get more than minimum wage, that can be pro-rated and occasionally is, but usually companies paying more than minimum have some level of graduated vacation plan. Then again, there are so many things about labour in the U.S. that baffle me - like the ability to pay below minimum wage... I thought the purpose of minimum wage was to establish, you know, a MINIMUM. Tips be damned, those aren't guaranteed - the whole culture is messed up in that regard. :/
Well-put. US employers demand devotion, (hello beds at twitter) but offer none in return. Get sick, get fired.
Good for you Canada! But even that can be improved on. If I remember correctly all European countries give at least 25 days paid leave for everyone. No matter how long you have worked there. And sick days are unlimited.
You worked there 15 years and only get three weeks. In in the US and get 6 weeks after being with a company for 8 years. Seems like you are in the dystopian hell to me
Many people here don't get even that much while many people around the world *start* with that much. So yeah, it's not great here when it comes to that.
Yeah, we are. Whenever workers try for change, management first says they can't improve pay or benefits because "they wouldn't be able to complete with higher costs." If workers still push, the gloves come off. Firings, selective layoffs, mandatory anti-union meetings, (I'm looking at you, Walmart), legislation like "Right to work" (for less) that cripples unions... On and on. Unions in the US are on the ropes because of legislatures that are addicted to special interest money. The entire political system here has been captured. Get everything in writing. Don't trust HR; they aren't there for your benefit. Even union "contracts" aren't contracts in the employers take the union to court or run the company into Chapter 11 reorganization on purpose so to void the contracts.
Honey, I'm in the US and I've NEVER gotten paid leave at all. Your privilege is showing.
One week and only three after 15 years? I mean, it's better than nothing, but we over here get about 30 days, so 6 weeks, from the start. Labor law. One week, or even only three, that sounds horrible, sorry...
They still got it better than the US, where labor law barely guarantees a half hour lunch for an 8 hour shift, and even THAT doesn't have to be paid. I've never worked a job that gave me paid time off.
I'd have to check my notes but here in BC it's 4% for the 1st 2 years then 6% after. So for 250 days (roughly) you would be looking at 10/15 days off besides stat holiday plus the new min 5 days for sick days. So 25-30 ish in total unless you're in a union then 30+.
In the US the great thing is you can quit that day and start your own business, and a lot of countries there is a tremendous amount of potential for graft due to liscenses
....you think thise grafts aren't happening here, too? Oh, HONEY...
Writing things down saved my a*s with my last job. Last employer tried to claim I was an independent contractor so he wouldn't have to pay my unemployment. Had a phone hearing about it and everything. I had sent the H.O the LETTER OF HIRE I had my previous employer write up and sign and also a picture of the flyer he posted at my college (which I think he did secretly because there was ONE with no date stamp and all flyers being posted in the art building need to be approved and date stamped by the front office. I know. I've done it.) that stated he was looking for a part time EMPLOYEE. Dude was nuts.
The US is HORRIBLE when it comes to vacation. Not only are our businesses stingy about how many days you get, but there is so much resentment from your boss and coworkers when you actually take your vacation days because our companies never hire enough people to make it easy to cover for anyone who's out. You're expected to schedule your vacation when it's convenient for everyone else, and they still make you feel guilty, like you're being lazy for not coming in. The "Puritan work ethic" is a nightmare that needs to die.
Totally agree. I feel sorry for the workers in the US. Here in NZ, the decent employers encourage you to take your leave each year, so that you actually get a break to relax, unwind and refresh. Also if you don't, it's a cost they have to carry over to the following year, which they don't want to do. Where I work we are chased up if we have too much leave untaken. Some staff are too busy or too work-minded to take leave so it soon adds up, then the bosses are chasing them to take it. Glad I live in NZ.
What social media platforms does New Zealand have? Oh wait none just our American platforms.Typical.
....sweetie, "social media platforms" is a TERRIBLE metric to judge a society by. Get your head out of your a** with your "'Murica!" cr*p. Sincerely, an American capable of realizing the US is anything but civilized.
Right? In Australia if you accrue too much leave they force you to take some when you pass a certain amount (I think it's 8 weeks; depends on the employer). Ostensibly this is to prevent people from hanging on to their leave because it is cashed out of you change jobs/retire.
It's terrible! We've 6 weeks a year and you HAVE to take it. If you wish your boss has to give you 3 weeks at once, one time a year and if you get sick during your vacation, you get a doctors note and get the days back. And if someone from work calls you, to make you work even a bit, this doesn't count as a vacation day either. Sick leave is unlimited.
I agree...and it seems like the bigger the Corp, the worse they are. My 1st "real" job was for Kmart and you had to work for a year to earn a week of "paid vacation". They'd average out your previous month's pay to figure it. They'd make you give a month's notice, then cut your hours down to almost nothing. I literally went from 39¾ hrs a week (benefits start at 40) to 10 after I put in for vacay. Then immediately quit upon returning... just like everyone else (except F/T management who received benefits).
Not sure if it's a labor law thing, but in Canada everywhere I've worked since the mid-80s you got 1 week PTO and you earned more the longer you worked there. I'm in retail and after 15 years I get three weeks PTO a year. The US is a capitalist-run dystopia with the oligarchs fooling the slave population that "they're the best country in the world" so the don't question anything.
Most of us who work here in the 🇺🇸 know employers are here to screw us out of our time, sweat, and wages. Now they're 'stunned' that there are so many people telling them to FO. Even $15 an HR is a freaking JOKE with the housing cost rape, and even fast food is too damn expensive to purchase anymore.
This is something I don't get - American keep on saying if "the libs" get in we will end up like the U.K. ... you know what - I am 60 years old and have met a lot of people in my life. I am basic working class (all be it in I.T.). Most of the people I know own their own house and I have NEVER met any one who has a second job. Most of them - their wife is a SAHM all on one wage - those where they both work tend to have a bigger house and 2 or 3 foreign holidays a year.. I guess our taxes ain't that high after all.
Think the worst scenario in 3rd world countries.
"Fast food" isn't meant to be "inexpensive." It's meant to be convenient. Also, "frozen food" is no better than is Fast Food.
It's supposed to be fast AND cheap. Always has been. That's why they automate as much as they possibly can, so.one "chef" can make meals for dozens of customers an hour. Less workers mean lower prices. That's also why anytime anyone starts talking about raising the minimum wage in the US the right starts screaming about how upset we'll all be when a double cheeseburger costs $50 or whatever.super inflated, completely unrealistic number they come up with. It's also why they all used to have dollar menus. Where the hell did you get the idea fast food wasn't supposed to be cheap. It's fast and cheap but not that good. That's just the way it is
Here in NZ it is legally a minimum four weeks paid annual leave, or pro rata if part time. Casuals, I think it works out at 8% paid out on top of wages same time you get paid each week/fortnight. Minimum 10 days paid sick leave accruing to maximum of 20 if working for same business more than two years. 12 public holidays a year which are usually on a Monday or Friday to give people a long weekend. If you work any public holiday, you get paid time and a half and get a lieu day that you take when you want (in agreement with work so it works for both of you). Because I work most public holidays (in retail) I end up with around 9-10 lieu days, effectively giving me a total of six week's leave, which I can take pretty much when I want (with notice and agreement with managers). Spring to Christmas is the busiest work period so minimal leave allowed, but rest of year is fine.
You're absolutely right, and nothing will change because the atrocious education system is incapable of teaching most people how to think critically, so they continue to vote against their own economic, social, and health interests, to the continuing bafflement and consternation of social scientists. When I started university in 2001, the statistics were 20% of U.S. HS graduates go to college. Even less graduate. However, I have some hope the upcoming generations will finally change things for the better, especially with climate...I just hope it isn't too late for the rest of the 8 billion people on the planet.
If you've noticed, not everyone is fooled by this BS and the tide is changing, thankfully.
In Canada, assuming you're paid minimum wage, I'm quite certain the minimum vacation is 2 weeks, or 4% pay in lieu of. That may vary from one province to another, but that's what it is in NS and what it was when I worked in ON a few decades ago. If you get more than minimum wage, that can be pro-rated and occasionally is, but usually companies paying more than minimum have some level of graduated vacation plan. Then again, there are so many things about labour in the U.S. that baffle me - like the ability to pay below minimum wage... I thought the purpose of minimum wage was to establish, you know, a MINIMUM. Tips be damned, those aren't guaranteed - the whole culture is messed up in that regard. :/
Well-put. US employers demand devotion, (hello beds at twitter) but offer none in return. Get sick, get fired.
Good for you Canada! But even that can be improved on. If I remember correctly all European countries give at least 25 days paid leave for everyone. No matter how long you have worked there. And sick days are unlimited.
You worked there 15 years and only get three weeks. In in the US and get 6 weeks after being with a company for 8 years. Seems like you are in the dystopian hell to me
Many people here don't get even that much while many people around the world *start* with that much. So yeah, it's not great here when it comes to that.
Yeah, we are. Whenever workers try for change, management first says they can't improve pay or benefits because "they wouldn't be able to complete with higher costs." If workers still push, the gloves come off. Firings, selective layoffs, mandatory anti-union meetings, (I'm looking at you, Walmart), legislation like "Right to work" (for less) that cripples unions... On and on. Unions in the US are on the ropes because of legislatures that are addicted to special interest money. The entire political system here has been captured. Get everything in writing. Don't trust HR; they aren't there for your benefit. Even union "contracts" aren't contracts in the employers take the union to court or run the company into Chapter 11 reorganization on purpose so to void the contracts.
Honey, I'm in the US and I've NEVER gotten paid leave at all. Your privilege is showing.
One week and only three after 15 years? I mean, it's better than nothing, but we over here get about 30 days, so 6 weeks, from the start. Labor law. One week, or even only three, that sounds horrible, sorry...
They still got it better than the US, where labor law barely guarantees a half hour lunch for an 8 hour shift, and even THAT doesn't have to be paid. I've never worked a job that gave me paid time off.
I'd have to check my notes but here in BC it's 4% for the 1st 2 years then 6% after. So for 250 days (roughly) you would be looking at 10/15 days off besides stat holiday plus the new min 5 days for sick days. So 25-30 ish in total unless you're in a union then 30+.
In the US the great thing is you can quit that day and start your own business, and a lot of countries there is a tremendous amount of potential for graft due to liscenses
....you think thise grafts aren't happening here, too? Oh, HONEY...
Writing things down saved my a*s with my last job. Last employer tried to claim I was an independent contractor so he wouldn't have to pay my unemployment. Had a phone hearing about it and everything. I had sent the H.O the LETTER OF HIRE I had my previous employer write up and sign and also a picture of the flyer he posted at my college (which I think he did secretly because there was ONE with no date stamp and all flyers being posted in the art building need to be approved and date stamped by the front office. I know. I've done it.) that stated he was looking for a part time EMPLOYEE. Dude was nuts.