Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Two Weeks Notice vs. No Notice Layoffs

I was reading a thread on a local gun board about quitting a job. Most folks there supported the concept of giving two weeks notice even if the employer is an a-hole. It's an old tradition that I remember from 40+ years ago when I first joined the work force and it still seems to be the way most people think things should work.

But... this tradition was born in a different era. Today companies are willing to lay off workers for any reason they dream up and they certainly don't give the employees any notice. In fact it's common for employers to have security escort the workers out the door. Employers certainly don't offer any transition time to the worker. So why do we employees continue to honor this old tradition of giving two weeks notice. Are we collectively a bunch of suckers?

No, but apparently a bunch of pussies if one needs to ask others how a man should conduct himself.

silver 78,because someone else is an ass ,you should be too?Im with Steely on this one!

With all the companies I've worked for, when they do layoffs the employees are given 2 weeks pay.

I've always given 2 weeks notice or more. The old adage of don't burn bridges always applies. In fact, I resigned from my job on Tuesday and told my employer while I'd prefer to leave in 2 weeks, I'll stay on as long as necessary to help make a smooth transition. It looks like I may be there another month.

I've known several people that when they gave 2 weeks notice they got fired on the spot.


Mike

Technically illegal.

Not illegal in NC

Employment at-will here means that an employer can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason. By the same token an employee can quit for any or no reason.

Neither the employer nor the employee has to state a reason for terminating the relationship.


Mike

Personal honor.
What the other guy does is on his account.

Been a loooooong time since I worked a punch the clock job, but I left every one of them on good terms.

It is the same in Tennessee.

Archerhunter said it perfect.

have also seen employers tell folks to "leave now", when receiving a notice.

It really depends on the company and the type of work. While many appreciate the fact that you offer 2 weeks notice many, many companies don't want employees around when everyone knows they are on the way out.

If you work in sales, the company you are leaving knows darn well that you are going to try to take current clients with you to your new job. If you tell them you are leaving, they want you out the door yesterday. If they even find out you are applying for another job you are gone.

There are other examples, but many companies today are finding it a good practice to not keep employees who are not totally committed to that company. The exception is retirement. If you are simply retiring, and not moving to another job with a competing company then an advance notice is still acceptable.

You make good points, however a salesman who wants account info would already have taken it. I believe the op was commenting on the employer demanding loyalty, while not returning it to their employees. This is becomming the normal, businesses don't feel they owe anything to their employees. However, I still hold myself to my code, even if the other guy does not deserve it.

last time I was layed off, I got 6 months notice, a year's pay as severance, and the offer of a job with the company that bought us out.

Depends on whether you were hired as a "Cause" (employment at will) or "Just cause" Employee.

http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/justcausevsfreewill.htm

Even in "right to work" States there are Wrongful termination standards.

The company I work for gives no notice. When you're done, you're done right now. If and when I decide to leave, they'll find out when I don't show up for work anymore. If they treat folks with no regard they should be treated in kind.

This. You never know when you'll be applying for another job and your prospective employer will check with previous employers.

Plus, even if your boss is an a-hole, chances are your co-workers who have to pick up your duties when you're gone are not.

I've never worked at a job that didn't give severance when an employee was laid off.

Never left without notice, but I love playing devil's advocate.

Scenario: It's a week before Thanksgiving. You have a wife and kids, with a wife that works full time. Your company sends you a letter. "We're moving out of state and you have 3 weeks to decide if you are coming. No severance if you don't go."

The above happened to friends of mine.

If you find a new employer that will hire you, but only if you join them right away, are you leaving your current company without notice?

Someone above mentioned honor. Is there not honor in looking out for one's family? Seems to me that companies sometimes set the terms on how things go. That's one of the things that's crappy about not working for yourself.

"Are we collectively a bunch of suckers?"

No, but you should always conduct yourself in a professional, respectful manner. How someone else responds is none of your business.

Two weeks minimum.

My experience with large companies is that when they lay you off they escort you off premise immediately and give you two weeks pay. If you give notice that younare going to quit in two weeks notice they mmediately escort you off premise but pay you for the reminder of the day plus two more weeks. I was never laid off but that was the companiy policy. They don't want to risk having disgruntled employeees on their property. That being said I don't see any problem quitting on the spot under certain circumstances and have done it.

Im going thru this right now, told the bos last friday that i was gone in 2 weeks, while he is extremely butt hurt he has been decent and i am only at work now as a trainer for my replacement. boss said i dont have to be on my tools or even get dirty just to make sure my replacement knows the job and how to handle the paperwork involved