Gave notice last week.

Anonymous

January 31,2024 at 4:33AM UTC

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Gave notice last week. One of the partners wanted me to speak to another partner because he thought he would listen to the seriousness of the situation and try to convince me to stay. Fast forward, he actually told me that he’s going to restructure my position and offer me the position for 20k less. There were a few other insults thrown in but it’s too much to write about. The original partner that initiated this called me and asked me to come to his office and offered me a position with him p/t but 25k less! I’m like what is wrong with you people???? I’m so upset I don’t even want to go back there. If I don’t go back can they withold my check?

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AnonymousJanuary 31,2024 at 5:28AM UTC
They could, for any hours not worked. At this point your well-being is more important though. Perhaps you can start the other job earlier than anticipated. By offering you your own job for a cut in pay, they are essentially saying your old job does not exist. So you can say you were relieved of the obligation to work out your notice. Companies will sometimes do this for a variety of reasons so it is not a reflection on you. God bless you! Let us know how it turns out. Definitely the first time I’ve ever heard of an employer doing that. Remember, it’s them. Not you!
AnonymousJanuary 31,2024 at 7:57AM UTC
Unbelievable, I'm so sorry you were treated this way. Move on to better and brighter things.
AnonymousJanuary 31,2024 at 3:57PM UTC
If you are in the U.S., your company is required to pay you for hours worked per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. The FLSA is still in use today and it is the bedrock of U.S. labor laws. Check out 29 CFR Part 785. Also, take a look at the Department of Labor website. Both sources explain your rights quite nicely.
As a side note, I am rather perturbed by you post, not because you did anything wrong, but because a nugget was put in your head where you thought you could not obtain you final wages.
I once worked for a company that stated in the employee handbook that they would withhold wages earned if employees did not put in their two week notice, even though the company was in an at will state. This makes me angry because that blatant lie kept me in place for too long and that procedure is against the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Follow what Angelina Jolie had tattooed on her back: know your rights!
misskelleypFebruary 4,2024 at 6:30PM UTC
SO SO RIGHT. An employer also cannot withhold pay if you do not return company equipment, unless they have something, signed by you, saying that you agree to that.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2024 at 1:54PM UTC
In some (but not all) US states it is legal not to pay out accrued vacation time if you don’t leave on good terms or as stated in the employee handbook, but they definitely have to pay you for hours worked. How strange that they thought offering you LESS money was a strategy to get you to stay after giving notice.
GirlBossanova934974February 2,2024 at 2:23PM UTC
It appears you already have a new job. So the wise course is to go off to your new job and forget the old job and all its issues.. Going forward, it is rarely ever a good idea to accept a counter offer once you have given notice. Be out of there and move on with your career is the best and only choice.
AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 3:58PM UTC
I completely understand and sympathized with why you would not want to go back.
however I would go back just to show I am a professional and will complete my position , also you may need them as a reference at the least it will be checked
but that is my opinion ion I try to always go out on a high note , I had a couple jobs I hated the air in the building but I went and completed the two weeks I felt better so I g that but everyone is different
AyianFebruary 5,2024 at 4:31AM UTC
Nah, if insults have been hurled, either HR will handle it with a blanket 'yes, they were here for these dates' or they'll give whatever reference they already were going to. Going back or not won't make a big difference here for the reference quality.
AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 1:39AM UTC
If you worked you must get paid. If your payroll dates do not align with the last date worked be sure you know your state law for how long they have before they are paying fines for not paying you. Get out while you can and wish them the best but don't burn the bridge while leaving because having good references is worth more than that.
Jenn MPFebruary 3,2024 at 1:25PM UTC
I would nicely explain that you can’t live off that decrease (also check state law b/c it could be considered a layoff and you’re entitled to unemployment). I personally would take the PT position so I could collect partial unemployment and look for something new
AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 4:40PM UTC
Wow. What a couple of a-holes. Well, I guess they showed you.... that you made the right decision to leave! They cannot withhold your pay for days worked.
I wouldn't go back. I'd get my stuff and send an email stating that in light of your recent conversations, it's best that you part ways now. Thank them for the opportunity and look forward to your new life in a new job!
Liz MilneFebruary 3,2024 at 9:00PM UTC
If you gave two weeks notice, finish that up and don't go back. And don't be afraid to express to them - civilly, so they can't accuse you of being unprofessional or rude - that their 'offers' were unacceptable, almost to the point of being insulting: why on earth would you stay in a position you're unhappy enough with to be leaving, for less money? Ridiculous!
KathyFebruary 4,2024 at 5:19PM UTC
Unless you have PTO or vacation that you can take for the two week notice period, technically they don't have to pay you. As the 'nice' guys that they are, they probably wouldn't pay you under those circumstances where some places might.
If you have to work to get paid for your last two weeks and you can't afford to lose the money, go back, keep your head down and suffer the two weeks and be glad you have a new position.
Good luck!
misskelleypFebruary 4,2024 at 6:27PM UTC
They cannot withhold any pay for hours worked. It's possible they can withhold payout for any accrued PTO, depending on what state you're in and your company policy. It's also possible that they will badmouth you to other employers. That said, their behavior stinks.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEFebruary 4,2024 at 7:15PM UTC
It will be tough, but you are more professional than that. Don't let them win. Attorneys thrive on game playing. I have three in my immediate family and socialized with one on and off for several years. He and I consistenly agrued about "omissions." But, you didn't ask me a specific question -- was his comeback. I wanted to hit with a invisible brick. Stay strong and hang in there.
Zeecil KimmelFebruary 4,2024 at 8:46PM UTC
Sour Grapes anyone? I am sorry but does that sound as immature to everyone else as it does to me? You are leaving well we will show you - We are taking our ball to a better sandbox. Sounds like you are really lucky to be going. I would come back with my head held high and just shake it like "Wow nice of you to show your true colors" every time you see them. A good look of "I pity you losers" also fits the situation.
Steven HawkFebruary 5,2024 at 2:07PM UTC
No they can not withold a check, illegal.
Julia ArmentaFebruary 5,2024 at 2:08PM UTC
Withholding a paycheck is illegal, it’s called theft of services.
AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 2:19PM UTC
If the new position is part-time, however, with only $25,000.00 less, is that technically not an increase in pay for less time?
I am honestly not sure as it depends on several factors. I do believe this was meant as an insult, stating "It's the workload for the reason for your departure". Personally, I would go back because I would not let them win. To me, it sounds more like work relationships, not the workload, as the reason for your departure. I did see here that someone mentioned maybe accepting the part-time position and collecting partial unemployment. If you do, make sure to check state laws or get legal advice first. If you were leaving for a better opportunity, finish out your two weeks and don't look back. I have heard of companies rescinding offers in some cases when an individual leaves the prior position without notice. I'm not sure what excuse they use to do it, but I have heard that at least once.
Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterFebruary 5,2024 at 2:33PM UTC
Okay. You gave notice. That indicates that you planned to leave and go somewhere else. Then you were willing to listen to see if they had a counter-offer. Presumably so you could go to the new job and tell them about the counter and see if they would meet it.
Since that didn't happen, why not just leave. They will pay you for the work you've done through your end date presuming this is a genuine company and not a couple of bruhs pretending to have a company.
Why would you not follow through on leaving?
DirectGirlFebruary 6,2024 at 5:00PM UTC
I don't want to just leave because I was brought up to keep my side of the street clean. Not sure that goes well with the younger generation today but it's what I know.
Daffeyo TubmanFebruary 5,2024 at 2:37PM UTC
They cannot withhold your check if you have already worked the hours, if you leave immediately and do not work out the rest of your notice, they are not obligated to pay you for time not worked.
Rosanna Raffaela PizzaFebruary 5,2024 at 10:09PM UTC
Unbelievable. These people must think you are stupid or desperate or both. If you quit, just note that depending on your state, you might not be able to collect U/E. Any chance you can get them to lay you off?