Can I get some advice?

18 Comments

1. Heather MaconeJanuary 27,2022 at 3:24PM UTC

   I have to ask, are you afraid of repercussions during your 2 week notice period?

   I suggest setting a meeting with your direct manager and bring with you your resignation letter. Of note, this meeting is not an opportunity to list out your greivances about the toxic nature of the environment. There should be an opportunity for you to discuss these items with HR at your exit interview. If they dont give you the option for one, request one directly (after double checking your handbook to ensure its an option).
   You have an opportunity to improve the company atmosphere with this, keep it constructive and productive.
   Any FGB HR pro's who would suggest something different?

2. AnonymousJanuary 27,2022 at 3:35PM UTC

   Thanks for your advice! One of my colleagues (who reports to the ED, my supervisor) left a little while ago and there was a period where he was sort of giving her the "cold shoulder," but otherwise there weren't any repercussions, so I'm not very worried.

   The unfortunate thing is that the "HR" function lies with the ED, which is not ideal for someone in my position, reporting directly to him.

3. Heather MaconeJanuary 27,2022 at 4:36PM UTC

   In that case, that may require it to be an "all in one" convo then. Suggest coming prepared with well worded, productive responses. Difficult as it may be, removing the emotion from the situation may help. Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on how things go!

4. Mikal Ann ByrdJanuary 27,2022 at 4:04PM UTC

   As the other commenter recommended, deliver your resignation letter to your supervisor personally. Be prepared for two scenarios: being asked to leave immediately rather than work through your two-week notice or being offered concessions to entice you to stay. Good luck!

5. PattiJanuary 27,2022 at 4:14PM UTC

   Is there a chance you will be fired on the spot if you give your supervisor a heads up? I would take that into consideration when making your decision. If you were to be fired, could you take the financial hit that would come with it?

6. Emily WoodJanuary 27,2022 at 4:23PM UTC

   I agree about setting a meeting with your supervisor and walking in with the letter. Hand it personally. As for your team, after you've resigned, reach out to them individually.

7. Julie HumbirdJanuary 27,2022 at 4:24PM UTC

   I would avoid a direct conversation (unless you want them to guilt you into staying). I did that out of respect for my boss and she talked me into several more miserable months. Good luck!

8. AnonymousJanuary 27,2022 at 6:18PM UTC

   Send a formal written notice and then immediately follow up with your supervisor. If the environment is that toxic, you're investing a lot of time and thought into your departure and extending courtesies that likely won't be returned.

   Please be prepared for an uncomfortable two weeks, it is a strong possibility. As others have mentioned, people will give you the cold shoulder, they're going to be thinking about recruiting for your replacement, and other just won't know what to say!

   As for the exit interview, I've NEVER seen organizations take action on constructive feedback provided by outgoing employees. This is typically a check-the-box efforts so consider how much effort you want to put into this.

   Finally, and this is a touch message to really process, no one at this organization will give you a second thought once you're out the door. There may be a friend or two that you stay in touch with but that work connection is gone. Please set reasonable expectations about this so you can bring this chapter to an end.

   Best of luck in your next role and kudos to you for exiting a toxic environment. I just did the same a few months ago and it was the best professional decision, ever.

9. AnonymousJanuary 27,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

   Submit a written notice then meet with the key leadership and let them guide the messaging on your exit.

10. Melissa WymerJanuary 28,2022 at 1:13PM UTC

    Honestly, this could go either way. I left a very toxic company and I gave my boss a heads up. He was part of the toxic environment but I didn't want to burn bridges. I then followed up with a written notice.

11. AnonymousJanuary 29,2022 at 1:52PM UTC

    What would you do if the environment weren't moderately toxic? Follow your values, ethics and professionalism regardless of the external circumstances.

12. AnonymousJanuary 29,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    I had a similar situation and wanted to leave on good terms. I told my supervisor I needed to talk to him and he kept pushing off the conversation. Finally, I said I need to tell you, I’m resigning. He seemed supportive, but then he made my last few weeks miserable. I also submitted a formal letter to him and HR stating when my last day would be. Honestly, I should have just walked out and never looked back. If it’s a toxic environment, be prepared for things to get worse.

13. AnonymousJanuary 29,2022 at 3:19PM UTC

    This brings up a good reminder—Always offer two weeks, but be prepared for them to have security escort you out with your purse.

14. AnonymousJanuary 29,2022 at 3:17PM UTC

    Conversation with boss submitting your resignation (with letter in hand then hand your boss the letter & see how s/he wants to handle.

    BEFORE this, get absolutely everything you want out of your work area (over a few days if possible so it’s not as noticeable) & all contacts, especially. Put any relevant documents or files on a thumb drive if possible. (Or email them to your home.

15. Madam anon663January 29,2022 at 6:36PM UTC

    Yes, always remove your things you want before giving notice. A few years back I gave my two weeks notice, and they ended my employment that very day. I was lucky I was able to grab my personal things, but others were not so lucky at that horrible company.

16. Kristen FordJanuary 31,2022 at 11:50AM UTC

    Chances are your InfoSec team has DLP tools in place and emailing docs could easily trigger a notification. I would be judicious with the cleanup- move out!

17. Julie AndrewsJanuary 30,2022 at 1:32PM UTC

    I would just reflect on that the hard part has been done. You’ve figured out it’s toxic and you’ve smartly decided not to be a part of it. Your head is clearly on and that tells me the steady is you and the toxic is by definition, always volatile. You’ll handle this just fine and possibly endure two weeks, but you’ve already endured the hard stuff. Best of luck to you-and congrats!!❤️

18. AnonymousJanuary 31,2022 at 2:21PM UTC

    I have always talked to my supervisor with the letter in hand. If you are remote, when you get on the phone with them, tell them you are sending them an email (which is the letter) and then start the conversation. This has worked fine for me regardless of the situation, but I agree with others, get whatever you need off of your desk and computer before having the conversation.