Turned in my notice and they keep giving me more work

42 Comments

1. Cyndi RosenblattAugust 3,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

   Not your problem. Don't worry about prioritizing. I would focus on the things you originally agreed to close out/detail a transition plan for and if you get those done, then work on the next thing on the list if you feel like it. Good luck in your new position!

2. AnonymousAugust 3,2022 at 2:46PM UTC

   I would leisurely do what you can.

   If possible, leave a bit early today to save your sanity.

   A 2 week notice is just for their convenience not a license to burn you out.

3. Barb HansenAugust 3,2022 at 3:36PM UTC

   Yes, do what you can, and do not stress about it.

   You asked your manager to prioritize this list and they did not, so I would send a polite email saying just that and then listing what tasks you think are a priority for you to complete (which would also be the list of items that you can get completed working normal hours by Friday.)

   I would also include in that email that you are willing to adjust your plan based on your manager's input to ensure that important items are completed before you leave, but the current list of items would take 20 days (or whatever the time line is) and you have 3 days remaining at the company

   This is a classic example of "bad planning on their part does not constitute an emergency on your part"

4. AnonymousAugust 3,2022 at 6:31PM UTC

   Their workload is their problem. Do what you can comfortably get done and wish them well. Don't take on added stress just so they can feel more comfortable during your transition.

   Remember you have a new path ahead of you and you want to be rested, healthy and clear headed.

   Don't let your exit stress you out and cause you exhaustion. Once you hit the door all they'll do is feel sorry fir themselves that they've been inconvenienced.

   Make sure not to keep picking up the phone next week and there after because they can't figure stuff out

   If you allow them to, they will walk all over you. It's your choice.

5. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachAugust 3,2022 at 6:37PM UTC

   Yep, do what you can and leave on the best note possible - even if all the work isn't done!

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 3,2022 at 10:19PM UTC

   This is not your problem. You can only do what you can do. What are they gonna do? Fire you?

   Don't worry about any of this - put your energy into your new job.

   GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW ADVENTURE!

7. Michele KingAugust 4,2022 at 12:20PM UTC

   Look at what you realistically can complete and then leave detailed notes on what remains. If they try to guilt you, and they will try to guilt you, stand firm that you gave two weeks notice and asked them to prioritize the list. Since they did not and you are now leaving, they need to handle this.

8. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 12:29PM UTC

   I agree with the other posters - just complete what you can and for the tasks you are unable to get to, write detailed instructions on how they are done or ask your manager who you should transition those tasks to and meet with those people to outline the process.

9. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

   I would just quit. You gave them your notice, so just leave and look for another job.

10. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

    You stick to your plan. They knew your were leaving. Poor planning on their part.

11. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 1:10PM UTC

    What are they going to do if you don't get these done? Fire you? They have no leverage here. Do what you can during normal work hours and they'll need to figure out the rest.

12. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    When everything is the priority, nothing is the priority. You gave proper notice, do what you can reasonably within the amount of time you have left.

13. William StoskopfAugust 4,2022 at 5:26PM UTC

    "When everything is the priority, nothing is the priority."

    How true, how true. It sounds like bad, petty management. I like what the previous poster wrote: Make a list with assigned dates and status of each project. Organize it, tab it. Turn it over with a smile (grimace?) on your face.

    As said-- what are they going to do? Fire you!? If they do that before your end date, do they owe you termination compensation/severance? (Not to bait the dog, here)

14. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

    Do what you think is important. It's insane that your soon-to-be former leaders are doing this to you. And you need to say enough is enough. If they are threatening a bad reference then they will probably do it anyway even if you kill yourself before Friday!

    Congrats on the new gig!

15. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 1:28PM UTC

    This seems a little like retaliation for your decision to leave...which signals to me that this may have been a toxic workplace to begin with.

    You provided your notice, you asked for direction for the growing tasks, and it seems like they just don't want to respect you for your remaining time.

    Like many others have said, I would just do what you can during your typical work hours, and for the rest, I think there are 2 ways to handle it.

    The petty way would just be to leave the remaining tasks as they are and they will just have to figure out the rest since "everything needs to be completed".

    The professional way would be to help transition the tasks to people who may have to take them on when you're gone.

    Your choice is depending on what kind of relationship you want with this employer in the future. I'm writing from behind anonymous, but I would choose the petty way, but only because of the way they chose to throw more tasks at you as opposed to offloading as you exit.

16. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 4:52PM UTC

    I suggest a polite email providing status updates on all tasks assigned.

    Make it a table with a assigned date column. Attach any details. And send after lunch on your previously announced last day. Of course, keep your own copy of the document. Celebrate your new position.

17. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    Wow-I'm so happy you're leaving these people behind! Don't do anymore than you can. You also have the option to walk out before your 2 weeks are up. They are messing with you. Me? I would let them know that it appears they don't want to part on a good note so I think it's best that we end our work relationship immediately. It is illegal to disparage an employee if they were ever called in the future for employment verification. I'm assuming you would never list them as a professional reference. Do what's best for you!

18. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 2:05PM UTC

    It’s definitely a toxic environment. The same thing happened to me. I got so fed up I took an early retirement. Upon hearing this they dumped three major projects on me and told me to finish them before I left. I worked like a dog finishing two of them - on the third one it hit me. - what could they do to me and decided to not do it. After I left they decided three people needed to be hired to do my old job. 9 months later - they still haven’t filled the positions. Sometimes its better just to walk away.

19. Dcre1977August 4,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

    Just complete what you can without overworking yourself..what are they going to do fire you?

20. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 4:45PM UTC

    Just do what you can.

21. RiaAugust 4,2022 at 5:54PM UTC

    Revise the now 5 page memo back to 2 pages. Simply do NOT take on the additional tasks. Send a memo indicating you are only completing current tasks as of (fill in date) and cannot accept any additional assignments. They are trying to work you to death. Trying to drain every last drop of your precious blood. Don't let them!

22. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 12:28PM UTC

    seriously, what are they going to do, fire you?

23. Joanna PoeAugust 4,2022 at 6:44PM UTC

    Literally, almost every state is a right-to-work state, which also means you've got a right to just leave. Two weeks is a common courtesy, but so is not heaping garbage work onto someone who's trying to transition out gracefully.

    You've got several options: do as much as you can of the tasks you had when you said you were leaving and ignore the new ones, do as much as you can of all of it, documenting how it's not possible to get it all done in a limited amount of time, or go to the manager with a list and say "I have time to do some of this, but not all. Please help me prioritize them, or I'll simply head out having done none of it."

24. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 8:39PM UTC

    Yup. Not much else you can do. You’ve documented where you are on each and not your problem once you are gone. You are even kind enough to leave instructions, I don’t know that I would be. Your only other option would have been to work on just one project that you thought could be complete.

25. Looking for a changeAugust 4,2022 at 8:53PM UTC

    I wouldn’t walkout but attempt to finish what you can, older stuff first. If you want on your last day say this is what I accomplished in an email and then type what you finished. Send it right after you close out and add a how you enjoyed working there or something and save a copy of the email. Then run to your next job. Congratulations on getting out

26. Megan PikaardAugust 4,2022 at 9:31PM UTC

    Do what you can and just be pleasant about it (i.e.
    pretend not to notice this retaliatory behavior) but don't kill yourself over it.
    They're just panicking b/c you're leaving and are dumping stuff on you b/c they have no one lined up. Not your problem. Not a good look for them either. Just finish what you can with a smile on your face (real or fake smile, whatevs!) Don't forget to get that letter of rec before you leave or before finishing the work and get out of there. Good for you!

27. Clydene HorriganAugust 4,2022 at 11:55PM UTC

    This company was short-sighted if their plan is to just give you tasks to be done. The plan should be knowledge sharing - especially if you do things others in the department don’t do - and transitioning tasks/providing status and notes on projects.

    At this point, if I were in your situation, I’d do the things I could reasonably do in the order I think would be the most beneficial and call it good enough.

28. Audrey KirschAugust 5,2022 at 12:00AM UTC

    Just do what you can and leave good notes so someone else can complete the work. Or don't depending on how you're feeling. Unrealistic expectations on the part of your boss. Not your problem.

29. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 11:14AM UTC

    In two- you're gone. Do what you can but don't bend over back backwards. You've made it clear that you are leaving in two weeks. If its not all done- oh well. Sounds like they are trying squeeze what they can out you and bully or intimidate you into staying longer. Your two weeks notice is not a suggestion.

30. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 12:24PM UTC

    All you can do is what you can do. This is no longer your circus or your monkeys and it seems like that reality is difficult for these folks. That is unfortunate for them, but not your problem, you communicated limitations and gave them the opportunity to prioritize, they declined. Also unfortunate for them.

    best of luck in your new venture, sounds like you made a great choice.

31. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 1:33PM UTC

    OG poster here -

    Thanks so much for the comments and support. Today is my last day and I woke up to a 10 item to-do list! I even have a call today with a new potential organization partner (I asked them to take the call or at least join me, and I was told to do it by myself).

    I am trying to complete as much as possible and remain professional about it, without going overboard. They canceled my last one-on-one call with them this week so there will be no verbal discussions on the projects remaining.

    I am so happy that today is my last day! Cheers to new adventures and thank you so much for the support!

32. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 5,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW ADVENTURE!

33. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    HAPPY LAST DAY. Take things nice and easy. Clean up your desk, answer last minute emails and say your goodbyes. You made it!

34. AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 2:35PM UTC

    Happy last day. Have a leisurely day as you box up your personal items. Leave a note on the computer and exit slooowly. Don't worry about what didn't get done. They didn't bother to care while you worked there, why should you care now? Sign me, been there. Left and no one cared.

35. KatAugust 5,2022 at 9:29PM UTC

    Now that you're done with the old company, remember not to help them out after this. If someone has a question about a client, procedure, project, or anything else, refer them back to your boss or whoever is supposed to be handling it. It's easy to get sucked back in by wanting to help out, but don't. You don't work there, so it's not your problem. Enjoy the new job!

36. Marquisha ThomasAugust 5,2022 at 9:39PM UTC

    I am curious…update us all on Monday when you are at your new position!

    You don’t owe them anything except to finish your current job out strong, and keep your head up. It’s never a good idea to burn bridges, so just do the best you can, but you really don’t have to do all that extra work that they are putting on your plate. It will definitely hit them when you are gone Monday!

37. Looking for a changeAugust 6,2022 at 12:47AM UTC

    Please let me know how your last day went. I second the person that said don’t help this old company after this

38. AnonymousAugust 8,2022 at 2:21PM UTC

    It was a long day and I tried to wrap up everything I could in the most professional manner without going too overboard. Besides my last list of action items, there was no acknowledgment that it was my last day.

39. Susan RoblesAugust 9,2022 at 1:21AM UTC

    Shame on them!!!

40. Looking for a changeAugust 9,2022 at 1:04PM UTC

    Wow not even an email thanking you? Just a last list of work?? Sounds like they’re mad you are leaving but this is super unprofessional

41. AnonymousAugust 6,2022 at 1:35AM UTC

    Just don’t do it. I had a former supervisor who tried to have me plan out special events a year out. Nope. The transition memo is enough. And don’t feel bad about it!

42. AnonymousAugust 8,2022 at 2:15PM UTC

    You’re doing more than 100% of what they should expect from you. You’re not burning bridges by not finishing their ridiculous request. They will probably start calling you after you’re gone to get more information from you. They are burning their bridge to you. Leave it and forget it. Good luck on the new job!