For the past two months I've been working as an entry-level analyst in big 4 consulting/advisory on a project that is long-term (1-2 years). However, recently an opportunity dropped into my hands that I honestly cannot pass up: acceptance to my dream grad program (which is not really consulting-related) in a really, really prestigious school. I'm going to the program 100% and have my mind made up about that - but I'm quite nervous about how the engagement partner will take the news.
You see, he's one of those psycho partners - yells, screams, snaps at people out of nowhere, and generally creates a very hostile work environment for everyone. Everyone is intimidated by him, and no one really relaxes when he's in the office. My fear is that once I give him my two weeks, he'll throw a tantrum and make my life absolute hell for those two weeks. Am I right in thinking this? Will I be judged and hated by everyone for doing this? I know afterwards it won't matter and whatever, but I absolutely hate confrontation and want my departure to be as amicable as possible.... any advice or help? My thinking is I'll talk to my team leader on a day the partner is out of the office - real nice person who will understand my reason for leaving, and then coordinate for the rest of the transition. Thoughts?
Edit - I'm located in the US, if that makes a difference. HR manual states employees should give two week notice (not technically required) and also my state is "at-will", meaning I or the employer can terminate employment at any time.
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If he blows up at you, tell him he should have made sure there was a longer notice period requirement in your contract if you were so important to the company ("at will" employment creates anxiety for employees and in this case it backfired on the employer, so that's their own fault for wanting to be too powerful and to have everything on their own terms). Tell him it's flattering that he wants you to stay, and you would be delighted to stay in touch and perhaps return to the company once the education thing has finished.
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Let him blow up. Record everything. Then, sue! You get some pocket money to spend while you study further - lol!
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Just walk out. Tell him at 5.30 on a Friday on your way out the door. Your country's dreadful employment regime cuts both ways.
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Even better, just tell HR and leave immediately after telling them. Say they can pass on the message to your managers hat you would have told him direct, but frankly he scares you.
Just make sure you don't want to return to the firm, have all your stuff, and have some other good references lined up.
Also just make sure your really can just walk out with no notice.
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HR policy manual states employees are requested to give two weeks notice, but given that I haven't even passed my probationary period and also that nowhere in that manual does it state explicitly that I "have to" give notice, I think I'm ok.
If I just email HR before I leave though, what do i do with my laptop? Go back and return it myself or leave it at the client site for my coworkers to take care of? Haha
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Seriously... grow a pair.
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Seriously... grow a pair.
You're an adult. You can make the decision to leave a company if you want. What's more, the moment you make the decision to leave you are no longer required to give a crap about some bosses feelings towards you anyway. If he actually does become aggressive (which I doubt), feel free to tell him to **** off?
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I get it, I should. Just that this is my first time doing this, it's my first job, have no idea how these things work and how people react, etc. Sorry.
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You may find he takes it OK. It's usually gone better than I had expected in the majority of my departures.
But so what if he doesn't? What is he going to do? How exactly can he make your life hell? The fear only comes because people think he has some sort of influence over their career; once that's removed, you won't care any more and in the unlikely event he rants and rages he will just look ridiculous and childish.
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nobody should fear scary people at work
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Also, consider to yourself, how might "Easy E" (as featured at 2:54 in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMZi25Pq3T8) handle the situation?
Perhaps even consider the wisdom offered in the lyrics of Ice Cube, Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg, or perhaps the approach that Judge Judith Sheindlin might take.
And as you walk out, think "That's the way it goes in the City of Compton, boy".
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Well done- this sounds like a great opportunity and don't let worrying over this person's response spoil it.
I'd suggest:
-1) Telling your team leader and ask him to be present in the meeting or call where you tell the partner
-2) Tell HR and give them your formal letter of resignation before the meeting or call with the partner
-3) Book a short meeting or call with the partner (hopefully with your team leader present) and tell him at the start that you've given your official notice to HR. Hopefully, the fact that you've mentioned HR and that there's nothing he can do about it because it's official will moderate his reaction
Also, I'd be surprised if they made you stay on the project for your last 2 weeks (from their point of view it doesn't make sense to keep someone who'll have almost no motivation to work) so you'll probably avoid 2 more weeks with him.
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Hi Subtle,
All good advice here.
As you are US based and I have worked there in the past, a couple of things:
- Guys here are right, the rules of the game over there are atrocious. Little to no notice period and barely any redundancy payment. It really is a dog eat dog place. Be polite but be firm. Follow the 2 weeks notice, offer to help in every way for those 2 weeks. You can walk away knowing you did the right thing
- However, just before you give your notice I agree with the comments here, make sure you have your sh!t in place. In the US there is the potential that they will walk you out of the building that very minute, especially as you have a teenage Partner, so make sure you are ready to walk out if it does happen
Remember that any sensible colleagues and bosses will not hate you. They will definitely be annoyed that you are leaving after 2 months, but most will understand that you got a great Grad scheme that you don't want to pass up. Your employer has chosen a "we sack you anytime we want" route, if they really valued you guys, they would have at least a "4 weeks both ways" notice period
Chin up, you are doing whats best for yourself and your career, whatever happens will be a nice story that you will tell the kids when you are older
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