"A lot of people give notice before they quit a job not out of respect for their employer, but because they fear their employer will give them a bad reference. Most of the time, this is a baseless fear. Large companies fear slander lawsuits too much and will refrain from saying anything bad about a past employee…no matter how much they hated him. Most places even make a policy out of confirming dates of employment and saying nothing else when asked for a reference. This is so common practice now that your new employer won’t even bother to ask your old employer what he thought of you because he knows damned well he’ll hit a brick wall."
I wonder if this could be true in modern India (Shining, if forgot this too). Now, I completely agree with the article in terms of respect. But, when an employee has a vision for his life/career (most people don't) and he/she wants to achieve some
pre-set goals, you again have to Respect with 'R' him/her.
I thought, I'ld never ever recollect the turn of events at my last company, but got some motivation out of this blog (should say). Now, when I last put down my papers, I was rookie (my first job) and I didn't know how to tackle the HR issues.
But, luckily for me, there were people to guide. Then again, the sadest part of taking advise from more than one guy is that the difference of opinion. One of
them could have a personal rivalry with your boss and he wants to settle it with him through you OR he just can't think of all the worst case scenarios. And believe when you are quitting, its the worst case scenario that you think of which will kick in with full force.
Now, I did the right thing in timing my resignation that I did it on a Friday, so that I wouldn't lose out on two days. And the first thing on Monday morning was to catch my boss before he reaches his desk and give him the News (you dont want to be a lame ass, do you?). Then, we have a chat over coffee that you cant match my pay and also the role (Vision remember?).
He digs at whatever he can and then passes it up the hierarchy. This is where the drama kicks off, my big boss (boss's boss), decides that he wouldnt let me go. And my adviser asks me to take it on (all this while he doesn't who my big boss is!) and press for an early release. After all I need the relieving letter and also a good reference (don't I?).
Half way through the fight, I take a step back and let my Advisor know the entire scenario. He immediately goes on the defensive and curses both me and the big boss (referred to as "B" going forward). As me and B start exchanging punches, I grow more focussed on delivering what is asked for and more, again the sheepish excuse that a convict with a good conduct will be let go quickly.
I keep rejecting all the counter offers and proposals only to find myself almost choked with work. I don't have anything against my boss....it's 'B' I am angry with. As I keep fighting like Rocky, there comes a welcome break. The client has suddenly decided to do away with the project and if I can deliver a shit load of work in 2 weeks time, I would be let go. I thank the heavens for my fortune and
jump onto the job right away. I even party with my friends that afternoon at Lunch, seeing that my boss is planning to relieve 2 days before my joining date at the new company.
Lightening strikes at the most deserted of places (my saying, to hell with wise men saying everything). Almost immediately after lunch, I come back sit at my workstation receive a few missed congratulations only to be charred to death (by that lightening what else?). Within seconds of receiving the mail from my boss, 'B' intervenes and annuls the relieving with the lamest possible excuse that they still need me and I am a critical resource. Oh hell ya, I am critical coz they want to screw up my ass big time. I curse the heavens and you know what, go back to work!
Goddammit, did somebody call me names and abuse me, please do, I am workaholic and psychopath, I like being abused!!!
After this it was pretty much lame, I talk with my future boss and take time at the same time trying to get out of the current company. After weeks of hard work, 'B' finally agrees to let me go 10 days in advance. Can you believe that, heavens are showering me with their blessings, oh this is Nirvana (I know, this sounds hysterical!!!). So, finally everything falls in place and I join my new company. Its almost been one year out of that place and I can vividly recollect every scene of this picture.
This is gross Human rights violation. You are basically threatening an employee to screw his career just because he resigned. Actually, 'B' is a psychopath who regards every employee who resigns as his enemy and takes out a personal vendetta against him/her.
"In the EnDdddddd!", its still a happy ending because good people (convicts) get to take time off!
