I once worked as a waitress in a restaurant where there was a very sympathetic manager. When you gave notice, you were allowed to act out your take-this-job-and-shove-it fantasy on your last night. I never did it, but I can see how it would be very satisfying. (Don’t underestimate the personal development potential of any job that requires you to interact with the public.)
The internet has been buzzing about two of the latest job-chucking heroes. Perhaps you’ve seen the "I Quit!" slide show that “Jenny” emailed to her entire office calling her boss out for his creepy pet name for her and his impressive hours logged on Farmville. Sadly, it turns out that this declaration of independence from the office was a hoax, but it certainly touched a nerve and spoke volumes about the state of the work force.
These days, when those of us with a job are grateful to have any kind of income, there’s no doubt that this job market can make those in a disappointing, frustrating, or boring position feel trapped, like an indentured servant. It’s no wonder we applauded Jenny’s pluck.
The other story is a true story – and personally, I think it shows a lot more flair. A fed-up Jet Blue flight attendant snapped, grabbed 2 beers and jumped down the emergency exit slide. So long suckers! And you thought airline passengers were cranky? The story even inspired Jimmy Fallon to pen the Ballad of Steven Slater – no doubt destined to become a classic.
There are probably better ways to handle a difficult work situation. With a little creativity and determination, you can make the job you have the job you want. If not, I’m not suggesting that you get 2 beers and jump, but you may want to stock the office fridge just in case. (Note to boss: I love my job! The beer has been stocked for team building purposes.)
What is your exit fantasy? Have you ever quit a job with style?
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3 comments:
I actually am leaving my job of four years at the end of the month and am planning to leave gracefully, finish my projects, and not burn any bridges.
However... many years ago, at my first job, I did leave with a small bang. My husband got transferred, which was not a surprise to us, and I kept my supervisor fully apprised throughout the process.
Then, when the news was final, I gave two weeks' notice, as per the guidelines provided by HR. My supervisor was angry and wanted me to give four weeks' notice. Since my husband and I were moving quite some distance, this was not possible for me.
All the same, my manager treated me very badly from that day on, including freezing me out of meetings and instructing my colleagues to ignore me. After three days of this, I was utterly shredded, so I stayed late after work and cleaned out my office entirely. I sent the manager an email in which I explained that due to her immature and mean behavior, I did not feel compelled to honor the rest of my two weeks' notice.
Unfortunately, the S--- hit the fan and I ended up getting a scary phone call from a higher-up, letting me know about the nasty things they were putting in my personnel file. Luckily, I had documentation of everything that had occurred, including my clear honest communications with my supervisor and her later misbehavior, so the higher-up backed down, but the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth.
Wow - what a story! Thanks for sharing it.
Indeed, thanks for sharing the story.
But I'd urge you to share it with a
wider audience. It is fortunate
your former mis-management backed down
on their threat to you when you presented your case. However others
may not be so well prepared nor able
to orchestrate such a defense. That management's misbehavior should have
received a negative sanction including
a warning to others of what may lie
ahead for them should they flirt with
employment in that haunted house.
It may be easy to just chalk this
episode up to experience but doing so
really isn't helping others nor
giving the offenders a reason refrain
from their obnoxious behavior.
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