Couple things here, for when you do this to people:Ā
1. if you get theĀ āanswer my callā text, NEVER ANSWER THE CALL.Ā
They are calling you because they want to have the conversation verbally, and be able to lie later about what they said or didnāt say. Force them to continue via text or email- force them to continue the conversation in writing or not at all.Ā
2.Ā āLack of 2 weeks notice is unprofessional!ā or the other version,Ā āNot providing notice is illegal!ā
No it isnāt. Neither is true.Ā
And in the US, all states except Montana areĀ āat willā employment (though you may hear an employer refer to it asĀ āright to workā to make it sound better, itās the same thing). Sure, at-will employment means they can fire you without cause, BUT! It also means that you are not legally required to give a reason for quitting, or to give notice of any kind.Ā
Is it polite to give notice when you can? Sure. Do bosses expect it? Absolutely. But that does not make you legally required to provide it.Ā
3. The only thing I would change in the workerās interaction here was their response when initially asked to come in.Ā
Employee: āHey Mark. Sorry Iām unable to cover the shift tonight because Iām studying for my exam tomorrow.āĀ
Donāt give a reason for your lack of availability. It may be tempting to. You may feel rude if you donāt.Ā
You do not owe your boss any information about what you do off the clock, and any reason you give will only ever be used against you.Ā
Boss: āHey I need you to cover Jasperās shift tonight.ā
Employee: āSorry, Iām not available.ā
Do not offer additional information.Ā
When you boss asks you to elaborate, because they will, be polite but firm.Ā āWith respect, thatās personal. Iām sorry, but Iām unavailable to cover this shift/work late/come in early/etc.ā
Be a broken record- youāre unavailable. Thatās the only information they need to know, and itās the only information they have a LEGAL RIGHT to know.Ā
Please stop giving your bosses information they donāt need to know and donāt get to have, because theyāre only going to try and use it to fuck you over later.Ā