Couple things here, for when you do this to people:Â
1. if you get the âanswer my callâ text, NEVER ANSWER THE CALL.Â
They are calling you because they want to have the conversation verbally, and be able to lie later about what they said or didnât say. Force them to continue via text or email- force them to continue the conversation in writing or not at all.Â
2. âLack of 2 weeks notice is unprofessional!â or the other version, âNot providing notice is illegal!â
No it isnât. Neither is true.Â
And in the US, all states except Montana are âat willâ employment (though you may hear an employer refer to it as âright to workâ to make it sound better, itâs 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.Â
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.Â
3. The only thing I would change in the workerâs interaction here was their response when initially asked to come in.Â
Employee: âHey Mark. Sorry Iâm unable to cover the shift tonight because Iâm studying for my exam tomorrow.âÂ
Donât give a reason for your lack of availability. It may be tempting to. You may feel rude if you donât.Â
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.Â
Boss: âHey I need you to cover Jasperâs shift tonight.â
Employee: âSorry, Iâm not available.â
Do not offer additional information.Â
When you boss asks you to elaborate, because they will, be polite but firm. âWith respect, thatâs personal. Iâm sorry, but Iâm unavailable to cover this shift/work late/come in early/etc.â
Be a broken record- youâre unavailable. Thatâs the only information they need to know, and itâs the only information they have a LEGAL RIGHT to know.Â
Please stop giving your bosses information they donât need to know and donât get to have, because theyâre only going to try and use it to fuck you over later.Â
