Time to feed unprofessional managers what theyβve been dishing out for far too long.
Couple things here, for when you do this to people:Β
1. if you get theΒ βanswer my callβ text, NEVER ANSWER THE CALL.Β
They are calling you because they want to have the conversation verbally, and be able to lie later about what they said or didnβt say. Force them to continue via text or email- force them to continue the conversation in writing or not at all.Β
2.Β βLack of 2 weeks notice is unprofessional!β or the other version,Β βNot providing notice is illegal!β
No it isnβt. Neither is true.Β
And in the US, all states except Montana areΒ βat willβ employment (though you may hear an employer refer to it asΒ βright to workβ to make it sound better, itβs 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.Β
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.Β
3. The only thing I would change in the workerβs interaction here was their response when initially asked to come in.Β
Employee: βHey Mark. Sorry Iβm unable to cover the shift tonight because Iβm studying for my exam tomorrow.βΒ
Donβt give a reason for your lack of availability. It may be tempting to. You may feel rude if you donβt.Β
DONβT DO IT.
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.Β
Boss: βHey I need you to cover Jasperβs shift tonight.β
Employee: βSorry, Iβm not available.β
And leave it at that.Β
Do not elaborate.Β
Do not offer additional information.Β
When you boss asks you to elaborate, because they will, be polite but firm.Β βWith respect, thatβs personal. Iβm sorry, but Iβm unavailable to cover this shift/work late/come in early/etc.β
Be a broken record- youβre unavailable. Thatβs the only information they need to know, and itβs the only information they have a LEGAL RIGHT to know.Β
Please stop giving your bosses information they donβt need to know and donβt get to have, because theyβre only going to try and use it to fuck you over later.Β
My job is HR. The above is completely accurate.
