Ask HN: Is it ok to quit without notice?
Hey HN, I'm looking for an opinion. I'm in a terrible company...the environment has become incredibly toxic, almost my entire department has quit, the company is hiring a new CEO but the "interim" CEO has acted purely out of self-interest and in his maneuvering, has gutted half the company, ruined some relationships and destroyed the project I've been working on for a year. I have an offer for a much better job coming in, and I don't feel like I can manage another day in this environment. How bad is it for me to just walk away? I've already documented all of my code and processes and handed most of my responsibilities to the overseas contractors that are apparently intended to replace me. Thoughts?
24 comments
[ 2.5 ms ] story [ 55.8 ms ] threadIt's less about the company, and more about your reputation with those around you. Other people are probably fleeing the sinking ship too, but you want them to remember you as a person who at least tried to do the right thing. Walk out with no notice, and that'll be something they remember - and not in a good way - not something you want when they're about to hop into the hiring pool too.
I've worked in a toxic work environment in the past. I don't think any less of the people that I watched quit on short notice after continued mistreatment from management; in fact I respected them for not putting up with any more crap when the didn't need to. Assuming this environment is as toxic as described by OP, it's important to remember that many of your coworkers around you will empathize with your decision and respect you standing up to the manager that they too resent.
If it's "toxic", and you don't have other (financial or visa perhaps) reasons to stay, I recommend you just walk out today. Shitty companies aren't worth losing sleep over, never mind losing friends or enthusiasm or health over. Not in this industry.
Go sit in a cafe, or the park, or in a bar, or by a river. Way better use of your time than getting blamed for shit at work...
As you said you documented everything, that seems very responsible.
If the company is how you say it seems like they might not like it, but you're not required to operate your career to satisfy people you don't trust / don't want to work with.
Unless they have a history of escorting you out and paying you the final two weeks. You could test those waters with a two week notice.
As others have noted, there are financial, legal, perhaps moral and reputational aspects to consider. If the estimate of total "loss" you may incur is less than what it costs you to stay, well, you owe it to yourself to fire them.
Speculatively, one gets to burn bridges like this only a handful of times in their life/career, even if it's for a reasonable cause.
It would be ideal if you can do it "politely", as in, give the minimum required notice (2 weeks?). That would remove/reduce any guilt you may feel about the decision.
That said, your location matters a lot. Many states in the US are “right to work”, which actually means that legally you can be fired at any time and for any reason, without notice. But it also means you can do the same to your employer.
Other states are not, and there are actual legal requirements for terminating an employment contract and severe penalties if you don’t follow the rules.
Regardless, I feel that you almost always want to give them at least two weeks notice, and you want to try to avoid burning those bridges.
But I must concede that there are times when that is simply not possible.
If you’re seriously contemplating this situation, then I would urge you to find a local employment law specialist and pay them to go over your situation with you. A small amount of money invested in getting proper local legal advice can save you a great deal of pain and suffering.
In other words, a months worth of coding can be very powerful — it might even save you a full hours worth of planning!
edit: Actually I just checked, it just says termination is effective at the end of the month. Nothing about a notice. Note this is a Fortune 500 company.
WAIT until you have this offer buttoned-up and in writing. A change in your employment status may trigger a red flag with the offering company.
Relative to your notice-- It's generally good form to give them 2-4 weeks heads-up. That being said, you can also suggest "or at your earliest convenience". Informally, say I can wrap things up here and be out by close of business today.
In my situation I'd gave them my minimum notice and did the job with full effort til the last day.
And at least in my case, it was a much easier enviroment once I had handed notice in. You can see the end of the tunnel and toxic behaviour washes off more easily.
Good luck.