My last day at this job is tomorrow
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Ok. Let me start over. This isn't about contracts. It's customary to give two weeks notice at your place of employment. Further, a company will deem you as 'rehirable' if you give two weeks. The reason this is important is future companies may call asking if I am 'rehirable', which can influence another company's hiring decision. I work in a state where companies may fire you for any reason (accept illegal reasons like race, etc.), and I may quit for any reason.
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Ok. Let me start over. This isn't about contracts. It's customary to give two weeks notice at your place of employment. Further, a company will deem you as 'rehirable' if you give two weeks. The reason this is important is future companies may call asking if I am 'rehirable', which can influence another company's hiring decision. I work in a state where companies may fire you for any reason (accept illegal reasons like race, etc.), and I may quit for any reason.
You really can't protect yourself completely. It is the right thing to do to give at least a two week notice when leaving a company and if they decide to let you go earlier, that's their call and right as the employer (or at least it should be). You just have to deal with what happens. Having some money stashed away (emergency fund as Dave Ramsey calls it) can make this a minor issue. It's not necessarily easy but it gives you some stability so your not living paycheck to paycheck.
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Question: At this job all worked out well, but at my last job, I gave my two weeks notice, and they told me to get out that day. This really screwed me up, because I wasn't starting my next job for two weeks. I was out that salary. How does one protect one's self yet also do the right thing with the notice?
In most of the Western world there are minimum "notice" periods outside of the probationary period. So if you've been with an employer 3+ months (probation), you basically "owe each other" 2+ weeks of notice. In Canada, this is generally two weeks. So the company can let you go for any reason with two weeks of pay. If they want to give you less than two weeks, they must have a legal reason (theft, abandonment, etc.) My experience with the UK had this number at a 4+ weeks. In the United States, many states are "at-will" employers which means they can let you go for any time for any reason. You can likewise leave for any time, any reason. The way to prevent this is to negotiate a severance contract. Typically this involves you promising to give them a specific amount of notice prior to your departure and them agreeing to provide you a similar pay and notice. The time to get this straightened out, is when you start the job, not when you leave it. On a separate note. While your employer behaved in a "legal" fashion, this is generally considered "poor" behaviour. Congratulations on getting out. To help others from suffering similar fates, I strongly recommend leaving this information on a site like GlassDoor.com. This is the exact type of information that prospective job candidates need to hear.
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Question: At this job all worked out well, but at my last job, I gave my two weeks notice, and they told me to get out that day. This really screwed me up, because I wasn't starting my next job for two weeks. I was out that salary. How does one protect one's self yet also do the right thing with the notice?
First, consider contacting the new position and tell them that the old company released you and you can start sooner. Maybe they will bring you on early. Can't hurt to ask. Beyond that, your rights will vary by state. Most (maybe all) states have an employment commission that can tell you your rights. At a minimum you should be able to collect unemployment benefits. (Though it will not be much and you would only see a week of it.) All the same, this is an easy way to stick it back to them in a way that isn't in someones face and could backfire. Finally, make a note and don't work for the company again if you possibly can avoid it while telling all your friends what they did (off the internet). I would be slow to call them out simply because such things could come back around to haunt you. Most companies will either let you work the two weeks, or pay you and send you on your way. If they don't then they are legally obligated to pay you all money owed within 24 hours. If they fail to do so, again call the employment commission and see what action you can take.
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Question: At this job all worked out well, but at my last job, I gave my two weeks notice, and they told me to get out that day. This really screwed me up, because I wasn't starting my next job for two weeks. I was out that salary. How does one protect one's self yet also do the right thing with the notice?
It's rare for an employer to fire a person simply because they gave notice. The only exception I can think of is if there was some type of security concern. It sounds like your boss just wanted you gone (for whatever reason). That being said, depending on where you are, you would probably qualify for unemployment benefits because that does not sound like legitimate grounds for termination. I've hired and managed programmers and I usually ask programmers to give 30 days notice if they are leaving and it typically takes more like 60-90 days to replace a programmer if you count the time needed to advertise, interview and then allow them to give notice and then to get them up to speed.
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Question: At this job all worked out well, but at my last job, I gave my two weeks notice, and they told me to get out that day. This really screwed me up, because I wasn't starting my next job for two weeks. I was out that salary. How does one protect one's self yet also do the right thing with the notice?
I would suggest you inform your new employer that you may be able to start earlier and see if they can accommodate you. My experience is that when an employer decides to hire you they would like you to start as soon as possible so I would think they would accommodate you if you can start early. I live and work in Texas which is a "Right to Work" state. What this means is I can quit at any time without notice and they can fire me at any time without notice. You should review the employment laws where you work to see what your options are. I agree with other replies that it's customary to give two weeks notice to maintain good will with your former employer. But if you're in a bad situation you may want to just get out. Two weeks notice may not be enough good will to get you labeled as "rehireable". If it's one incident it will probably not affect your ability to get hired.
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The latter is the thing that non-stupid companies in the US will do as well. Unfortunately some people don't realize that burnt bridges obstruct traffic both ways. :doh:
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
I agree,especially because other employees at the company will observe what happens to people who give their two weeks notice. If they see people being screwed, they will remember that when it is their time to move on. So the company will burn themselves in the long run by not being able to maintain orderly handovers of responsibility.
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Question: At this job all worked out well, but at my last job, I gave my two weeks notice, and they told me to get out that day. This really screwed me up, because I wasn't starting my next job for two weeks. I was out that salary. How does one protect one's self yet also do the right thing with the notice?
Whenever I've made a jump I discuss this possibility with my next employer. "It they cut me when I give notice, how soon can I start with you?" If my new employer isn't ready for me to start, then I take the time off and relax. Mostly it's about planning ahead.
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Question: At this job all worked out well, but at my last job, I gave my two weeks notice, and they told me to get out that day. This really screwed me up, because I wasn't starting my next job for two weeks. I was out that salary. How does one protect one's self yet also do the right thing with the notice?
"Customary" died a long time ago. The requirements of your position are spelled out in your Employee Manual, which in the states is treated as your employment contract, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Left coast states don't have a requirement to give notice, either by employer or employee, before terminating employment. Some companies stipulate notice. The bottom line is that employment is a reciprocal arrangement. You've had the experience of being told to "get out", which defines nicely your reciprocal responsibility for notice, loyalty, etc. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has no requirements that a company must give notice to an employee prior to a termination or lay-off. Check your state department of labor for specific state requirements.
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Question: At this job all worked out well, but at my last job, I gave my two weeks notice, and they told me to get out that day. This really screwed me up, because I wasn't starting my next job for two weeks. I was out that salary. How does one protect one's self yet also do the right thing with the notice?
My accountant has advised me to always have a rainy day fund for just such an occurence.I've been a consultant for 40 years now and hearing this is nothing new to my ears. Having a monetary cushion albeit a small one does give one comfort and confidence in that situation. You must adjust your own budget not to spend every last dime each paycheck. Only then will you begin to manage your life better... Good luck I know you will will find something better. It always works out that way...or er almost always anyhow!