Telling workmates that I've resigned

[Jonboy_t]

Have managed to source a great job that is a 10 minute cycle from my house instead of a 1.5 hour each way drive. I handed my notice in on Thursday to my boss and indicated a planned leaving date of 16th October - my full, required, 4 week notice. The conversation I had was only about 2 or 3 minutes long, I gave my reasons, she said she was 'sad' (she isn't!!) but not surprised. Then her phone went, so we called it a day.

After the meeting, I spoke to a few colleagues who I also consider good friends and told them I was off and started to plan the obligatory piss up that is required in these circumstances. My boss came back into the office, had a chat with her number 2 and then she left for an extended weekend, having already booked Friday off.

I have now been told that she is under the impression that she told me to not tell anyone I was leaving?! It's complete news to me and, frankly, I can't see any reason why I shouldn't? She's back in on Monday and knows that I've told most of the people that matter to me and is less than pleased.

I don't directly manage anyone so no one is left in the lurch, I have had a succession plan in place since I knew I was looking around, the people I work with kind of knew already and she categorically said nothing about keeping schtum. I now feel like a bit of a dick as I don't want to upset anyone, especially the person writing my reference, but I don't know if I need to go in on Monday ready and on the defensive, or to turn up and have a quiet word with her to apologise!

[Turn7]

You are leaving the job -why worry who you upset ?

[Jonboy_t]

Turn7 said:

You are leaving the job -why worry who you upset ?

You're right, but she's still my boss for another 4 weeks and has the capability (and personality!) to make my life a misery until then!! I'd prefer to go with fond memories wherever possible too.

[gus607]

Don't worry, the worst thing she can do is sack you.

[Turn7]

gus607 said:

Don't worry, the worst thing she can do is sack you.

This.
Quite frankly, if its a job you hated, working notice is as much fun as you can ever have at work....

Edited by Turn7 on Saturday 20th September 23:07

[gaz1234]

Sounds like one if these clueless power hungry numpties.

[TurricanII]

Another case of crap management! What is she gonna tell them in four weeks, that you are on a permanent holiday? If she had concerns about the effect on the remaining staff then perhaps she should have made an announcement or at worst sent an email before disappearing for a holiday.

[davepoth]

TurricanII said:

Another case of crap management! What is she gonna tell them in four weeks, that you are on a permanent holiday? If she had concerns about the effect on the remaining staff then perhaps she should have made an announcement or at worst sent an email before disappearing for a holiday.

She's trying to get control back after having it ripped from her hands.

[TTmonkey]

I don't believe she has any right to demand that you don't tell anyone. She's overstepping her authority, it's your life, your job., your decision and she's had it in writing.

[megaphone]

Hopefully she will ask you to go immediately, on full pay of course, she will save face and you will get a nice 4 week break!

[elanfan]

If she says anything to you on the subject she'll make herself look stupid - so let her. Just smile sweetly and don't apologise - they employ you to do stuff for them not to control your entire life. I'd go straight back to your workmates and tell them about how petty she is being - as I said it will make her look stupid. Which may not be too far from the truth.

[GraemeP]

If you weren't clearly asked to hold of telling colleagues for a day or 2 for them to put something formal out then you've done nothing wrong.

[CRB14]

You're leaving. Chances are she will resent you either way. It's nothing to worry about. Just sit back and enjoy your final weeks.

[Hackney]

What benefit is there to you of telling all your colleagues?
As you said she was off on a holiday so perhaps she wanted to consult HR before announcing anything.

You shouldn't be in trouble, but I don't think you should have told everyone on day one.

[Spangles]

Why are you handing your notice in before getting references?

[gaz1234]

Spangles said:

Why are you handing your notice in before getting references?

eh?

[Spangles]

gaz1234 said:

Spangles said:

Why are you handing your notice in before getting references?

eh?

"I now feel like a bit of a dick as I don't want to upset anyone, especially the person writing my reference,"

I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly, that the OP is handing his notice in on the strength of a job offer that is
still subject to satisfactory references. I've seen it go wrong before at that stage.

[Jules360]

Spangles said:

gaz1234 said:

Spangles said:

Why are you handing your notice in before getting references?

eh?

"I now feel like a bit of a dick as I don't want to upset anyone, especially the person writing my reference,"

I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly, that the OP is handing his notice in on the strength of a job offer that is
still subject to satisfactory references. I've seen it go wrong before at that stage.

How do you get a reference from your boss without telling them you are leaving ?

[TTmonkey]

Most professionally run companies do not give full references these days, it's all pretty non committal, did the person work at your company between these dates, etc, where they subject of disciplinary action, that's about as far as it goes.

[Terminator X]

I've always (twice!) kept it to myself. I'm not a social beast though so lack of piss up has never bothered me.

TX.