Boss threatens to hire lawyer to sue worker for quitting job, gets a rude reality check from HR

An employee’s resignation might feel like a blow to a company, but it’s only temporary until a recruit fills the gap. Keeping this in mind, the worker should receive a farewell of gratitude and respect. They should be commended for their contributions unless the resignation is due to a bitter reason or is a unique case. On December 13, an employee who goes by u/EfficientRow2935 shared a post about how their employer got agitated at their idea of resigning, though they announced it well in advance and per protocol. He threatened to sue the person out of impulse and was instantly given a reality check from HR. 

The individual noted that they had handed in a two-week notice at their previous workplaces, too, and it had never been an issue. When they approached the manager of the recent company, things went haywire. They handed in their notice and even revealed the reason for quitting. “I sat down with my manager and told him I found a new job where I'll actually be using my degree. He pretty much only heard 'I'm resigning' and nothing else,” the post read. Unfortunately, the employer got angry instantly and gave the employee an earful about their decision. He also mentioned how it would be problematic for them due to this notice. 

“He told me he's going to call a lawyer to sue for financial losses and damages caused by my resignation,” the employee revealed. The reaction didn’t make sense to them, as everything was within protocol. It was baffling that, according to the manager, the company’s fate was on the shoulders of just a single employee. “And honestly, if one person's resignation is going to cause such huge financial losses, maybe you should have considered paying them better or creating a better work environment in the first place?” they noted. It was also noted that the pay wasn’t great enough to keep them interested in the job either.

“This company thinks they’d be able to get a dime out of me even if they had any grounds when they know they don’t pay me a living wage. What do you want to take from me? My credit card debt?” they hysterically wrote. It was then mentioned that the employer would have to learn the hard way that his threat was futile. “It's so weird to me that someone, probably from HR, will have to sit him down and explain that you can't sue an employee for quitting,” the post read. And it’s true. According to Forte Law, an employer cannot sue someone for quitting unless under certain conditions. 

These include stealing or giving away confidential information from the company or its clients, like records, personal data, and so on. Even creating hostility or ruining the work environment, or not handing in a notice. The outlet noted that if “the employer has experienced concrete, measurable, financial losses from the employee’s sudden exit,” then they could sue. Each company has its policy about resignation and quitting, and while most are generic, there are a few unique rules. However, in the case of this employee, everything was done per protocol, and the employer was just being reckless. 

The internet had a good laugh visualizing the defeated look on the employer’s face once he understood the facts. u/malborough94 said, “F*ck him. I would refuse to meet him in your final 14 days. And make sure everyone in earshot knows about his reaction.” u/Icy-Stock5938 added, “He's a moron for not being sensitive to this possibility. Reaps what he sows. Good for you giving 2 weeks notice to cover your bases.” u/No-Algae73437 noted, “I've never been anything but genuinely happy for their progression when an employee who reported to me got a better gig. There is zero upside to negativity in this situation.”

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