How much notice did you (should I) give?

I could be ready to split as soon as 1/1/14.
...
Any big holes in my line of thinking?
I hope not. I've got the same plan, same date.

Have seen too many of these "walk out" scenarios, even for long standing and totally trustworthy employees to ever risk giving a long notice unless I was already comfortably FI.
I need one paycheck in the year I turn 55 before I'd tip my hand for fear of the "escort to the door scenario". Hopefully they're not reading this forum, hehe.

Never put your trust in an employer to act in your interest.
+1
 
I've been through multiple buyouts, takeovers, consolidations and "downsizings" in my career, some which affected me badly, some did not. However, almost all affected SOMEONE. Accordingly, even though you may believe the company, corporation, owners, management "owe" you something, you are probably going to be sadly disappointed. I also work in an employ at will state, which means termination is only seconds away at any time. No reason needed, period. Always be mindful of that. Most people don't even understand the concept. I would hope some would change their spending habits considerably, if they did get it.

I truly appreciate the friendship and enjoy my coworkers, boss and subordinates, very much. However, as much as the company wants you to believe it's a family, it's not. I know after 35 years of working many long days and weeks and the sights and behaviors I've seen, that this is true. It's work, you get paid to provide services, knowledge, etc. so they can continue to make profits. Personally, I would not give them any indication of retirement, leaving, going to another job, until your (personally) ready to do so, especially financially.
It sounds cold, but another quote from my late father, "Business is business". Try to make sure it's in your favor. Or, at least a neutral situation. Good Luck!!:cool:
 
Thanks, jim, your feedback has been helpful.

I'm going to do what I need to do, to protect myself. I'm enough of a worrier to take these worst case scenarios seriously. Sometimes, a little paranoia can be a good thing.
 
EREddie,
It appears you've got a very good head on your shoulders and you are doing the "smart thing" by protecting yourself as best you can.

Good luck to you and congratulation on your upcoming retirement, it will take a little bit to get used to it; however, once you do, you'll wonder how you put up with all the nonsense!!

Cheers.:cool:
 
I have always been prepared to exit immediately upon quitting (personal stuff taken home, etc.). Simple prudence.

When I tell them I am splitting, I don't expect to be asked to leave immediately, but it is possible. The more confidential stuff you are privy too, the more people get nervous when you are leaving.
 
All these posts about "being walked out" are interesting, and remind me of when I left my last company (the one before where I am now).

Although my boss and I got along fine, I knew that MegaCorp's HR was walking people out the door if they knew you were going to a competitor. They would still honor the two week notice, and in California, they also have to pay out unused vacation time.

I gave two weeks notice, fully expecting to be walked out and have a "free" two weeks vacation. However, my boss asked me to finish up a few last details, and he held off telling HR. A few days go by, and I'm getting antsy, as I really want to go. So I tell him it's time to tell HR, they need to know, so he walks down to tell them.

When he comes back, he tells me to head down there, they want to talk to me.

HR asked me a series of questions, one of which was where I was going. I have never told an employer where I'm going, and never will. It's none of their business. I just told them it was a similar company in the same area, and could be considered a competitor. That was all they needed to hear. Took my badge, signed some paperwork, and out the door I went.

I didn't even have to pack up personal belongings, as I never keep personal stuff in my cube. Never. No pictures, knick knacks, nothing. I got in that habit after seeing way too many people let go at a place I used to work at in the mid 90's, who would be tapped on the shoulder and then when they got back to their desk, watcher over by a security guard as they packed up their stuff in a little box and escorted out the door. Not me - nothing to pack up. Sign papers, hand in my badge, and I'm out the door.

Never could understand people who filled their cube with "stuff". Pictures, plants, knick knacks, kids' drawings, posters, toys (yes, toys), stuffed animals, etc. Different strokes I guess...
 
I didn't even have to pack up personal belongings, as I never keep personal stuff in my cube. Never. No pictures, knick knacks, nothing. I got in that habit after seeing way too many people let go at a place I used to work at in the mid 90's, who would be tapped on the shoulder and then when they got back to their desk, watcher over by a security guard as they packed up their stuff in a little box and escorted out the door. Not me - nothing to pack up. Sign papers, hand in my badge, and I'm out the door.

Yep . . . no more than you can carry in your hands.


After reading these posts, I can't believe what hostile atmospheres some of you folks work in.

You are very fortunate to have not been treated in this way. Maybe in some cases, the public sector is a little kinder and gentler than the private sector.
 
Interesting thread.

I am retiring in October and have given my employer a 5-month notice. Management has taken it well and is keeping me around to help out with the transition and short one-of projects, but I've told them that I would be more than willing to be "let go" if they don't want to keep me around until then. In the meantime, work has become a real pleasure as there's zero pressure to "perform" and to deal with office politics.

As far as being "walked out," I was laid off once many years ago, and had the very unpleasant experience of doing the "perp walk." I learned my lesson from that, and ever since then, have followed a 5-second rule---I don't keep anything in my office that I cannot grab and go in 5 seconds. That means no family pictures, no personal belongings, no personal files in laptop, etc. I just have my keys and wallet, and if/when they come to get me, I just get those and go. IMO, the most humiliating thing for a laid off employee is to have to pack up all his/her stuff in plain sight of everyone else with HR/security watching over him/her like a thief.

Lucky Dude
 
My mom just gave a 1 week notice. After 20 years they still would have only given her a day notice if they were to fire her, so she felt no obligation. I guess it depends on your relationship with your employers.
 

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