Gave my Notice and I was Told to Leave Immediately?

Hi all,

Not sure where else to post this - I am in shock about what happened today.

I work at a healthcare-related nonprofit as an event planner. I knew that I wanted to go back to school and get a professional certification this Summer, so I gave a six week’s notice to my manager as a head’s up. Essentially, I would be resigning one day after my next big fundraiser, and this would give me time to write a transition plan for my replacement. I care about the cause that my organization raises funds for, and I wanted to leave things in the best shape as possible.

I verbally told my manager this plan, and she was grateful for the head’s up. After this meeting, I put this in a letter format and sent it to my manager and our Human Resources liaison.

Today - a week later - I was invited to a 12 PM meeting at 11:47 AM. The Human Resources liaison and my boss’ boss were there. They told me that they accept my resignation, and I will be paid for the remaining 6 weeks, but that I must leave immediately. They made me take off my badge and leave my laptop in the meeting. When I asked if I could log in to my email for a final time to email a goodbye to my professional contacts and fellow employees, they told me to pack up my cubicle and leave as soon as possible.

I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my manager or coworkers that I’ve worked with for years, and I didn’t get to leave any type of transition plan for my replacement. I’m confused and upset by this cold goodbye, and I feel totally blindsided.

Any ideas as to why this happened so abruptly? I am truly floored and don’t know what to make of this situation.

Jobadvisor:

This situation is definitely shocking and it's understandable that you feel blindsided and upset. It's a significant departure from the professional courtesy you were expecting, especially given your thoughtful approach to your resignation.

Here are some potential reasons why your employer might have asked you to leave immediately, even after you gave ample notice and offered a transition plan:

Common Reasons for Immediate Departure After Resignation:

• Security Concerns: This is a frequent reason, especially in organizations that handle sensitive information (even if it doesn't seem directly related to your event planning role). They might be concerned about:
  • Data security: Preventing you from accessing or potentially sharing confidential donor information, financial records, or other sensitive data.
  • Reputational risk: Although less likely given your role, they might worry about potential negative actions or communications as a departing employee.
  • System access: They might want to immediately revoke your access to their systems to prevent any unintended or malicious actions.
• Preventing Disruption or Negative Influence: Even with good intentions, a departing employee can sometimes inadvertently disrupt the workplace or negatively influence remaining staff. This could be due to:
  • Gossip or negativity: While you sound professional, employers can be sensitive to any potential for this.
  • Shifting loyalties: They might perceive a risk that your focus will shift away from your current role.
  • Uncertainty among remaining staff: Your impending departure could create anxiety or questions among your colleagues.
• Streamlining the Transition: While it seems counterintuitive given your offer to create a plan, they might have their own internal process for transitions or already have someone in mind (or a plan) for your responsibilities. Your immediate departure might fit their pre-existing timeline.
• Precedent and Policy: The organization might have a general policy of immediate departure for resigning employees, regardless of the circumstances. This could be a blanket approach to minimize any perceived risks.
• Managerial Discomfort or Awkwardness: Sometimes, managers can feel uncomfortable or awkward having a departing employee around for an extended period, even if the departure is amicable.
• Budgetary Reasons (Less Likely with Pay): While they are paying you for the notice period, in some cases, organizations might prefer to have you off payroll immediately to save on potential benefits or other associated costs, even if they still honor the salary. However, this is less likely since they are paying you.
• Your Role and Upcoming Fundraiser: Ironically, the fact that you have a major fundraiser coming up might have played a role. They might want to ensure complete control and prevent any perceived risk (however unfounded) related to the event as you are leaving.

What You Can Do Now:

• Process Your Emotions: It's okay to feel shocked, upset, and disappointed. Allow yourself time to process these emotions. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor.
• Review Your Offer Letter and Employee Handbook: Check if there are any clauses regarding resignation procedures or immediate termination. This might provide some insight into their policies.
• Consider Reaching Out (Cautiously): While they didn't allow you to say goodbye, you could consider sending a brief, professional email to your manager expressing your disappointment at not being able to say goodbye and wishing the team well. Avoid being accusatory or demanding an explanation. This might help you feel a sense of closure, but be prepared for no response.
• Focus on the Positive: You're moving on to a new chapter with your education. Shift your focus and energy towards your upcoming studies and the exciting opportunities ahead.
• Learn from the Experience: While this was a negative experience, try to learn from it. It highlights that even with the best intentions, employers can have their own reasons for their actions.
• Update Your Resume and Network: Ensure your resume is up-to-date, reflecting your experience at the nonprofit. Start thinking about your professional network and how you might leverage it in the future.

Important Considerations:

• Your Location (Romania): Labor laws regarding resignation and termination can vary significantly by country. While they are paying you for the notice period, it might be worth briefly researching Romanian labor laws regarding immediate departure after resignation, although it seems they are fulfilling the financial aspect of the notice.
• At-Will Employment (If Applicable in Romania): If your employment was "at-will" (meaning either you or the employer could terminate the relationship at any time for any non-discriminatory reason), this gives the employer more flexibility in how they handle departures.

In conclusion, while it's impossible to know the exact reason without direct communication from your employer, the most likely explanations revolve around security concerns, preventing potential disruption, or adhering to a pre-existing policy. Their actions were certainly abrupt and lacked the professional courtesy you deserved after your dedication and thoughtful resignation. Focus on moving forward and learning from this experience as you embark on your new academic journey.