Once you have resigned, how do you deal with the increasingly bullying or negative behavior of a supervisor?
A Reader Asks This Question:
I want to do the right thing and bow out of an unhealthy work situation by giving two weeks’ notice. My supervisor has a history of various forms of workplace bullying, passive aggression, distancing, etc.–without actually crossing the legal line into harassment–apparently long before I came along. One of our board members chalks it up, or justifies her behavior, as being the result of being one of the first women to break into the construction trades and her inexperience and insecurity in terms of being a coordinator or manager. She is not likely to accept my resignation gracefully and can be vindictive, a sniper, yet I still want to do my part for the program as I exit–esp. to help our students through their pre-apprencticeship exams, to complete projects or assignments I’ve already agreed to, and to make sure things are in order for my coworkers and replacement.. I find myself dreading the backlash, but there has to be a way to not let her stress me out any further or, God forbid, ruin my health. (I have an immune disorder.) What can I do to set boundaries, protect myself, and work effectively in what will surely become an even more hostile work environment? To be honest, I would love to just pack it in today, but I recently discovered that I could be sued for workplace abandonment if I do not give notice. Do workers have any rights in this current economy? I wonder…
Suggestions? Thanks.
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One Response to Once you have resigned, how do you deal with the increasingly bullying or negative behavior of a supervisor?
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First of all, start documenting every berating thing she does not only to you, but to others. You’ll want proof of specific incidents.
Job abandonment? Do you have an employment contract that specifically states you can’t leave your job without giving notice? If not, they you have “at will employment” and can leave any time. If so, then gather up any of your belongings and take them home. Then when you’re ready, just call in “I’m quitting due to constructive discharge because the workplace bullying by Ms. X (whatever her name is) has become intolerable.” No more, no less. You MUST use that term “constructive discharge” so you can collect unemployment if you need to. Also, when she’s asked by her superiors, “What did he say when he called in?” and that term “constructive discharge” rolls off her tough, she confirms that it was spoken. It’s better yet if she doesn’t even know what it means when she says it.
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