Resigning from a job is often seen as a routine career move, but in many workplaces, it can quickly turn complicated. Employees who try to leave for better pay or growth sometimes face subtle pressure, emotional tactics, or outright threats meant to make them stay. One recent Reddit post has brought this issue into focus, describing how a professional who resigned for a higher salary was allegedly forced to take back his resignation after his manager warned him of serious consequences.
In the Reddit post, the employee explained that he resigned without having another offer in hand because he felt his salary no longer matched his work. During his notice period, the company approached him about staying back and asked whether he would be open to being retained. He agreed to explore the option, hoping it could resolve his pay concerns.
As part of this process, the company arranged a client interview. He cleared the interview, but the interaction left him uneasy. He felt the client’s behaviour suggested a difficult and possibly unhealthy work environment.
A better offer changes the plan
Around the same time, the employee received an external job offer that offered better compensation than what he was currently earning. After considering both options, he informed his manager that he did not want to proceed with the retention plan and preferred to move ahead with his resignation.
That conversation, he said, led to an unexpected turn.
Alleged threats during a private call
According to the post, the manager requested a quick call and used it to apply intense pressure. During the conversation, the manager allegedly said that refusing the client role would damage the project and lead to revenue loss for the company. The employee was also warned that his release letter could be blocked and that future background verification checks by other employers might receive negative feedback.
The employee wrote that these statements left him feeling trapped. Concerned about his career record and future opportunities, he agreed to take back his resignation and accept the client role, despite his earlier discomfort.
After reversing his decision, the employee said he now regrets staying. He feels stuck working with a client he does not like and believes he was pushed into agreeing under fear rather than choice. He also mentioned wishing he had recorded the call, as there was no written proof of what was said.
He added that approaching HR did not feel useful in his organisation. According to him, managers handled salary discussions, while HR was limited to paperwork, leaving little room for support or escalation.
Online reactions offer blunt lessons
The post triggered strong reactions from other Reddit users. Many advised never taking back a resignation, regardless of promises or pressure. Several commenters pointed out that companies often use threats about release letters or future references to scare employees, especially those early in their careers.
Others suggested resigning again, ensuring all communication is documented through email. A common recommendation was to ask managers to put such warnings in writing, as this often discourages further pressure. Some users were more critical, arguing that the employee should have handled the situation more firmly.