An employee, already feeling mentally exhausted and demotivated by his current work environment, took the difficult step of deciding to resign from his position. Hoping for a professional and supportive discussion, he instead found himself at the receiving end of a disheartening exchange with his manager. Rather than acknowledging the concerns or showing empathy, the manager reacted with hostility, dismissing the employee’s reasons for wanting to leave and even suggesting that his presence had little or no value to the team.
The conversation reportedly began with the employee stating his intention to resign due to multiple personal and professional reasons—including inadequate financial growth, uncertainty in his current role, and a desire to be closer to his family for health-related reasons.
However, his manager refused to consider any of these as valid concerns. Instead, he outright rejected the resignation, ridiculed the employee’s contributions, and even implied that his new job offer lacked significance. The manager further crossed professional boundaries by referencing private information about the employee’s personal life, which had been shared confidentially with another senior staff member.
When the employee tried to steer the discussion toward the issues of monetary growth and long-term career stability, the manager responded by saying he hadn’t done anything noteworthy to justify a salary hike or better position. Ultimately, the employee was told he would have to remain in the company until they could find someone else to take over his responsibilities—a period that might extend beyond the official notice duration.
“He said there’s zero dependency on me, that I haven’t contributed much, and even implied that my new job isn’t a big deal. Eventually, I had to bring up money and stability, and even then, he told me I hadn’t done anything exceptional to deserve better,” wrote the frustrated employee.
Following this incident, the employee shared his experience anonymously on Reddit, seeking support and clarity. He mentioned feeling emotionally paralyzed and unable to send the final resignation email due to the distress caused by the confrontation.
Reddit users reacted strongly to his post. One user advised him to submit the resignation formally, complete only the official notice period, and leave without engaging in any unnecessary discussions. Many cautioned him against trusting colleagues or managers too much in corporate settings, noting that friendships often turn superficial when notice periods begin.
Another Redditor recommended keeping detailed records of all handover activities and communications during the transition period. They urged him to ensure every step of the process—including the transfer of knowledge, documentation, and work updates—was thoroughly tracked to prevent any blame or manipulation later on.
Several users pointed out that, legally, once a resignation is submitted and the official exit process is initiated, a company cannot force an employee to continue beyond the agreed timeframe—unless the employee agrees voluntarily. They reminded him to stand firm, finalize his resignation in writing, and proceed with confidence, free from guilt or intimidation.
This episode serves as a reminder of how power dynamics in the workplace can often tilt unfavorably and how vital it is for employees to protect their rights, maintain professionalism, and seek support when navigating such turbulent transitions.