Man Quits Job After Boss Disregards Their Verbal Agreement, Teaches Others To Have Everything In Writing

One of the most important lessons you'll learn from working with industry veterans is to have everything in writing. Trust is something that must be earned, not demanded.

Though the vast majority of your coworkers may be good people, no one should be foolish enough to believe that everyone will be excellent. The same is true for bosses: you're bound to encounter a few great ones as well as a few terrible ones throughout your career.

One of the characteristics of a bad manager—and, frankly, of any person—is a failure to keep promises. This can lead to a lot of chaos and resentment in the workplace among employees.

After all, if you informally agreed on certain terms, but they broke their word when it suited them, hardly any employee would want to stay in such a working environment with an untrustworthy manager. Additionally, when you find yourself in a situation where your word versus someone else's is at stake, the odds are that the person in a higher position will have the upper hand.

However, keeping a trail of work-related documents helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. An employee described how he resigned after discovering that his boss had lied to him and broken his promise about paid time off.

Meet Redditor u/obdx2, one of these employees, who shared a slew of screenshots of his boss's message exchange on the r/antiwork subreddit.

One of the characteristics of a bad manager—and, frankly, of any person—is a failure to keep promises.

Andrea Piacquadio (not the actual photo)

The two discussed how much paid time off the OP had, and the boss apparently changed their "handshake deal" from two years ago. After discovering that their boss had lied about the two weeks of paid time off, the employee submitted his resignation letter.

This situation illustrates that even in professional settings, empty promises are common.

Don't make handshake deals with your boss.

obdx2

You get 7 a year.

obdx2

The Importance of Documentation

Research indicates that having clear, written agreements can significantly reduce misunderstandings in workplace relationships. As Daniel Pink, author and business expert, states, "Clarity is the antidote to confusion," highlighting the importance of written communication in enhancing accountability and clarity, which leads to more productive work environments. In this case, the man's decision to quit his job underscores a critical lesson about the importance of establishing clear boundaries and expectations in professional settings.

Email address, please???

obdx2

Instead of confronting the boss over the critical issue, the Redditor chose to cut his losses and quit.

obdx2

He recognized that there was no longer any trust or desire to move on.

obdx2

Psychological principles suggest that individuals often experience frustration and resentment when their expectations are not met. This situation exemplifies the cognitive dissonance that arises when individuals perceive a violation of agreed-upon terms.

Understanding this psychological phenomenon can help others navigate similar situations by encouraging proactive communication and negotiation to prevent misunderstandings from escalating.

Surprisingly, the OP stated that the boss was not even present when he arrived to return their key and collect his final paycheck.

obdx2

Some people avoid all conflict at all costs, and managers are no exception. Instead of confronting difficult situations, they tend to avoid them.

In the comments section beneath their post, the OP revealed a few more details about what occurred.

This is solid advice.

DangerousPainting423

Straight up hourly.

anon

Coping with Workplace Discontent

Dr. Amy C. Edmondson from Harvard Business School emphasizes the significance of psychological safety in the workplace. Her research suggests that employees are more likely to voice concerns and seek clarification in environments where they feel safe to express themselves.

To foster such an environment, organizations should prioritize open dialogue and encourage team members to address conflicts before they escalate.

I loop that into my mistake.

UsedName01

Is this a full-time role?

gettingthefancyroom

I'll be documenting much more.

SharingAndCaring365

Developing assertive communication skills can be incredibly beneficial in professional settings. Research shows that assertiveness training can enhance self-efficacy and confidence, allowing individuals to express their needs and concerns more effectively.

Practicing active listening and engaging in constructive feedback can also lead to healthier workplace dynamics and improved relationships among colleagues.

Here are some comments made by online users regarding the entire office drama.

dante50

I insisted on signing in ink.

Professional-Deer-50

Getting only 7 days PTO.

VroomVroomVeryBad

What verbal promises are worth.

Mispelled-This

You don't live just to work.

Major-Opportunity-83

The PTO policy was one day earned a month.

Itstotallysafe

Always in writing officially as a contract.

TheBalzy

25 paid days every year.

LeGuizee

When this Redditor laughed.

DeltaDied

They'll slash your throat for a dime.

AdRealistic8758

My notes say 21 days.

BillyWilly006900

Take this with a grain of salt.

Tanliarian

This Redditor would never have accepted those terms.

nescafe7050

I have 27 days off a year.

alefante

In writing was gold.

redvinebitty

It is a fact that people aren’t perfect and have weaknesses. They might forget about what they promised you after some time has elapsed.

However, most of the time, it is deliberate, and this doesn’t end well in any work setting, not for the employer or the employee. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Psychological Analysis

Our in-house psychologist highlights that the decision to quit may reflect underlying issues related to trust and accountability in the workplace.

Encouraging clear communication and documentation of agreements is essential for fostering healthy professional relationships.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Workplace dynamics can be complex, and misunderstandings often lead to significant emotional upheaval.

Psychologists recommend that individuals engage in proactive communication and maintain clear documentation of agreements to mitigate potential conflicts.

Seeking support from organizational resources, such as human resources or career coaches, can also provide valuable guidance in navigating workplace challenges.