How to Handle a Manager's Disrespect During Resignation and Seek Early Release for Family Needs

Facing Challenges with Management During Resignation

I have received a good offer that includes a substantial joining bonus, which I plan to use for my father's surgery. My mother is scheduled for eye surgery next month, and I managed to save some money for it while working under my current employer. This situation is purely based on medical grounds and personal reasons.

Unfortunately, when I discussed my resignation with my manager, who works at a large MNC, things did not go as expected. He was disrespectful, suggesting that I should be grateful he accepted my resignation, and implied that my current company is responsible for my success, which led to my significant salary hike (200%). His attitude was so hurtful that I nearly cried. He mentioned that he never asked me to look for another job and that my father's surgery is not his concern. He criticized my decision to leave, despite the company's investment in me, while I believe I have also invested a lot of my life into this job.

His tone was harsh, making me feel like a beggar in front of a superior being. I am relatively new to my team, having joined two years ago after working with two other teams. I have had the pleasure of working with wonderful colleagues. While I understand the responsibilities managers face when an employee leaves, I cannot comprehend his manner of speaking to me. He accused me of being aggressive because I informed him a day earlier and requested a discussion about an early release the next day, which I find unprofessional.

I am unsure if I was in the wrong. How can I work peacefully with such a manager? Regardless of what a job offers, my family comes first, and I will do what is best for them. I believed a manager should be supportive. I am very disappointed and disheartened by my experience with this company. Despite everything, I have decided to resign. I would like to know what actions I can take regarding this situation. Is an early release still possible? What can I do from a legal standpoint once I am released? Thank you for reading this. I appreciate your help.

No room for sentiments in employment if you really want to steer through. A son cannot be indifferent towards the dependent parents when they are ailing in their evening of life, and you are fortunate to have an immediate job opportunity with higher compensation and a generous joining bonus. Perhaps your manager might not be willing to lose a bright employee like you, and in that helpless anguish, he might have uttered some harsh words that hurt you personally. Simply forget it, buy out the notice period, make the separation early and peaceful, and finally, don't forget to gracefully thank the manager who accepted your resignation.

Just to add, I have already agreed to a buyout. However, the manager's response was that I am showing them money power and insulting them.

Our learned member Mr. Umakanthan aptly assessed the situation and rightly suggested what you should do at this juncture. Adding to what has been suggested, there is nothing wrong with going back to your manager. Talk to him nicely, explaining the dire need for the sum of money for the surgery and future prospects. Seek his blessings and early release, and tell him some pleasing words, such as how his guidance helped you become competitive and that this offer is a result of what you have gained in this company under him. After all, he's also a human being; hopefully, he will understand your urgency.

Incidentally, isn't it mandatory for you to produce a clean relieving letter from this manager? If yes, please keep it in mind. All the best to you and your parents.

Emotions in the Workplace

The words of the manager were harsh. Emotions have no real place in job situations. You probably have done a good job, and the manager must have realized that a talented member is leaving, making his task that much tougher. Ignore and move on.

You owe a duty to the firm, but it cannot be at the cost of family health and needs. Take care and move on.

The Reality of Corporate Culture

Neither empathy nor sentiments have any place in the corporate world. Though it's humans who perform the work, the culture that exists in MNCs is more like a mechanical sort of thing. Leaving aside MNCs, apathetic work culture is now spreading its wings to almost all walks of life. One is required to stand out strong under such adverse working conditions and wait for the right time and opportunity to grab it.

Everyone, at one stage or another in life, has been subjected to such situations, but coping with it is a real challenge. You are fortunate that you have a job in hand and your days in the present company are numbered. But mind it, not everybody is so lucky... so be thankful! Learned members have already given the necessary piece of advice above. Moreover, karma always plays its role; if we do good, we will definitely get a reward in return. An article on karma effects subscribed by me on LinkedIn that highlights the plight in today's corporate world is attached.

Regards, JSM