I'm quitting

[Anonymous]

I have been working for a small business as an independent contractor for over a year. In this role, I perform the work at the client's office. The owner is a vicious man and treats everyone poorly. The turnover of both employees and independent contractors is very high. Every time someone quits, courteously, with plenty of notice, he'll do something to try and make them miserable. Examples: one employee gave 3 weeks notice and two days after giving notice was told that she should not return. When the employee asked for her check for work she did up to that date, she was told that she must wait for the next payday, a week later and that she would not be allowed to come to the office to pick up the check so must wait for it to be mailed, some time after payday. Another employee quit with notice after working there for over 15 years (that's right, fifteen) without problems. But when he asked for a letter of recommendation, the employer refused to provide one. The employer also gossips (in a bad way, including lies) about co-workers, employees, clients, everyone.

Having decided that I can no longer work in such a toxic environment, I'm ending our contract., with notice. As an independent contractor, how much notice am I supposed to give? Based on observations of how he's treated others in the past, I expect that he will try to be difficult about paying me during the notice period or may even decide to try and embarrass me by telling me to leave in the middle of my work day. I am sure that he will try to do something negative to get at me during the notice period, as I've seen him do to everyone who has left before. How can I prevent these problems after giving notice?

[Anonymous]

Yay! Congratulations on quitting.Give two weeks notice (unless your contract says something else). Stay professional, you're almost outta there.

At many/most jobs, they'll go ahead and tell you to go home and not to work those last two weeks. It's not to humiliate you, it's for your benefit and also for the company's benefit (a disgruntled worker may sabotage things or take sensitive information). Not personal.

[Anonymous]

You can't control what someone else does. All you can do is act in a professional manner and take yourself out of the situation. It sounds like you will have plenty of positive references from people other than your boss. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

You simply give him zero notice after he gives you your paycheck. If he delays your final check, report him to The Dept of Labor.

[Anonymous]

Let him have a little taste of his own medicine. If he refuses to be an honest reference, you can sue him. Big time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yay! Congratulations on quitting.Give two weeks notice (unless your contract says something else). Stay professional, you're almost outta there.

At many/most jobs, they'll go ahead and tell you to go home and not to work those last two weeks. It's not to humiliate you, it's for your benefit and also for the company's benefit (a disgruntled worker may sabotage things or take sensitive information). Not personal.

I can understand that. But this guy will have you keep working for at least a few days then just up and tell you to leave one day. That is calculated to upset/humiliate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let him have a little taste of his own medicine. If he refuses to be an honest reference, you can sue him. Big time.

An employer only has to verify the position and length of time in role. They can't say anything untrue that would hurt you. But why spend time being angry. Find something else and move on. Nothing to win here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let him have a little taste of his own medicine. If he refuses to be an honest reference, you can sue him. Big time.

An employer only has to verify the position and length of time in role. They can't say anything untrue that would hurt you. But why spend time being angry. Find something else and move on. Nothing to win here.

Is this the law (link please) and does it also apply to independent contractors?

[Anonymous]

You should check to see if you were properly characterized as a contractor. The IRS website has a good checklist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You simply give him zero notice after he gives you your paycheck. If he delays your final check, report him to The Dept of Labor.

This (and I am a manager).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should check to see if you were properly characterized as a contractor. The IRS website has a good checklist.

Yes I was.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let him have a little taste of his own medicine. If he refuses to be an honest reference, you can sue him. Big time.

An employer only has to verify the position and length of time in role. They can't say anything untrue that would hurt you. But why spend time being angry. Find something else and move on. Nothing to win here.

Is this the law (link please) and does it also apply to independent contractors?

It depends on industry - for example if you work in a public school or for the government they are required to verify.

[Anonymous]

Send an email to askamanager.org. She always has great advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You simply give him zero notice after he gives you your paycheck. If he delays your final check, report him to The Dept of Labor.

This (and I am a manager).

I agree, assuming there's nothing in your contract stating requirements for giving notice. Good luck, OP.

[Anonymous]

Should I give him the courtesy of telling him in person, in addition to a letter, or just send him a letter after I get my last check?