Project Manager quits without notice and sends scathing resignation after boss sends unprofessional texts: 'I need more from your position to justify the pay'

Author image for Brad Dickson
Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Sep 21, 2024 6:00 PM EDT

Some business leaders wield workers' feelings of insecurity like a weapon, using snide, cutting disparaging comments to keep their subordinates on the back foot and underfoot where they safely won't try to rock the boat, following orders without question—most importantly, not daring to ask for more money or promotions that align their compensation with the work they're actually doing. 

While being capable of getting along with anyone is an important skill to have, it remains a fact that you're not always going to get along with those you work with, and sometimes, they may even be intentionally obtuse and noncooperative. You'll find that working with leaders who use the above methods will be one of these times, and you won't feel like doing anything for them or with them beyond the bare minimum.

This project manager was stunned when, a month into their new job, their boss turned and said to them, "I need more from your position to justify the pay." The prospects of their loaded words were unsettling and left them wondering just how secure their new job was. They asked members of an online career advice community as to what they should be doing, but things didn't get better for them during their time at the company. They eventually found a new role and returned to share an update of how they decided to quit their job without notice once they had another job secured after a recent onslaught of unprofessional texts from their boss. They shared screenshots of their resignation letter along with an explanation of where things currently stood. 

See their account of events and the reader's responses below.

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  • 01
    "I decided to quit." RESIGNATI
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)
  • 02
    Update: Boss had a passing comment "I need more from your position to justify the pay". I landed a new job yesteday, and with great timing, my boss blows up my phone with unprofessional texts (unrelated to new job).
    via cptmookie
  • 03
    Yesterday, I landed a new job and was planning on turning my two- week notice. This morning I got a series of texts claiming I have not been getting the ball rolling. So instead, I decided to quit.
    via cptmookie
  • 04

    A screenshot of the resignation the worker sent their employer (transcription below.)

    Good morning to the team at Unfortunately, today is my last day working at While it was a pleasure to assist you in your CAD and Permitting needs, I have found the work environment here not satisfying my needs. The late-night texts, after hour calls, missing paydays, the unfound claims that I am "not getting the ball rolling" on our open projects are some of the contributing factors to my decision. Also, the comment "I need more from your position to justify the pay" is a comment that has caused
    via cptmookie
  • 05

    This was the resignation the worker sent to their employer:

    Good morning to the team at [redacted]. Unfortunately, today is my last day working at [redacted]. While it was a pleasure to assist you in your CAD and Permitting needs, I have found the work environment here not satisfying my needs. The late-night texts, after hour calls, missing paydays, the unfound claims that I am "not getting the ball rolling" on our open projects are some of the contributing factors to my decision.
    via cptmookie
  • 06
    Also, the comment "I need more from your position to justify the pay" is a comment that has caused more anxiety than missing a deadline, quitting a job, being berated. I believe there are better ways to set expectations for your employees than to devalue them as an asset of the company.
    via cptmookie
  • 07
    Additionally, there are multiple occasions where I have not received full payment during paychecks, and multiple occasions of my mileage not being reimbursed. Both of which are incredibly unprofessional. Now, I do not mean to aim these comments towards anyone other than Jason. Everyone else I have interacted with has been nothing but a delight. Best wishes, and genuinely hoping for your success, [Cpt Mookie]
    via cptmookie
  • 08
    Edit: For those in the comments saying this isn't career advice, you are correct. This is an update to the career advice I received a few weeks ago. In that post, many people of this subreddit expressed anger at the comment and suggested to get a new job. I did intend on giving my two weeks, as many said to do, but I was met with some pretty unprofessional texts. When I was met with that, and with the fact that I already accepted the new job, I just decided to quit on the spot.
    via cptmookie
  • 09
    I'm not here to provide any advice, and the comment section is correct. Give two week notice. 99% of the time that's the right thing to do. In this case, for me personally, it was not the right thing to do. I accept any negative comments, and will acknowledge that there are a lot of sense to what is being said. That being said, if given the option to do this again, I would do it exactly the same way every single time
    via cptmookie
  • 10

    The original post, which was shared two months ago by the worker

    My boss had a passing comment "I need to get more from your role to justify the pay". I've been here for a month, and I thought I've been doing well until now. Should I jump ship?
    via cptmookie
  • 11
    A month ago I joined a small pool construction company as a project manager dealing with permits and design work. I thought I've been hitting every metric, and in my opinion, I have done everything asked of me. I haven't had any dropped deadlines and have nicely organized the project workflow since I've started. I know there is some room for improvement, as all positions have. However, this comment has left me deeply uneasy.
    via cptmookie
  • 12
    I called to get some clarification, and he explained that they love me and the work I do, but just want to be thorough with the expectations. Should I start looking for a new position? Or should I move forward with the goal of heavy improvement?
    via cptmookie
  • 13

    Reactions from readers of the "update" thread:

    nautilator44 . 9h ago Hit him with the "I need more from leadership to justify my time"
    via cptmookie
  • 14
    lamNotTheMama · 9h ago The second they screw up your pay it's time to bail. I did one of those jobs almost 40 years ago, worked 2 months and got paid for 2 weeks. Because of what I was learning it was worth staying that long, cheaper than school/training, but I was glad to leave.
    via cptmookie
  • 15
    MNGirlinKY · 8h ago If you're not getting fully paid or you're full mileage reimbursed that is not only unprofessional, it's illegal. Talk to the labor board of your state.
    via cptmookie
  • 16
    SemperSimple • 5h ago . hahaha, love it. the line about directing it only at jason was pretty funny
    via cptmookie
  • 17
    mdmale21921 • 7h ago Although I do always try to give a few weeks notice, but a company is not going to give you a 2 week notice that they are going to fire you
    via cptmookie
  • 18
    • Separate_Swordfish19 · 5h ago There are perfectly acceptable reasons to skip giving notice. This appears to be one of them. Also, I hate giving notice to people like Jason. It only empowers them to continue being garbage.
    via cptmookie
  • 19
    SedativeComet 9h ago Them not paying you fully and not reimbursing mileage (if they say they do so) is illegal, not just unprofessional. Seek legal advice.
    via cptmookie
  • 20
    wwjd4u2poopon 10h ago This is great. More people need to start calling out bad managers. I had a team of 10 people and reported to a very toxic senior leader. I called a meeting with HR and shared all of the reasons my boss was incompetent and making everyone miserable, while also acknowledging that it was likely going to result the end of my career at the company. The next day I was offered a severance package (which I gladly accepted) and found out my boss. was fired 3 weeks later after an inv
    via cptmookie
  • 21
    jueidu . 9h ago I love this. Too many people saying not to write these letters - but management needs to know the REAL reasons why they lose people: managers and pay and working environment. Otherwise they will continue leaning on excuses why "no one wants to work." Tell them exactly WHY no one wants to work, and they can't ignore it.
    via cptmookie
  • 22
    • PhilosoKing 9h ago If job seekers care about negative reviews on Glassdoor, then any normal person working at this company will take note of this letter. They will not quit outright, but morale might take a hit. Some might even start passively looking for better opportunities. The owner will be obviously. | too, Whether the martyrdom is worth the satisfaction, though, is a question nobody here can answer. It all depends on how good you are at what you do, whether you can get by without a poten
    via cptmookie
  • 23
    TwinkiesSucker 7h ago • I love the centered "I quit" - adds a special touch in case they didn't understand.
    via cptmookie

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workplace discussion employment issues antiwork workplace-stories jobs employee employment-discussion job work i quit quit employees overworked-employees workplace Horrible Bosses quitting employment in the workplace
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