Employee quits job without notice, then gets threatened with litigation by HR if they don't return their work phone immediately, employee refuses to comply: ‘They deserve no respect’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jan 6, 2026 9:00 AM EST

If you have ever reached your limit at some point, regarding anything in life, you know how impossible it can be to keep going once you pass that threshold. Getting to that metaphorical limit usually means that something must be done, something has to change, and you are the one who is going to have to make that change happen.

Think of the moment you decide to quit your job, as an example. Some people reach their limit on a random Wednesday and realize they simply cannot suffer through another day at their job. This usually leads them straight to their boss's office to hand in their resignation, even if they have nothing else lined up. 

The thing about hitting your limit is that you lose any ounce of care or respect you might have had until that point, and the only thing you can think of is getting out of that situation as soon as possible. That is exactly what happened to the employee in the story below. One day, they decided to quit their job with no notice, after realizing they could not take their workplace's toxicity any longer. Fortunately for them, they had a brand new job waiting for them, and were already set to meet their new team the day after quitting their old job. 

However, the fact that this employee had reached their limits was not really acceptable to the HR people in the previous company, so the unexpected resignation led them to start making demands. One of those demands was for the employee to return their laptop and work phone within 12 hours, or else legal actions would be taken. Yet, since the employee already has plans with their new job, and had no respect for the old one whatsoever, they have no intentions of driving all the way back to their workplace to return the items immediately.

After some back and forth of trying to find a way to return the laptop and phone, the employee decided they no longer wanted to spend any time concerning themselves with this issue, so they decided to simply see where things go. Do you think they are facing a serious lawsuit for their lack of cooperation? Keep scrolling to read the full story and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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  • Upset unpleasantly surprised woman making phone call
    via fizkes

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Quit with no notice and now I’m being threatened with litigation if I don’t get my work phone to them within 12 hrs

    Yup like I said - quit with no notice and I am so beyond happy and relieved.
    via Vagueusername133
  • I have an amazing new job that needed me right away. My now former workplace is a pit of toxicity and immaturity that deserves no respect (as they gave me none) and I did exactly what was right for me.
    via Vagueusername133
  • I resigned today and got a call from the abusive and honestly probably mentally ill "HR" person a few hours later demanding that I return my laptop and phone to them first thing in the morning tomorrow.
    via Vagueusername133
  • Problem is I work on the opposite side of the city and have an introductory drinks outing with my new team after work tomorrow.
    via Vagueusername133
  • I offered to overnight the items in the mail, and I was told that if they are not back by tomorrow AM (despite this being impossible), then their attorneys will be involved.
    via Vagueusername133
  • Part of me is loving this. They're actively horrible people and "HR” has been bullying me all year, so I expected nothing less from them.
    via Vagueusername133
  • However, I'm wondering if anyone out there thinks I'll actually be in big trouble (oh no!) if I overnight the items which is UNACCEPTABLE!
    via Vagueusername133
  • to them. Sending good energy to everyone out there dealing with this bullshit.
    via Vagueusername133
  • Crop person using touchpad on laptop at table with smartphone
    via Karola G

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • BlueRFR3100 I would wait for the lawyers to contact you. The first thing the lawyers will do is send you a letter. Once you get that letter call them back and make arrangements to return the items. The lawyers will bill the company for sending out the letter. Make them pay for being so petty.
    via BlueRFR3100
  • OP Vagueusername133 This is exactly what I'm doing
    via Vagueusername133
  • maniaduck The corps can go "f" themselves as they act like they own you. Tell them you sent them the phone I. The mail and you get it when it arrives and block their number form VM. They need to be brought back to earth.
    via maniaduck
  • OP Vagueusername133 I didn't think of blocking them. I'm doing that as soon as the damn thing is signed for. Thank you, good idea!
    via Vagueusername133
  • Jamespio What a bunch of jack es. If the company even HAS lawyers, they will blow through the cost of a phone and laptop in a day, and one would have to be utterly insane to waste money on terrorizing a former employee. Take the gear back any time this week that is convenient for you, or, as you suggested, just ship it. Make sure you require a signature for delivery, and that the package is insured for its value.
    via Jamespio
  • Awkwardpanda75 One of my coworkers rage quit (didn't blame her, the boss would target and harass people into either bending to his will or quitting). When her items were returned, it was apparent that she went full angry panda gif on it. They threatened to take legal action but at the end of the day, it wasn't worth the $ and effort. Nothing happened. !gif
    via Awkwardpanda75
  • OP Vagueusername133 Good for her!!!
    via Vagueusername133
  • Beatless7 I would tell them they can arrange to pick the items up anytime that is mutually convenient.
    via Beatless7
  • OP Vagueusername133 Ugh, he kept speaking over me saying "unacceptable, unacceptable" and "you will return the items in person tomorrow AM or attorneys will be involved, and that will be your choice if you do that"
    via Vagueusername133
  • WomanInQuestion When you were given the equipment, what did they tell you at the time was the policy regarding its return?
    via WomanInQuestion
  • OP Vagueusername133 Nothing! There's no policy for anything. I read the handbook and it's written terribly with typos and parts make no sense. Most policies are so vague, there might as well not be one.
    via Vagueusername133
  • JCC114 Actual reality. Would probably face 0 repercussions even if you kept them. Would be a civil dispute not criminal. They would eventually drop it as cost of pursuing exceeds value of equipment. Best practice? You don't go back to the place you quit on bad terms. They need to send you a shipping label and packing material. What usually happens. You make the trip in eventually and return it at your convenience. Or you mail it at your cost. Receipts or proof of returning is great, but they're
    via JCC114
  • Sure_Acanthaceae_348 Heck the lawyers might even supply a shipping label, billed back to your previous job of course.
    via Sure_Acanthaceae_348

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Tags

notice boss workplace-stories employee hr manager job tales-from-the-workplace overworked-employees workplace company quitting
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