Company begs former employee for passwords after not sending his final paycheck: 'With how they treated me, I'm not inclined to answer'

Employees are always told to avoid burning bridges with their coworkers and bosses, but what about the other way around?

After all, employment is a two-way street. If those who are currently so-called "low-level employees" are expected to extend their profound respect to those who are "higher up" on the food chain, shouldn't the same courtesy be extended in reverse? Besides, what is the point in continually taking the high road in the face of such pointed disrespect?

These were the questions that this author was asking after being unceremoniously kicked out of his office. For some context, he had received a better job offer that his current employers were unable to match. He was still set to work a couple more weeks at the company to facilitate a smooth transition… that is, until the CEO found out that they were losing him. 

The head honcho must have thrown some sort of temper tantrum because all of a sudden, in the middle of the workday, the author was told to grab his personal items and leave the premises immediately. It was a public and unnecessary way to have what would ultimately be his final day at the company. 

But here's what happens when you burn bridges with people! You just might need their help down the road. This CEO would end up learning that this mentality applies not just to employees at the bottom of the food chain. It applies to those at the top as well!

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  • The author's unfortunate last day happened just two days before Christmas. He followed up with human resources via email about some logistical matters, such as his 401k distribution options and COBRA information, only to never hear back. Now that we are over a full week into the new year, he was expecting to have heard from them by now. However, when he finally did hear back, his request was completely ignored.

    Instead, they were asking him for information, particularly when it came to passwords for logging in to important documents. Well, given the fact that the company had not done its due diligence before kicking the employee out of the office out of nowhere, he decided that he had no reason to respond to them. An eye for an eye, people!

  • "Kicked out of office- now company wants help with passwords"

    I received a very good offer to leave and join another company. I gave my previous employer the opportunity to counter and they said they couldn't even get close.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • We discussed a transition plan and things were professional. I went back to my desk and not five minutes later a VP came to my office and told me to leave my
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • badge, keys, company car, cell phone etc., call an uber and that I was to leave immediately. Apparently the owner had some kind of freak out when he heard the news.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • I asked if they were serious, put my pen down, and complied. I left all company property there and removed my personal belongings, called an uber and went home.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • This was 12/23. I have emailed several times seeking my final paycheck (due 12/30), my 401k distribution options and my COBRA information. None have
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • been provided. I've been told they're all forthcoming, though no one even answered me until 1/3 and I've not seen any actual evidence they're doing anything.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • Now, they are emailing me asking for a password for my company phone. Again, I would have provided this BUT I was kicked out immediately, and frankly I left
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • notes behind in which it should be accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort and look for the password.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • With how they treated me, I'm not inclined to answer them. I'm not an employee and they owe me a significant amount of money and other information, and are well overdue per state law. Am I allowed to ignore this request?
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • Businessman leaves office while holding a cardboard box of his personal belongings.
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

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

  • hkusp45css File a wage claim for the final paycheck. Ignore their calls, SMS and emails.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • If you decide you want a few extra bucks AFTER you file the wage claim, tell them you'll be happy to come back on a contract basis for 300 an hour, minimum of 2 hours for any call.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • They'll either leave you alone or make the hassle worth your time. Either way, you win.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • lovemoonsaults . They have 30 days to send you cobra details. File a wage claim, they are making it hard on themselves. You don't owe
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • them anything other than returning their stuff, which you did. Let the state pester them for you
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • If TonyTHT555 you give them the password, they may be able to do stuff and attribute it to you. Don't do it. They can wipe the device easily enough, and that's safest for everyone. Good luck getting what you're owed.
    via Broad-Bed3082
  • sosjune You're now an independent contractor with an hourly rate of $300 congrats
    via Broad-Bed3082

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job offer salary corporate password satisfying quitting story Horrible Bosses business money quitting
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