Feeling humiliated after resigning

[Happyfeet82]

I’d really appreciate some outside perspective.

I recently handed in my notice after just three weeks in a new job. The environment was toxic and it was affecting my mental health — I knew pretty quickly that it wasn’t the right fit. I’m now working a one-week notice period.
Today, there was a team meeting I couldn’t attend due to a scheduling conflict. I later caught up via the recording, and some of the comments made about me by the Managing Director were really disheartening.

She said I “lack motivation” because I live at home and told my colleauges that I said “I don’t need to work.” I want to be clear: I never said I don’t need to work. What I did say was that I’m in a fortunate position right now, living at home, which allows me to make the right decision for myself. I’m actively looking for a new full-time role and already have interviews lined up.

The part that really stuck with me was when she said, “If I were her parent, I’d be disappointed.” I found that comment deeply inappropriate and unnecessarily personal.

I’ve drafted an email addressing this, stating that I heard what was said and, in light of it, I don’t believe it’s in either of our best interests for me to work the remainder of my notice. But I’m torn between sending it or just finishing the week quietly and walking away with dignity.

Thoughts? I feel so angry.

I'd send the email and the link to the video to the CEO (or whoever the MD reports to).

I would have found that comment very hurtful too OP. I certainly wouldn’t ever as a mother be ‘disappointed’ with either of mine in the future if they did something similar to you. Best of luck with your next move 😊

Gosh that’s absolutely awful. I would send the email but also raise a complaint.

PS - sorry this happened to you. All that the MD is achieving is damaging their relationship with their own staff by displaying clear unprofessionalism and betrayal in an open forum.

Yes, just explain and leave. For a job of a few weeks you could simply omit it from your CV.

It’s not worth the stress for a few days pay.

I think it's awful but honestly, you've got one day left, just leave it and move on.

My mum was the one who told me I shouldn't stay in a job that was making me miserable - how sad for that person's children if they have any that they would prefer them to sacrifice their mental health for a wage!

For context, my notice period is until 30th June

She’s saving face and trying to downplay the reasons you’re leaving so quickly.

No, she shouldn’t have said it. But shes throwing you under the bus to disguise the fact she’s created this horrible place to work.

Keep your head high and remember you’ll be well out of it in a few days.

How is that possible if you recently handed it in (implies yesterday at the earliest) and it's only a week's notice? 🤔

I was only with the company for 3 weeks so a very short notice period, 1 week.

I think that @ICantPretend’s point that today is 19 June. 1 week from today is 26 June. So how come your notice period ends 30 June?

But that’s immaterial. If I were you, I’d see out your notice and send the email to HR on your last day.

You have said yourself you found her comment deeply personal. You are having a strong emotional reaction (quite rightly, she sounds like a right piece of work) so give yourself a bit of time before deciding what to do ie: sleep on it and think what you would want to achieve and what might likely be achieved by reporting it.

Is it a decent sized company with HR where there is half a chance an independent mind will review your complaint. Then you might think its the right thing to do.

Or is it a small company, no HR and they all either have each other backs or are all atabbing one another in the back? If this, dont bother, keep head down for a week, take their money and move on.

If it were me, I'd choose the passive aggressive route.

Is there a link to a meeting chat or email? Send a message:

"Hi all,

I just want to clarify some comments made about me in the team meeting. It isn't the case that I "don't need to work", it's that I'm fortunate to be financially secure enough to choose not to tolerate working in a toxic environment.

I hope that clears up the matter. Wishing you all well for the future."

Then go into the office looking demob happy and beaming with delight that you're leaving.

Totally unprofessional comments, glad you are leaving op.

Great response

I wouldn’t worry OP it will be blindingly obvious to everyone in the room that she was being unprofessional! I really don’t think her comments will reflect on you at all.

Rise above it OP. It says more about them than you.
whatever you say will be twisted to prove that they were right, so what’s the point.
turn up, do the bare minimum and sit it out for the next week. Tell them that you’d be happy to be paid in lieu of your notice if they are so inclined.

YANBU, I second sending the video/recording to the top boss.

Is the notice period contractual?

I hope they pay you.

That's really unprofessional of them OP but you've done nothing to be ashamed of so hold your head up high and tbh I wouldn't worry what they think as you were there such a short time

Defo don’t go back. I couldn’t think of anything worse than sitting there knowing they all know what she said. Even tho it’s wrong and unprofessional, why should you have to go in for a few days and feel like shit the whole time. Fuck that and fuck them. Good on you for prioritising you!

That’s incredibly unprofessional of them

This was professional misconduct and I would report this to MD’s superior or governing body

Also, she knew you would get the recording. That’s bullying in my opinion: she wanted you to hear it and to feel like this. Ugh I hate her