On December 7, 2021, Angela Reddock-Wright made an appearance on KNBC-4 TV news to discuss strategies for quitting your job without burning a bridge, in wake of the 2021 employment trend dubbed The Great Resignation.
To avoid any legal ramifications after resigning, Reddock-Wright suggests that workers be aware of whether their employment status is either “at-will” or under contract. “At-will” employees are able to leave their position at any time, for any reason, with no notice required. However, for any employee considering leaving, it is crucial that the employee consider any confidentiality provisions, trademark non-disclosure agreements, and any other reason an employer can take legal action.
In terms of financial factors to consider, workers are encouraged to assess their ability to afford living expenses after resigning. Having a plan in place, such as a transition to another job or receiving unemployment benefits, is critical to ensure financial stability. However, as Reddock-Wright mentions in the segment, employees who quit are generally not entitled to UI benefits as opposed to being terminated by the employer
Other factors to consider are whether any employer matching contributions to your 401(k) will disappear if you haven’t made your own contributions, whether a new position has equal health benefits, how long it takes for those benefits to kick in, and if any bonuses will be paid out prior to resigning.
For additional resources which discuss how to resign without burning bridges, check out these online publications:
- A recent CNBC article provides three core steps to take when quitting a job, including a formal notice, maintaining a positive and grateful attitude, and establishing a transition plan for the months ahead.
- This Indeed feature outlines the best way to quit a job in seven steps and highlights the importance of a two weeks’ notice, writing a resignation letter, and wrapping up the rest of your responsibilities before the transition. It also provides a general template for resignation letters.
- Another CNBC article explains the biggest mistake people tend to make when quitting a job – quitting in a “grand fashion” – which often results in a burnt bridge and wasted reference.
Experienced Employment Law Attorney, Mediator, Arbitrator, Investigator, Legal and Media Commentator
Twice-named a U.S. News Best Lawyer in America for employment and labor law, Angela Reddock-Wright is an employment and labor law attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and certified workplace and Title IX investigator (AWI-CH) in Los Angeles, CA. Known as the “Workplace Guru,” Angela is an influencer and leading authority on employment, workplace/HR, Title IX, hazing, and bullying issues. Furthermore, she’s been named a “Top California Employment Lawyer” by the Daily Journal and one of Los Angeles’ “Most Influential Minority and Women Attorneys” by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Angela is a regular legal and media commentator and analyst and has appeared on such media outlets as Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, Law and Crime with Brian Ross, Court TV, CNN, NewsNation, ABC News, CBS News, Fox 11 News, KTLA-5, the Black News Channel, Fox Soul – The Black Report, NPR, KPCC, Airtalk-89.3, KJLH Front Page with Dominique DiPrima, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times, Forbes.com, Yahoo! Entertainment, People Magazine, Essence Magazine, the Los Angeles Sentinel, LA Focus, Daily Journal, Our Weekly and the Wave Newspapers.
Angela is a member of the panel of distinguished mediators and arbitrators with Judicate West, a California dispute resolution company. She also owns her own dispute resolution law firm, the Reddock Law Group of Los Angeles, specializing in the mediation, arbitration, and investigation of employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace claims, along with Title IX, sexual harassment, assault, and misconduct conduct cases, along with hazing and bullying cases in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, fraternities and sororities; fire, police and other public safety agencies and departments; and other private and public sector workplaces.
Reddock-Wright has also launched her own radio show, Legal Lens with Angela Reddock-Wright, airing on Tavis Smiley’s new KBLA Talk 1580 radio station on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. PT with replays on subsequent Sundays. Listeners may tune-in by downloading the APP @kbla1580 and call the PowerLines at 1-800-920-1580.
For more information regarding resources for employers, businesses, and employees during this time, connect with her on LinkedIn for new updates, or contact her here. You may also follow her on Instagram.
This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment law attorney in your state or city.