By Melissa Fleur AfsharShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA manager's request following an employee's resignation has ignited backlash online, prompting debate over professional boundaries.
The employee, posting under the username /u/ssmosbyy on Reddit, said that after handing in their two weeks' notice, their manager insisted they disclose the name of their next employer. Their post has been upvoted more than 7,600 times on the platform, drawing hundreds of comments criticizing the boss' behavior.
"I handed in my resignation yesterday and my manager actually had the nerve to say I need to disclose my next employer," the employee wrote. "Like… what? I told her that's my personal business and she got all p**** about it. Said something about 'professional courtesy' and how the company needs to know for their records."
The post, which has since gone viral on Reddit's /r/antiwork forum, sparked heated discussions among readers, who overwhelmingly supported the employee's decision to withhold the information.
"Where I'm going next is none of your concern," the employee added.
Newsweek has contacted /u/ssmosbyy for more information via Reddit.
Speaking with Newsweek, Taylor Bradley, the head of talent strategy and success at Turing, said such conflicts were often rooted in deeper workplace issues.
"Although there is no entitlement, an employee refusing to share can mean a few things," he said. "One, a lack of trust between the employee and manager. Which is likely a factor in why the employee left. As an HR executive, it makes me more interested in the 'why' someone is leaving, instead of the 'where.' At that stage, I dig in to understand the situation, not the destination."
Bradley said leaders should focus on a respectful transition rather than extracting irrelevant information.
"When managers spin-up, I de-escalate by reminding them folks eventually update their LinkedIn. That said, why does the 'where' matter unless it qualifies for one of the few remaining use cases of a noncompete," he continued.
"All resignations are treated as someone joining our alumni network," Bradley added. "I want this to be a smooth experience so those individuals continue to advocate for Turing even after they leave. Creating unnecessary turbulence disrupts this experience and the possibility of exceptional talent boomeranging back if they find the grass isn't greener in their new job."
In the Reddit post, the employee made it clear that they believed giving two weeks' notice was already a courtesy exceeding legal requirements. Readers responding to the post appeared to agree, with many echoing that disclosure of a future employer was neither required nor reasonable. Several worried that the manager's curiosity could be rooted in them wanting to spread damaging information about the employee to their new employer.
Bradley also offered guidance for others facing similar demands. "Set boundaries: 'I appreciate you asking, but at this stage I don't feel comfortable sharing that information. If that changes, I will let you know,'" he said.
If pressure continued, he advised employees to ask for documentation.
"Thank you for your concerns, I'd appreciate a copy of anything I've signed with the current company," he added. "You can review any obligations I may have with me without knowing where I am going."
For those repeatedly pressed for answers, Bradley recommended a firmer stance: "I appreciate your interest in this, but it's making me feel uncomfortable at this point. I'd kindly ask that you not bring this up again. If anything changes, I will let you know."
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