Why this matters: Unused vacation pay is often money you already earned, but people lose it by resigning without checking rules. What decides payout: Policy language and local rules, plus whether time is accrued vs granted, and vacation vs PTO vs sick. Common traps: Unlimited PTO pays out nothing, notice-required clauses can zero out payout, … Read more
Core risk: Relocation and signing bonuses can turn into debt if you resign before the clawback window ends. What decides the bill: Repayable amount, Time window, Clock start date, Prorated versus full repayment, Collection method. Before you quit: Pull every document, confirm the clock start, then estimate exposure so you are not guessing. Smart exits: … Read more
What a bad reference looks like: Subtle signals like pauses, dates only confirmation, lukewarm tone, or “Wouldn’t rehire.” First principle: Don’t make the risky manager the gatekeeper, reroute credibility to people who saw your work directly. Build proof and redundancy: Collect clean performance receipts, then line up 3–5 references with clear angles. Create a neutral … Read more
Core move: Resign cleanly first, then show handover risks, then offer consulting as an optional stabilizer. Prep first: Build a private inventory of what you own, choose one “yes” outcome and one hard “no,” and keep your leaving story boring. Pitch angle: Frame it as risk reduction and continuity, with specific outcomes and limited availability, … Read more
What garden leave is: Paid employment time after resignation where you are told not to work and usually lose system, client access. Why companies use it: Risk control for client relationships, sensitive strategy, code, pricing, sales pipelines, internal plans. Garden leave vs notice period: Notice is active work and handover, garden leave is separation while … Read more
Positioning: Quitting to start a business is a reputation move, so your exit should look calm, clean, and intentional. Messaging: Separate leaving from pitching by keeping details offstage and using stable growth language, not escape language. Legal: Recheck non-compete, confidentiality, and IP terms before you say anything, and avoid “competitor” framing unless forced. Runway: Plan … Read more