Dear Joan:

I just gave my two weeks notice to my employer, resigning my position as a sales representative. Since then, my job duties have changed from outside sales and being in the field, to duties of endless piles of copying and filing. I am wondering if there is any type of law or anything that prohibits such practices. I gave my two weeks notice in person and in writing. Shouldn´t I have the same duties for the final two weeks? Any information would greatly put my mind at ease for these final two weeks.

Answer:

There is nothing illegal about what your employer is asking you to do. Look at it from your employer´s perspective. They don´t want you out with their prospective customers talking about how you will be leaving the company in a few weeks. Naturally, potential customers wonder what is wrong with the company, since you aren´t happy enough to stay. In addition, they will be reluctant to sign up with you, only to get someone they may not like a few weeks later, to service what they bought.

"But I wouldn´t say I was leaving, or badmouth the company," you say. Nevertheless, a sales rep who has announced he is leaving, is not a committed sales person, with loyalty to the company or the product. Most companies know it´s better to move someone new in quickly. If I were them, I´d do exactly the same thing, so don´t take it personally. Count your blessings...when you announced your resignation, they didn´t walk you out the door.

Joan Lloyd is an executive coaching, management consultant, trainer & professional speaker.  Reach her at Joan Lloyd & Associates, (800) 348-1944, info@joanlloyd.com or www.JoanLloyd.com © Joan Lloyd & Associates, Inc.

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