Leaving a Job

Welcome to Lawshelf’s video course on leaving a job. This course looks at many issues relevant to the process of transitioning between jobs, including notice, termination, compensation, benefits and references. This is an introductory level course and no prior knowledge of employment law is necessary.

The course begins with a discussion of how and why people leave jobs. We will look at resignation rules and the unusual cases in which resignation can lead to contractual liability. We also look at the “constructive discharge rule,” in which resignation due to poor conditions may be considered tantamount to a discharge. We will also focus on responsibilities of an employee who leaves a job, such as keeping certain information confidential and enforcement of non-compete agreements. Discussions of best practices when resigning and references round out this opening module.

Modules 2 and 3 look at post-employment compensation and benefits. Compensation includes severance pay, unemployment insurance and other forms of optional and legally required post-employment compensation. Post-employment benefits include health insurance under “COBRA” and retirement benefits. We will also discuss the transferability of retirement accounts and pensions.

Modules 4 and 5 discuss involuntary termination. While many employees are “at will,” some employees with employment contracts may not be fired except for cause. We will also discuss cases in which other employees may not be fired except for cause. We will cover layoffs, which are often subject to federal or state regulation, and finish Module 4 with a discussion of employee best practices when laid off or terminated. Module 5 also discusses non-discrimination and whistle-blower statutes that make it illegal to fire even “at will” employees on certain grounds.

This course should enhance the abilities of anyone who deals with human resources to more easily and effectively deal with personnel transitions.

Best of luck and we welcome your feedback.