Sometimes, life has a funny way of balancing things out. You may bemiserableand downtrodden at one point, only to have the tables turned while getting the last laugh.

This womanwas in that predicament after enduring a year ofabusefrom heremployers. The mistreatment was so bad that sheburned all bridgesupon leaving. But as fate would have it, her new company acquired her old one, putting her in a much more interesting position.

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Woman contemplating two weeks' notice at a desk, holding a paper, looking stressed.

Image credits:Ahmet Kurt / unsplash (not the actual photo)

A woman endured abusive treatment from her employers during her one-year tenure

Text discussing a woman’s two-week notice and subsequent company demands, highlighting poor employee treatment.

Text about a woman giving two weeks' notice, facing displeased manager asking her to stay longer.

Text image with employee secrecy demands after two weeks' notice.

Two women in an office, one looking at a laptop while talking, related to notice period discussion.

Image credits:Andrej Lišakov / unsplash (not the actual photo)

The abuse was so bad she burned all bridges when she left

Text about a woman instructed by managers to be ready to leave work suddenly.

Text description of a workplace conflict involving a woman giving notice.

Text about a woman quitting job after two weeks' notice, refusing company’s request to return.

Two women sitting with laptops, one looking concerned; concept of giving notice at work discreetly.

Image credits:Resume Genius / unsplash (not the actual photo)

However, she got the last laugh when the new company she went to work for acquired her old one

The author clarified her story, adding more details

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Employees carry certain traits that make them targets for workplace bullying

These numbers vary in different parts of the world. Employees in India have it worse, with up to 55% of the working class experiencing bullying, while workers in Germany have it lower at 17%.

While the abusers are clearly at fault, bullied employees sometimes carry traits that make them susceptible to mistreatment. According to educator and anti-bullying advocateDr. Dorothy Suskind, being skilled at one’s job is one of them.

In an article forPsychology Today, Dr. Suskind pointed out that top performers often breed disdain, making them targets of manipulative tactics from jealous coworkers and managers.

Ethical behavioralso makes employees more prone to abuse. This may happen especially when wrongdoings are exposed, putting workplace bullies in a compromising position. Having a nonconfrontational attitude may also worsen things.

“Bullies may be attracted to targets’ kindness and benevolent worldview and set out to take advantage of their good nature andforgivingspirit,” Dr. Suskind wrote.

According to organizational psychologistJennifer Newman, abusive employers likely won’t tone down their behavior even if the employee stays quiet or avoidant. Such actions may only lead to dire consequences.

“The risk of depression is there. Workers may turn to alcohol and drug use to cope,” Newman toldtheCanadian Broadcasting Corporation(CBC). “Not saying anything doesn’t make the problem go away.”

Instead, Newman suggested an assertive approach, starting with a firm conversation with the boss.Escalating the matterto HR may also work. But if all else fails, looking for another job is always an option.

“Bridges Were Burned”: Company Gets Much-Deserved Karma After Treating Ex-Employee Like Garbage

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Some commenters offered their advice

Reddit comment critiquing bad managers after a woman gives two weeks' notice to her company.

A comment about management respect after a woman gives notice.

Reddit comment discussing layoffs during company acquisitions.

Text response questioning company policies after a woman’s notice.

Text exchange about company acquisition and team integration challenges.

Online comment discussing toxic workplace behavior and management strategies.

Text comment discussing company red flags and management after giving two weeks' notice.

Text comment about organizational redundancy and shaping outcomes, likely discussing a workplace scenario.

Text discussing giving two weeks' notice at work, explaining consequences and benefits of previous notice periods.

Text discussing a woman’s two weeks' notice and company issues.

Text advice about giving notice at work, warning of potential retaliation issues, and suggesting HR discussions.

Reddit comment saying, “Fire the problem on week 1,” related to two weeks' notice discussion.

A few shared similar stories

Text describing a situation where a woman quits due to firing rumors, then audits the same company.

Reddit comment about a past workplace experience, discussing security team awkwardness.

While some gave honest reactions to the story

Text conversation about workplace concerns after a woman gives notice.

A comment about job notice period, referencing leaving before one month impacting a reference.

Comment about coworkers and company culture on forum, discussing employment issues.

Comment discussing a woman’s two weeks' notice and company demands.

Thanks! Check out the results:Gabija Saveiskyte

Indrė Lukošiūtė

Rūta Zumbrickaitė

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