Allison, Your's is not a key player type of job. It does send a message to the owner when people quit without notice. If you feel you must give notice, turn in your notice at the start of the shift (this will give the manager time to call the owner and complain about you, the owner can then call you for an explanation if they give a rat's behind). As a former employer of basic labor. When an employee came to me with a 2 weeks notice I thanked them and then, paid them and told them to clean out their locker. In Indiana, you can quit, be fired or laid off and still receive unemployment if eligible. It is called an abusive or un-hospitable workplace, you would have to go apply for review and it is easy to get.

Allison,

There's two schools of thought on this matter, both valid, and they're essentially polar opposites. Really, it probably depends more on your own financial situation, and if you already have another position you can start.

The more 'traditional' thinking is that it's 'professional' to give 2 weeks notice. If the worker has a pleasant, mutually beneficial relationship with the employer, of course it makes sense to provide advanced notice to allow that employer an opportunity to fit in a replacement. A 30 day notice may even be needed, and proper. Today it appears that a one week notice is more the norm, due to the rapidly changing job market.

Just as likely, the employee may need that two weeks (or 30 days) to move to another employer, or even locate another position. Just depends on the specifics of situation.

On the other, if the employer is going to fire an employee because of some form of 'negative issue', is the employer going to give that employee 2 weeks notice of their termination? Unlikely. Most likely that employee will be leaving at the end of the day, or immediately. That's very common, currently. It appears employee attempts to be 'professional' are frequently and staunchly rejected no matter how 'good' the employee believed the 'relationship' to be. 'Reality' is often a harsh teacher.

Yet, few if any point to any such company doing so as being 'unprofessional'. Rather, it's viewed more cynically as, "That's just the way business is today." This is wrong. The same 'rules' of professionalism, propriety, and etiquette apply equally to both employee, and employer.

There's no real indication that there's any 'future benefit' to providing two weeks notice. Nowadays, due to legal considerations, most companies don't provide much more information regarding previous employment than start and end dates, anyway. How often do we hear of a job interview where the candidate is asked if they provided 2 weeks notice to former employers? Ever?

It's highly unlikely today that any employee is going to 'suffer negative repercussions' from a previous employer because they left on short notice, as it creates potential legal hazards for the former employer. Further, if one already has a new position awaiting, the question then becomes whether it's more important to focus on the former employer, or the new one.

Likely, the only real consideration is whether the employee intends to return to that former employer. If so, advance notice provides an amicable ending to the employment relationship, and that's great. If not, it matters not.

Lastly, to address those who might opine that 'one should never burn bridges', the counter to that is that companies frequently do so, even in todays 'politically correct' world.

Loyalty, respect, and consideration ONLY work when it's provided in BOTH directions.

Do not be intimidated by her,record the way she treats the employees contact somebody above her and confront them with your situation. Or put your foot down and treat them the way she's treating everyone else and tell her if she wants to be respected she has to show respect to everyone else.Or get everyone together and confront her as a group don't be scared of her stand up to the Bully that's what she seems to be

Allison, in Connecticut, there is no two-week notice required. We are what is called an "employment at will" state. Which means that any employer can let and employee go at any time for a good reason or even for no reason at all - but not for a bad reason. AND, any employee can leave work at any time for any reason. However, and that being said, if you think you are going to need a reference from your current boss, you probably don't want to burn tha bridge by just walking out. But, if you think that she will give you a bad reference even if you do give her two or three weeks notice, you might want to ask her for a reference letter now - before you give your notice or before you just up and quit. Of course, if you ask for a letter now, she will likely wonder why you're asking - and that will create an ethical dilemma for you: If you tell her the truth, that won't likely get you what you want; IIf you lie - well... You're lying. My advice is this: find some sort of scholarship, internship, grant or cash assistance program that interests you and that requires or at least suggests that you provide a reference from a current or former employer. Apply for it and then ask your boss for the letter for that purpose. That way you're not lying - even if you're not telling the whole truth. Heck, maybe you'll get lucky and she'll let you write the letter and then sign it if it meets her approval. Good luck!!

No

Allison, all I can say, is that if you want to use that job as a reference, give your two weeks. I know it will be hard, tough & scary, but it's important. If you live in an "At Will" state, no, it's not necessary. But as many have said, it's the professional & courteous thing to do. I know it's cliche, but be the better person. I hope you have been able to figure this out & good luck.

Allison,

Go ahead and give the two weeks notice. Remember it's not about the wretched manager, it's about you being courteous and professional. Know matter how bad things are in life, you always feel better, when you do the right thing. I'm not saying it's always easy, many times it's not. But when you look in the mirror, who looks back at you? This world is small now with technology and you just don't know who's connected to whom. If you have an exit interview, you can simply say you're looking for new opportunities to learn and grow. If they ask where you're going, you can simply say, I'd rather not say. None of their business.

P.S. Allison,

 I forgot to say that you give two week notice for the purpose of the employer finding someone to replace you.Giving 2 week notice will have you looking very professional and She will be going Hmmm?. On your next interview you can always just say you are looking for another job since you want to advance and improve on your current skills.  I put the sunshine up on your post to say Keep Your Head Up Brighter Days Are Ahead!

Hello Allison,

 I always give my jobs a two week notice. I let them know in the notice as well pending no personal matters come up which ever comes first. In the clause of the actual job application it does state that either you or the employer can terminate your employment at any time. I suggest that you get on line and research your job title and get on indeed.com, Ohiomeansjobs.com, Careerboard.com, Ziprecruiter.com just to name a few job boards. I went to my Job and Family Services Center in the neighborhood and let them help me with getting my resume up to date for today's time. Mine was severely out of date. I have been looking for the job where I belong for about two years now and I have found 7 jobs that is a very nice fit for me. I work all of them believe it or not. I do my research first and apply for other jobs ( in the area that ask when can you start I put a date 2 to 3 weeks from turning in my application). I go through the interview process if they offer me the job on the spot I ask for two weeks to give my previous employer notice before, if my new employer needs me right away I go on and start my new job. I call my previous employer immediately and let them know I am not able to continue working the remainder of my weeks or days. This way I did give two weeks notice with a pending clause in it which makes it okay that I stay the 2 weeks or go as needed. You never want to leave one job before you have another job to keep your bills continuously paid. I am always looking for a job and applying this way any time I need to give my job a two week notice for whatever reason I can do it comfortably. You do not owe her anything. You do not own that company and you are expendable. She has the upper hand and can let you go any time or day she feels like it without regard to how you are going to make your bills and buy yourself food. This is a habit I have done since I was 18. I am now 52. I have had a job on a continuous basis with no gaps in my employment. Never Stop Looking For A Job! You never know when you may need to make a move. Good luck and I hope this is helpful to you.

Quit can't use on a résumé though. I had a boss who was like this. She told everyone in a meeting not to listen to me I didn't know what I was talking about. Come to find out she quit to work at that hospital. Totally belittled me. I could have bought a case of defamation of character against. But I always took it for 9 years. Turned out I'm a better person than her and good things will come my way just like they will for you. Move on before it destroys your health. No job is worth it.