Summary
A Delhi-based graphic designer has shared a frustrating workplace dilemma on Reddit. After resigning in 2025 and extending his stay at the request of the HR department, he resigned again months later, only to be informed by a new HR representative that he must serve a fresh two-month notice period. The new HR reportedly declared the previous agreement “null and void” because the original HR manager no longer worked there.
The Story
Quitting a job is rarely straightforward, but a recent Reddit post highlights a particularly confusing situation where an employee’s good faith was seemingly exploited. The user, a designer in Delhi, explained that he first resigned from his job in 2025, with his final working day set for October 1.However, the HR representative at the time asked him to stay on until February 2026. The designer agreed, citing a sense of goodwill as his team was short-staffed with only three designers, despite describing the workplace as “toxic” and his boss as difficult. An email from the then-HR reportedly formalized this extension, noting that if he left before February, he would still need to provide 30 days’ notice.In February 2026, he officially resigned again, believing he had fulfilled his commitment. This is where the complications began. A new HR representative, who had replaced the one he originally dealt with, responded with a completely different stance. According to the designer’s post, the new HR told him that the previous HR manager “does not exist on our team,” and therefore, the earlier email was “considered null and void.” He was then informed that, according to his contract, he was required to serve a fresh two-month notice period.Frustrated and feeling trapped, the employee expressed that he felt like simply leaving without notice, as he believed he had already effectively served the required time.
Online Reactions
The post sparked a lively discussion, with many Reddit users offering advice. Several pointed out that the employee should have left on his original last working day, suggesting the company would have had little recourse.One user advised him to formally ask the new HR to specify, in writing (with his manager copied), exactly which company policy or contract clause states that a notice period agreement becomes void if the original HR representative leaves. Another commenter stressed the importance of keeping the original email from the former HR, arguing it was a formal communication from an official company representative. They suggested pushing back firmly and, if necessary, consulting a labour court as a last resort.When the original poster asked if he could simply stop coming to work and fight for his documents later, a respondent advised caution. They noted that if he didn’t need an experience letter or formal relieving documents, he could leave, but if he did, he should first try to resolve the matter through discussion, as legal proceedings are costly and time-consuming.The post concludes by briefly mentioning another similar Reddit story where a techie faced notice period issues after his employer changed its stance following his resignation.
Key Takeaway
This situation underscores the critical importance of getting all employment agreements and changes in writing. It also serves as a cautionary tale that verbal agreements or understandings with individual HR representatives may not be honoured by a company, especially after personnel changes, unless they are formally documented and acknowledged by the organization.
