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Comment by _nalply | Hacker News Reader

That's horrible and very different from what I experienced in Switzerland.

It's a concept in Swiss law that obligations are symmetrical, and the periods are quite long (three months, and not only for employment, but for other contracts as well, like renting).

If you are dismissed on the spot, you'll get three months of pay. On the other hand, if you give or are given notice, you are sometimes expected to continue work. This happened to me ten years ago. My employer expected me to explain to my coworkers how some things work during that time.

Looking back even I found that a bit strange because I understand the thing with doing only harm when someone is leaving. For example by leaving backdoors?

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It really depends on the company and why you are going. I gave 6months notice when I worked at Apple (FIRE) and slowly offloaded all my responsibilities. I documented many things for whoever would come in to replace me. They gave me a going away dinner and I still connect with former colleagues.

I left a shitty job with no notice, and still got a going away dinner! The key is to be a good coworker, not be an asshole, and try not to leave a total mess for the next person. Oh and don't work for psychopaths.

> This happened to me ten years ago. My employer expected me to explain to my coworkers how some things work during that time.

Once I was asked to continue interviewing candidates after I gave notice, which seemed a little odd at the time (also in Switzerland).

> Looking back even I found that a bit strange because I understand the thing with doing only harm when someone is leaving. For example by leaving backdoors?

I think the harm meant is more about spreading negativity to other employees who might be inspired to jump ship too.

Which model do you think stimulates economic growth more? Which model could be said to give individuals more liberty?

Socialism and authoritarianism are treacherous ideas because they can seem so enticing in many contexts.

I don't think a required severance period for long term employees would have a notable impact on economic growth. And making it easier to give notice is good for individual liberty and the ability to change jobs when desired.

And while we're looking at the intersection of socialism, employment, and freedom, moving health care away from employment and toward the government would be a big boost to individual liberty.

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