Ask HN: Quit my job. Company coming after me

The timing was unfortunate as I quit the day after I received a performance award. I did finish up a major project before I quit though.

The day I announced my intention to quit, my manager asked me to reconsider my decision. After I stuck to my decision, he had the VP of HR talk to me. This was when things became a little unsettling. HR manager advised that I pack my belongings and leave the building before either VP A or VP B found out about my decision to leave. I was also told that I would not find any positions in the Medical Device Industry in the Bay Area. Towards the end of our conversation, HR lady mentioned that her mental state was transitioning towards anger. Due to these comments, I thought it best to leave the premises as soon as possible. I cleaned out my desk (on a friday), stayed for a few more hours, transitioned everything that I could think of to other co-workers, turned over my keys and left.

I later found out from another pretty reliable source that the company has decided to make life as difficult for me as possible. Other employees have been questioned of their interactions with me after I quit.

1. I need to discuss the issue with a good attorney if possible. I am really new to this area and don't have any contacts. References are appreciated.

2. I was asked to return a 100% of my sign-on bonus. I am willing to return it. However, about 30-40% of that was withheld for tax purposes. Do I give them the entire amount and claim the taxed amount from IRS?

3. I know that most of the issues here would probably be best discussed with an attorney. However, I would appreciate HN advise as well.

It's also quite common that first 4-12 months in a new company (startup or not) are much more demanding than ongoing work (due to ramp up).

1. Did your sign-on bonus state that you had to stay a certain time to keep it. If not, don't give it back. They are hostile (and have already taken hostile actions) and haven't earned consideration. Any payment from you should come with them signing an onerous agreement.

2. If you have to give it back by contractual obligation, then pay the whole amount. You get the tax that was withheld by the IRS when you file. If cash is an issue, tell them you'll send the rest when it's refunded.

3. If they do anything to hurt you, you will be able to sue them for damages. Don't retaliate by naming/shaming/defaming them. Collect as much evidence as possible about whatever they decide to do and just have a lawyer write a letter. Say little to nothing publicly.

4. They are within their rights not to give you a good recommendation. You should not refer anyone to them.

5. I strongly doubt anyone will care what they have to say about you.

6. CA has employee-friendly non-compete. You can't use their secret information, but you can work for a competitor.

7. Quitting after receiving a performance bonus is so commonplace that it's boring. The entire NYC financial and legal industry basically plans their annual personnel strategy around it.

Then - stop.

Don't do anything, anything, anything, without a discussion with said lawyer. Follow everything that lawyer says to a T - full stop. The only opinion that matters is the labour lawyer, who will undoubtedly base things on your contract, and any e-mails you exchanged prior to signing said contract.

Phone calls / voice conversations / things that aren't written down are too much of a he said/she said. Don't offer any money, don't so much as have a conversation with the company. For the time being, don't see your old co-workers, don't exchange email, just don't do anything.

tl;dr - Lawyer up