I imagine it happens, but how common is it? For one, I find it appalling that this is allowed. Secondly, I feel as though it would require almost cartoonish level of super villainy from a boss to actually pull the trigger on such a decision.
For me, I started looking for a new job, and I have purposefully left clues. Like, cleaning my cubicle out to just enough stuff that it's noticeable. Funny thing is, my boss has turned a 180 with his attitude towards me. He's suddenly not unbearable. Coincidence? I think not. If I leave i take away 20 years of experience from his team and the company and depending on what I say on the way out, it could really make him look bad.
I've also tried this bold tactic before early in my career. Same result. Sudden turnaround from the boss regarding the things I had been asking for. All it took was subtle clues that I was looking.
So, am I playing with fire or are subtle hints just simply the way to go? Is the whole “keep your job search close to the vest so you don't get axed” thing a myth?
I'd like to hear others' thoughts and experiences