Always look to the future (Score 1)

Always pay attention to how people leaving your organization are treated. Most places I've worked, IT and otherwise, did the same thing. You at least got paid for the period of your notice, most places I've worked would not do this. If your place of employment plays games like this, then make sure to reciprocate. Don't give two weeks notice and throw the facts back in their face if HR complains when you give them all of five minutes notice.

The only reason to give two weeks notice to an employer who has a history of abusing that notice, is if you gain some benefit by doing so such as unused vacation time or your new employer requires it. And you must always be ready to dig in your heels in face of stupidity. If they want to let you go immediately, but don't offer to pay you for the next two weeks then refuse to go.

Anyone can be prosecuted for sabotage performed against an employer. This works the same way for computers as it does for construction equipment, factory machines, etc. Most places are afraid of short timers doing them wrong because in the company's mind, you have a reason to be disgruntled. This all goes back to how they treat their employees.

When I was laid off from my last IT job the managers were all walking on eggshells when they talked to me. They were obviously afraid I might go postal. Perhaps my supervisor should have thought of the possible consequences before I was subjected to months of stress and frustration from her insane decisions..."We'll hardcode all the dropdown lists on the forms instead of using data tables to store them in Oracle. That will make maintenance easier!" No wonder the three year project never saw the light of day. Stupid Bitch.