[lookout123]

What the hell are you talking about? If you've done well for a company and have been a good employee but have now found a new opportunity why wouldn't you want to leave on a strong note? Two weeks notice is a matter of courtesy, not just to the company but to the people you've been working with. If you just walk out they have to pick up the slack while the manager frantically tries to find a replacement. What could have been a smooth and friendly transition has now become a source of anger and resentment. You can forget any future references they might have provided. More importantly, setting your network on fire doesn't make sense - what if one of them went on to a new position where they could influence the hiring for your dream job? You're damaged goods now.

The Friday afternoon boot is sad but it makes sense as well. People are generally let go for one of two reasons: they suck, or the company is just downsizing. If they suck bad enough to get fired, giving them two weeks to be bitter and angry while still having access to company files, products, and clients would be bad news. If the company is downsizing the Friday let go accomplishes the same thing, but more importantly it helps alleviate the panic and depression for the remaining employees that comes from seeing a peer lose their job through no fault of their own. People see themselves in the former employee's shoes. The weekend can give some perspective and release some pressure.