Resignation at work...?

My work requires two weeks notice. I initially gave 2 1/2 weeks. Now I must leave this friday only giving them 1 1/2 weeks. I am leaving after two years to go to another job. They have taken all my work away from me and sent me to a different office to do "busy" (pointless) work.
I'm going to a much better and higher paying job, but I am simply wondering if it was wrong of me to leave two days early?
They hired someone 3 months ago to share my current position with so I'm not leaving them shorthanded. I mean she is a little flighty... but she's still someone who can do some of my work.
Thoughts? Thanks :) I'm just curious.

Generally, the two weeks notice thing gives your employer time to find and train a replacement as well as time to do the appropriate paper work.

However, in your instance, your employer has completely replaced you already and are just keeping you occupied so they can justify paying you. I would just talk to the manager and tell them your circumstance. You aren't legally bound to tell them all the specifics of why you have to leave earlier - so if it's pertaining to your new job or a vacation, I would just not say anything.

If I were you I would be livid. Your employer replaced you 3 months ago. Why would they hire someone to replace you if they intended on keeping you long term? If I was in your shoes, I would have quit 3 months ago or as soon as I found out that they were interviewing people for my position. I think you're being very respectful and courteous to the company - I doubt many other people would have handled things with as much grace as you.

Good luck with your new job!! Good thing you're leaving this one...seriously, don't look back feeling guilty for not giving them the full two weeks.

Two weeks notice is the standard notice, but that's for the sake of convenience. In this case, they don't need it because they have someone in that job and they've given you other things to do. Even if that weren't the case, I think it's close enough to the two weeks that you wouldn't be committing a professional discourtesy.

Many places will ask you to leave the day you tell them you're resigning if you're going to a competitor. Here, they have a security person watch as you pack up your belongings and he and your manager walk you to the door, take your id, door card, etc. They may just tell you to go home when you resign.

You have given your 2 weeks notice. If you feel they have taken away any meaningful work, then you should be able to leave early with a clear conscience. As a manager myself, I would respect that you gave notice and worked the majority of your 2 weeks notice.