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I agree Joe. The last two times I left a job that had become miserable
and toxic, it was to move to one that was big improvement. But then
things can always change. Just getting a new manager can have a huge
impact on you and your job, even if nothing else changes.
I also agree about bad mouthing a previous employer. Tech communities
can often be "small worlds" and you don't want anything coming back to
bite you in the future. Always consider how your actions might impact
your reputation in the community.
Ron Hearn
Documentation Specialist
Credit Union Central of British Columbia
Vancouver, B.C. V6J 4S7
rhearn -at- cucbc -dot- com
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+rhearn=cucbc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+rhearn=cucbc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf
Of Joe Malin
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 5:20 PM
To: Siliconwriter; TECHWR-L List
Subject: RE: I Can Really Pick 'Em, Can't I?
If you think this boss has violated any laws, then document those
violations and file a complaint with HR *and* with the state agency that
handles those violations. HR may indeed tattle on you, but at this point
I don't think it matters all that much.
Then go look for another job. Be very discreet, do not say anything bad
about your current company, and don't offer your current boss as a
reference.
If you decide to quit, give at least two weeks' notice. Don't complain
about anything. If they ask you why you're leaving, tell them that you
are interested in pursuing other options. Be polite, thank the company
(and your boss) for giving you opportunities, and put everything behind
you.
I'm sure you'll be well-tempted to complain, flame, and generally get
back at people for making your life miserable, but you can't. No matter
how painful your experience has been, 99% of the people around you will
have had no idea whatever. If you go out like a flaming comet, they'll
think worse of you. Rather than try to explain, be nice. You will have
gained one thing: you'll be out, and they'll still be in.
I am not in favor of complaints unless someone clearly breaks the law
*and* you are utterly confident you can prove it *and* you want to take
the time and energy to do so. It's manifestly unfair that the typical
employee gets treated like dirt, but that *is* the way many corporations
work. Best to know about it up front, and be ready for it.
The upside is that you, like I have, could go from poison to a wonderful
job. I left a very large software company that has the reputation of
being a bit "crazy" and went to a wonderful, successful, friendly,
well-managed startup.
Joe Malin
Technical Writer
(408)625-1623
jmalin -at- tuvox -dot- com
www.tuvox.com
The views expressed in this document are those of the sender, and do not
necessarily reflect those of TuVox, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf
Of Siliconwriter
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 4:10 PM
To: TECHWR-L List
Subject: Re: I Can Really Pick 'Em, Can't I?
On Feb 14, 2006, at 5:50 PM, Cathy MacDonald wrote:
> never once have I worked for
> a company that would allow this kind of stuff to go on.
>
> My friends, in a not-so-hot job market, what would you do if you had
> to endure this stuff for up to a year more?
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