Hey all, I've been at a job for two years. I've done well here helping the company grow, doing what I need to, etc. The job has some awful parts to it, but I've needed the money and now I'm trying to get back to my chosen career. The boss is INCREDIBLY overbearing and untrusting. He tries to lock everything down, creates tons of internal drama, etc. And it's really uncomfortable. It's gotten nearly unbearable lately but quite honestly I need the job. As soon as I find something I'm going to bounce, but until then I don't have much choice. He's had it out for me in particular over the last few months. He's singled me out on more than one occasion. I've seen him do it in the past as he tries to drive someone out so that he doesn't have to pay them unemployment. In short work has become a major drag. I can put up with it, but like I say I've got a strong feeling I'm on the outs. Anyway, this guy is not an upstanding citizen. He has a history of suing people/screwing employees over, going after people who left, etc. It's really awful and I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row about the future and I'm not sure where to turn. I have two main questions.... 1. If he fires me do I have to do an exit interview? I personally wouldn't mind a verbal exit interview, but I've heard he has you sign off on a document at the end. I'm never signing another piece of paper that this man gives me. I've seen him go after too many people for no reason other than spite. I can't trust him and won't sign the paper. Will that disqualify me from getting unemployment? As in, can he fire me and say that I quit if I don't sign a paper saying that I was fired? If that's all it was I wouldn't mind, but I have money that he's got me signing away my life. 2. He likes to utilize this little trick..I've seen him do it a few times "I'm going to fire you, but I want you to stay on for another 3 weeks". Usually that person is pissed and ends up not being able to stay for the remainder X weeks. The boss then has been able to make the argument that they "quit" and they've been refused benefits. It's a bloody minefield with this guy. I honestly regret working for him. He's not a good person at all and I spend more time covering my *** with this guy than anyone should. I'm just trying to find out what I'd have to do if I got let go? I'm a designer so my body of work is important to me. He tries to claim intellectual property ownership on nearly everything we've ever done in his employ (I'm sure most of it wouldn't stand up in court) and I sure as hell won't sign anything he gives me. Thanks in advance.
I would recommend getting actual legal advice from a qualified lawyer or unemployment officer on these. Don't know if maybe some of the Lawyers on this site can help out, but maybe PM one.
don't EVER sign anything if someone fires you. Trust your own gut on this. It will not mislead you. You are not required to do any kind of exit interview that I know of, unless it was in a contract you may have signed when hired.
Not a lawyer but like De said dont sign jack. Dont be pressured in to it. If he asks why not just tell him you dont trust him if thats your gut. Be straight up honest with the dude and let him fire you. Worst case is unemployment benefits and a few months to find a new job. Id start looking now though. Ive been in that type of situation when I worked in advertising field and holy crap did I hate it. No one should have to go through that bro.
Exit on your own terms. Go look for another job. then you have the satisfaction of giving your exit interview on your terms. waiting for someone to fire you is no way to work/live.
the luxury of having an office where computer screen faces away from the door. I will change it after Valentines Day. it seems suitable for the holidays.
Look at this page and read the comments... scroll down until you feel like vomiting and ROFLing at the same time.
Sounds like an extremely toxic work environment. Along with taking the advice others in this thread have given you, I would look for another job, and once you have one secured, hand this man a letter of resignation and be done with it.
My wife used to work in HR and she has this to say: It depends on the state your in, as they all have different rules, and whether you are employed by a public or private company. If it is a private company check your employee/company handbook. If it states that you must sign an exit interview then it may be considered a term of your employment. If it does state this you still may be okay refusing if you didn't sign anything stating that you received your employee/company handbook. It really depends on the laws of your state. Oregon for example, puts the burden of proof for almost everything on the employer, a lot of states do the opposite. Also, are you a protected class? Are you over 40, gay, female, disabled, a minority etc... Either way start documenting everything now. Take the time write down the dates and specific examples of this guy singling you out. Do it hand written and not on company stationary.(that way they cannot say you did it on company time or with company materials) You can type it out later at home if you want. The more valid and clear stuff you have the less likely they are going to want to fight you. Also, don't let them know you are doing this. You only need this stuff if they go dirty on you. AND check your employment contract, if you have one. It can super-cede all other written employee documents/agreements. Thats one way they get people.
