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Ask HN: Verbally abusive employer, what do I do?

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Re: Ask HN: Verbally abusive employer, what do I do?

#31

Post by Salesdude »

hackermailman wrote: post #27

I once had to sue an employer for wrongful dismissal over anonymous social media posts I didn't even write when I was in my early 20s in Canada and won a small settlement. Process took about 3 months but it was worth it. My lawyer told me most companies, even gigantic ones (i sued a large global airline) are extremely cheap, they have house counsel they use for everything and rarely seek out specialist lawyers which…

Geniune question: Assume you sued and won. You get paid an amount of money. This is most likely leaked to the press or somewhere online. Wouldn't you be basically avoided by recruiters like a plague because they worry you'd do the same for your future employer?

Re: Ask HN: Verbally abusive employer, what do I do?

#32

Post by CloudNetworking »

bendixso wrote: post #30
throwaway46785 wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have about $1000 saved, which won't pay the rent ($450 shy of the 1mo rent payment).

I get the feeling that many elements of your story don't add up. How can you work 10-12 hours a day and only have $1000 saved up, especially if you're in a tech-related field? I know kids can be expensive, but they're not that expensive. In life, unless you can learn to put away a huge pile of cash, people are just going to walk all over you. When you are vulnerable, it sends a signal and they pounce on it. Your boss…

> I get the feeling that many elements of your story don't add up. How can you work 10-12 hours a day and only have $1000 saved up, especially if you're in a tech-related field? I know kids can be expensive, but they're not that expensive.

Welcome to the real world my friend. Most people working in IT earn way less than you think. Way, way less. It's scary outside the bubble.

Re: Ask HN: Verbally abusive employer, what do I do?

#34

Post by imhoguy »

itamarst wrote: post #21

Asking half market rate is signaling desperation, so it's likely to make you _less_ likely to get a job.

Exactly this. Keep some respect for yourself and seek professional employment advice. Your current work situation may expose some desperation in your market pitch.

Re: Ask HN: Verbally abusive employer, what do I do?

#35

Post by hackermailman »

Salesdude wrote: post #31
hackermailman wrote: post #27

I once had to sue an employer for wrongful dismissal over anonymous social media posts I didn't even write when I was in my early 20s in Canada and won a small settlement. Process took about 3 months but it was worth it. My lawyer told me most companies, even gigantic ones (i sued a large global airline) are extremely cheap, they have house counsel they use for everything and rarely seek out specialist lawyers which…

Geniune question: Assume you sued and won. You get paid an amount of money. This is most likely leaked to the press or somewhere online. Wouldn't you be basically avoided by recruiters like a plague because they worry you'd do the same for your future employer?

Since I didn't actually do the thing they accused me of it would've been worse to do nothing, I'd be blacklisted for being known as the guy fired for supreme idiocy instead of the guy who received a signed apology letter and compensation clearing me of any involvement. You also get a reference letter to give to future employers and the company is legally bound to not tell anybody calling anything besides confirmation of employment. I would assume you could sue for potential earnings loss if some company is vindictively leaking your settlement details.

Re: Ask HN: Verbally abusive employer, what do I do?

#36

Post by richardknop »

If you only have $1000 and your rent alone is $1450, then obviously you are in a very bad spot.

Try to save more money, because it's very difficult to change jobs if you can't even cover 3-6 months of expenses from your savings. Consider moving to cheaper apartment. If your wife is able to work, even part time, you should ask her to.

Keep doing the minimum required work to get you through your day job and spend all the time looking for new job. Go to tech conferences to try to network with other tech people in your area.

Try rewriting your CV. Do not offer to work for half your rate! That is very desperate and from the point of game theory will make you even less likely to find a job. Ask for at least your current salary or little bit more during interviews.

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