Ask HN: How do I leave a startup on philosophical grounds? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: How do I leave a startup on philosophical grounds?

#21

Post by Mz » Mon, Oct 17, 2011, 4:55 AM UTC

The CEO has a considerable social media following and is a good networker (Which is why I came to work for her in the first place), she's a nice lady...

Honestly, she doesn't sound very nice. She sounds like the kind of person with good social skills of the sort that allow her to take advantage of people by, say, bullying them into working for free and then putting them in the position that they would feel enormously guilty if they left because they are the only engineer. For people who are very socially astute and also in a position of power, such situations are often planned, not mere coincidence.

I suggest you find a means to deal with your personal weaknesses in terms of not feeling comfortable interviewing and what not.

Re: Ask HN: How do I leave a startup on philosophical grounds?

#22

Post by orangecat » Mon, Oct 17, 2011, 5:11 AM UTC

Mz wrote: post #21

The CEO has a considerable social media following and is a good networker (Which is why I came to work for her in the first place), she's a nice lady... Honestly, she doesn't sound very nice. She sounds like the kind of person with good social skills of the sort that allow her to take advantage of people by, say, bullying them into working for free and then putting them in the position that they would feel enormously…

100% this. The term "sociopath" comes to mind. Even if you didn't have any job prospects, you should get out. Since you do, it's an absolute no-brainer. No two weeks notice either; the most I'd do is make sure somebody has access to the source.

Re: Ask HN: How do I leave a startup on philosophical grounds?

#23

Post by mltsy » Mon, Oct 17, 2011, 3:11 PM UTC

orangecat wrote: post #18

ycapply2011 wrote: post #15

Don't burn bridges - be polite, give at least two weeks' notice, don't get into arguments. Smile, thank them for the learning opportunity and wish them all the best.

give at least two weeks' notice There's no reason to work a single minute more for free for these people.

I would at least give them an honest, non-emotional resignation letter, so they know what the cause is, and whatever notice you want to make it. Considering they're not paying you, 2 weeks is probably not fair, but at least a day or two, whatever you think is fair. And then leave.

This may be beyond the scope of "business," but I agree with the don't burn bridges comments. It is your responsibility to get yourself out of a bad situation as soon as you can, but as long as you have the power to do it gracefully, and with respect, that's the right thing to do - or rather, it will bring you good karma ;)