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Failing the startup game at Unbabel

esoteric-code.blogspot.com

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Re: Failing the startup game at Unbabel

#2

Post by ehurrell »

I have to say I admire your courage in writing this. I've been put in a not dissimilar situation in the recent past. I said nothing. I'm hoping one day the situation will resolve itself, but I doubt it, and I suffered a lot for it. Thankfully I'm out of immediate danger now.

I hope this leads to a positive conclusion for you, as I have a lot of respect for the difficulty of startup life, but none for those who behave dishonestly rather than face the consequences of their actions.

Re: Failing the startup game at Unbabel

#3

Post by BSousa »

I feel sorry for you, I really do!

Not knowing the details of your contract I can't say for sure, but with the recent changes in employment law in Portugal, I think legally (not ethically) they maybe in the right. I can put you in contact with a lawyer that specialises in this kind of situations, but honestly, for 1.5 months salary, it isn't probably worth it for you (justice system in PT is very very slow, though they do tend to stick with the employee in these situations, even when the law isn't on their side).

If you don't mind me asking, what made you move from Sweden to Portugal to work at this startup? Was it Portugal that attracted you? Knowing the salaries and economic situation of the country, specially compared to Sweden, it confuses me a bit why you would do it, but if it is Portugal as a country that interests you, shoot me an email, I maybe able to help you out.

Best of luck

Re: Failing the startup game at Unbabel

#4

Post by god_bless_texas »

I'm sure there are two sides to every story, but you can guarantee that if they did this to you they'll do it to someone else. I'm consistently amazed by people and companies who operate without integrity. I think about Paul Graham talking about startup founder factors as people who break the rules. I'm fairly certain this is not what he's talking about.

Re: Failing the startup game at Unbabel

#5

Post by troels »

After one month of insanity and abuse I was called to a Friday afternoon meeting with the founders. They told me that they felt that we had a difference in style and that they didn't want me to work there anymore. Just like that, no further explanation.

A bit curd perhaps, but following the rest of the story I suppose it makes sense? This sounds very much like a culture misfit to me.

(To be clear: I am not passing any judgement on the handling of the matter here. Or on who to blame on the misfitting)

Re: Failing the startup game at Unbabel

#7

Post by onion2k »

A really big problem for startups lies in attracting high quality coding talent. There aren't many experienced developers who're in a position to take the necessary risk joining a startup and working for a reduced income for a while. Consequently any startup that screws over a developer isn't just hurting their own rep, but they're damaging the chance of success of every other startup by reducing the size of the talent pool.

Whether or not Unbabel did something wrong here is a matter of speculation without more details, but there's still a lesson in it for every startup founder - developers are necessary and important to your success so being nice (especially if the relationship isn't going well) is a Good Idea.

Re: Failing the startup game at Unbabel

#8

Post by andystannard »

Hi I think they are legally able to do this from my understanding of EU law. It sucks especially if you have had to relocate for the job but you obviously were not enjoying working for them. It sounds as if the lead dev might be feeling overprotective of his own work and does not want to let go.

I am sure you will find another job easily enough as good devs are in demand. Hopefully at a place where you are valued and can contribute your skills

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