Life changes

[GeddyWrox]

F them!

[Joe Shlabotnik]

Peeps -- I'm not crazy, right? It does seem like I've been wronged here, right?

Yes it does. No question.

Have you signed any kind of non-compete? Why don't you do what you are already doing except do it on your own? Your customers know you - they don't know anyone else. Hope you could make that work. Good luck Keenan!

[G. Keenan]

Peeps -- I'm not crazy, right? It does seem like I've been wronged here, right?

Yes it does. No question.

Have you signed any kind of non-compete? Why don't you do what you are already doing except do it on your own? Your customers know you - they don't know anyone else. Hope you could make that work. Good luck Keenan!

I signed a non-compete/non-solicitation when I started in 2014. Illinois has a new law from 2022 that makes a lot of non competes illegal, but since mine predates that I think it's still valid. That said, I've tried to research it a bit and it seems like courts in Illinois are generally disinclined to enforce non-competes. And anyway, the onus would be on them to sue me and then demonstrate that the non-compete is not overly broad and to demonstrate specific harms.

I've been thinking about leaving and starting my own company for a few years. This was the final push that I needed. I'm definitely going to do it. My plan is to get a part time gig in my industry like 20 hours a week just to get some cash coming in while I spin up my business. Let them try to sue me when/if they find out. [expletive] 'em.

[CardsofSTL]

Peeps -- I'm not crazy, right? It does seem like I've been wronged here, right?

In the words of Logan Roy...tell them to [expletive] off.



I wouldn't worry too much about the non-compete either...sounds like this company will fold after you leave. Just make sure your clients know how to get in touch. I also doubt the remaining owner even has the fortitude to try and take court action over the non-compete...and you signed it with previous ownership nearly ten years ago under a law that has been modified? There are arguments to be made that it should be nullified anyway.

[haltz]

I've been thinking about leaving and starting my own company for a few years. This was the final push that I needed. I'm definitely going to do it. My plan is to get a part time gig in my industry like 20 hours a week just to get some cash coming in while I spin up my business. Let them try to sue me when/if they find out. [expletive] 'em.

I am very fortunate that I have a gig two shifts a week that I could survive off of if I really had to, plus a supportive partner with an income, and starting my own thing that's really taken the pressure off. I can choose jobs and clientele and grow the business without getting in over my head or working for the wrong people.

There's a lot to like about having your own business and there is something to be said for just clocking in and doing your job with lower stakes. Sounds like you were in a position that was the worst of both worlds, ownership concerns and responsibility with employee compensation. Might as well just own the company.

[Arthur Dent]

There’s a good chance that when you tell them you are quitting, they will try and make a counteroffer. I think the advice generally is that you shouldn’t take counteroffers, because when it goes far enough that you’ve decided to resign, you may end up doing so again anyway after accepting the counteroffer.

But you should be prepared for what you will say.

Edit:

Also: Hell yeah, man. Good for you. I’ve quit two jobs, and in both cases, should have done it sooner. Maintaining agency and self-respect in your work life is so important, and I have no doubt you’ll end up better for it.

[G. Keenan]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the encouragement. I'm actually grateful that this happened and finally helped pull the wool from my eyes. I've let fear and self-doubt keep me grinding away for someone else's benefit for way too long. It feels like a huge weight is lifted and I feel excited about life and my ability to shape my own future. It's like, oh, I remember this feeling!

@haltz, you nailed it. That's exactly what it's been like.

@Arthur Dent, I hope they do make a counteroffer. That would be hilarious at this point. There is literally nothing they could offer me at this point to get me to stay. I don't need them. In fact, as a legacy company it's got a lot of baggage and they are locked into some really inefficient processes that are hard for a just a few people to reform while also having to keep up with sales and operations and the all the day-to-day stuff of a business.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

So much stupidity going on.

From the lady's perspective, I get it. She's just greedy. Why let someone else buy the shares when she can just buy them with the company money and own the entire thing, which she can then sell off or do whatever she wants. But, she's incredibly stupid to not factor in what would happen when/if you leave and how likely her actions make that.

From the retiring partners perspective, wow he's so dumb. Even if he assumes you stay and agree to let the lady own everything, why would he rather have future payments from the company instead of cash right away if you were to buy his shares? And, does he not realize how screwing you over is going to have repercussions, aka you leaving? And, how likely is he to get paid from future revenue if 2/3 of the partners (he and you) both quit.

You're absolutely right to leave, pay nothing, and start up your own business.

[Arthur Dent]

"Try to do the right thing" remains an underrated business strategy.

[mikechamp]

G.:

You should most definitely start your own company, doing the exact same thing but better than they'll be able to do it without you. You can use the cash you were going to use to buy your current employer.

Beat 'em at their own game, man.