I think I need to find a new job and it pains me to say that.

60 Comments

1. PattiMarch 22,2022 at 2:33PM UTC

   I think this is where boundaries are important. Maybe start small...you don't work after a certain time, or weekends are off limits unless you are up against a deadline.

   If that doesn't work, perhaps it is time to find a new job. My family has dealt with some experiences lately that have reminded us to enjoy the time now, because time later isn't promised.

2. AnonymousMarch 22,2022 at 3:02PM UTC

   NO ONE should be EXPECTED to work nights, weekends and vacation. Not even the CEO. Know what the "Great Resignation" is all about? People looking for jobs that give them a better work-life balance. And employers are going to have to give in and accommodate that, because the pandemic has changed workers' priorities.

3. AnonymousMarch 22,2022 at 3:43PM UTC

   I am experiencing the same thing!!

4. AnonymousMarch 22,2022 at 3:47PM UTC

   I've worked in HR for a long time. I've hired and helped lay off/fire more people than I want to remember. I say this to my family/friends all the time - the "company" will take every minute you are willing to give it and when the time comes to reciprocate, they won't. It doesn't' matter how much of a "family" you think you are, or how awesome your boss is, or how valuable you think your work is - when push comes to shove, hard decisions will be made usually without hesitation. I say this with great frustration and sadness because it doesn't have to be, and shouldn't be this way, but we all know this to be the case. So IMO your priority should be your health and your family - the culture you're describing is a "churn and burn" and many people are probably feeling the same as you. You have to do what's right for you - look for a new job, talk to your manager, whatever it is but your current lifestyle is not sustainable over the long term. If they won't change, you may have to. Straight talk today. :-) Good luck to you and I hope you feel better!

5. AnonymousMarch 22,2022 at 3:56PM UTC

   I would provide a doctor's note and let everyone including HR and your boss know that you will not be working until released by your doctor abd to please respect your healing process.

   Your health is your responsibility. Not your colleagues or your boss. Yours. So advocate for yourself.with firm boundaries.

   Your colleagues are under pressure to keep their projects and tasks moving. That is expected. Just like it is expected that you shut down requests that impact your current sick leave.

   I can't believe I'm actually writing this but the following do not impact or change your situation in the slightest:

   1. It's a startup

   2. You boss works long hours

   3. Your boss & her boyfriend have had to cancel vacations

   4. You're lucky to have found the job.

   I'll repeat.....none of these things impact your need for recuperating and rest. UNLESS OF COURSE YOU ALLOW THEM TOO.

   what does your boss's canceling her vacations have to do with your health? A startup is just a new company finding its way. There's nothing about that that should impact your help. Finally I question whether you were lucky to have found this job. Clearly it's impacted your judgment and selfcare.

   Startups are not for everyone. You have to have a strong sense of self, your boundaries and voice.

6. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 2:28AM UTC

   I hate to break it yo you....this is not a startup. This is just a mismanaged free labor party

7. AnonymousMarch 22,2022 at 4:15PM UTC

   No reason at all to give up uour job. You just need to learn how to lead by example and not risk losing yourself in people pleasing. You need to stand up for yourself and not be so afraid of losing your job or not being so reactive to others b.s.

   You are obviously great at what you do. Just not great at managing yourself. But you can learn these skills.

8. AngieMarch 22,2022 at 4:36PM UTC

   No, it's not normal. It's ok to say no. Corporate is going to look out for corporate. You need to look out for yourself, whether it's setting strong boundaries or finding a new job.

9. Melissa Boillot, SHRM - SCPMarch 22,2022 at 4:38PM UTC

   Based on my experience, if you see poor planning (brand new people leading huge projects), working long hours and a culture of working sick - this is how it will continue to be. You have to ask yourself if this is the culture you want to work in. Some people will thrive in this culture and gain promotions and high level experience very quickly. Others will be frustrated by the lack of organization and hard boundaries. Good luck with your decision!!

10. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    Yes, exactly.
    Except the ones getting promoted, and I would say surviving not thriving here, are most likely similar co-dependent, toxic or HCPs (high conflict people). Organization, boundaries, process and efficiency are normal signs of a healthy organization/business.

11. SamanthaMarch 22,2022 at 4:44PM UTC

    I would say either put up boundaries and keep working, or looking for a job. It shouldn't be the norm to work 14 hour days, that seems ridiculous, you shouldn't be working weekends and on your vacations (what's the point of a vacation then? spend money to do work in a different location? doesn't make sense).

    To me it's a huge red flag when working on vacation, or while sick, nights, weekends, etc. is the norm. Your company is getting a great deal if you're doing nearly twice the work for one person (1 person working 8 hour days). No matter how much it seems like a company cares about you (and in this case it doesn't seem like they care about employees), they are always looking out for their best interest, not yours. So make sure you keep that in mind! Good luck & I hope you feel better soon!

12. Julie Chatman, MBA, CISMMarch 22,2022 at 5:09PM UTC

    If this isn’t working for you it’s probably time to move on

13. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 2:25AM UTC

    A start up is under 5 but usually under 3years old. Your company is hiding behind sloppiness and lack of management.

14. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:19PM UTC

    Working on weekends, vacations, and holidays is giving away your time. The company is paying for full time, not more. If they are worth your time, then they can make adjustments to the expectations OR your income.

15. Orlagh CostelloMarch 23,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

    It shouldn't be accepted or the norm, but I've worked in many places where it is. Start looking for a new job - especially if, as you say, the job market has changed. As for reasons for leaving - culture fit is a great one in cases like these!

16. Orlagh CostelloMarch 23,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

    Oh and definitely protect your recovery time! You won't get better any faster just for working on through.

17. Amanda StaufferMarch 23,2022 at 12:23PM UTC

    Heck no. There are so many places now that understand work-life balance better than that. Because of the job market right now, it can't hurt to put yourself out there and spend a little time on applications and networking, especially networking. But once you've been there a full year, I would absolutely do a full drive toward finding a new position. You'll have lots of winds from this ridiculous piece of work that you can brag about, but hopefully you can find something more reasonable before you have a meltdown

18. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

    Yes but you do not need to 'wait' a year. Waiting could hurt your career not to mention your physical and mental health. It's not you, it's toxic. When you hear 'sink or swim' or 'that's the company way' those are red flags. You need to nope it out of there-fast. Get a bridge/contract job if you need to or be aggressively looking, but as an HR person, I can tell you, this will only escalate. Startups are notoriously toxic.

19. AnonymousJune 2,2022 at 2:19AM UTC

    How do I handle the question of why did I leave before a year?

20. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:29PM UTC

    NO! Just no, this is not healthy (clearly) nor normal. I hope you are feeling better. When you feel well enough, begin the search for something reasonable - this is not. Right now you are employed so that knowledge alone will help you get through the search. Work towards something better. You deserve better!

21. Brenda CrawshawMarch 23,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

    We don't live to work. We live to LIVE. We work to support the ability to do that.

    I find it so sad that your boss was afraid that her partner was going to leave the relationship because she is prioritizing her work over her life. We can see that's not how you feel but are expected to behave the same way.

    Boundaries are not about how far you will let them go, it's about the limits YOU will tolerate. And this company sees no boundaries between your life and your servitude to their success.

    Start looking now for a position that will respect ALL of you, not just the skills you have that benefit them. And take your time for as long as you can. Ask lots of questions about corporate culture - if someone balks at this, their defensiveness will tell you all you need to know.

    It's out there - you've gotta find it and it sounds like your current position can underwrite that endeavor!

22. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:39PM UTC

    Establish boundaries and stick to them. Even if it is expected, they are healthy and will help you have that coveted work/life balance everyone keeps talking about.

    Also, quietly look for other jobs if the environment makes you feel like you're not good enough because you're not giving away your life for the company.

23. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

    Agree 100%, well said. Unfortunately, I recognize this type of new business culture. Because new companies jump out of the gate like a ball of fire, they fail in the intentionality of building a sustainable culture. Beware, listen to your gut. #BoundariesAreNecessary

24. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    They need to be given an ultimatum to either ensure staff has healthy work life balance or lose them. Look for other work. Or be a co sultant and take them on as a client.

25. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    You sound like you already know the answer.

    Dust off that resume. You are worth more than this.

26. Beverly MolnarMarch 23,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

    And this is the reason (or at least one among many) for the Great Resignation.

27. Deb HornerMarch 23,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

    I work for a boss who is the BEST boss I've ever had. Objectively, I can see that he is going to hit a wall in his late 40's and wonder why he didn't prioritize his family and his health because he works all the hours he has. He's very type A, and is a control freak. I see that because I used to BE that. I'm a teacher, and we are on spring break this week. I turned off all notifications from the team so I could recharge, but one lit up my screen 2 hours ago stating I have reports due on Friday (corporate said they were due the Wednesday following our return). I'm not responding. I was planning to work on the reports today and tomorrow (it's raining outside, and I can't go dig in the dirt) because I do not want to sit and type for 12 hours straight when I get back to school. Take care of yourself. If you are ill, then you need time to heal. Take a nap, have a hot toddy, read a book if the headache allows. Watch funny movies. Rest and recharge. Healthy people are able to accomplish so much more than those who are chronically ill because they don't take time to heal.

28. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

    Company culture is a hard thing to change, especially since this is a young company that’s eager and aggressive to succeed which will expect its people to go above and beyond. I’ve worked for a small company where I had to work long hours, weekends, vacations but at least I got rewarded with promotions and bonuses and the company even paid for my vacations twice for me and my family. Again, it is good for a short term but people aren’t robots, we burnout fast. I would recommend looking for other opportunities if you feel exhausted and not rewarded and maybe look for more established companies, they have a better handle on employee general wellness and I’ve noticed a lot of my new bosses (my company has over 50k employees) are all about us taking time off and making sure our well being is handled, a huge and positive change when compared to the small company.

29. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 12:57PM UTC

    If that is the company's culture, people will come in, do a kick *** job and then burnout quickly just as it seems you are doing. Working while sick is never a good thing and that makes me question the humanity of management. Also, working while on vacation, what is the use? With all of that going on, you are going to continue to get sick because your mind and body can't handle this kind of environment, nor should it.

    A few years ago when I was interviewing, after a day of interviews, the last person was the hiring manager. He mentioned his hours so I asked about his staff. He said they work those hours too. Although I was super tired, I immediately had clarity and recognized that THIS was NOT the environment I wanted to work in. Just because management finds it necessary to work 12 - 15 hours, skip vacations and weekends, doesn't mean that is MY life especially when I don't own the place. After that, during interviews, I started inquiring about the manager's hours (not the position I am interviewing for) to try to gauge the expectations.

    We all get caught up in situations where we wish we had asked more questions, done more research, or thought about it a bit longer. It happens so don't beat yourself up about it. But now is the time for you to decide what is best for you. Funny how we have so many things in our head and when we put it down on paper, we realize the answer is right there in front of us.

    Best of luck and feel better!

30. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 1:07PM UTC

    I used to be like that working a ton of hours - giving up my life for my job. Traveling 40 weeks out of the year for work. I wasn't selected for a project that I was more than qualified for - the reason is they didn't think I managed my time well because of the hours I worked. ( I am salaried). It hit home while i was getting my job done, i was also getting other people's job done and they were enjoying life. I do work more than 40 hours per week, but I now take vacations and I go places that has poor connectivity or none at all. I go places that don't have wifi. My work phone goes in a drawer on Friday and I pick it up on Monday. Our European and Asian counterparts do it why can't I. A few times I haven't been able to accommodate last minute requests because of my new work life balance attitude and I will pull my boss aside and ask him to review my work priorities to see if there is someone else who can assist. I know not every workplace will accept a new work life balance attitude but if you don't try it - you will never know.

    The bigger question now is your mental and emotional self. You were out of work for quite some time and that takes a huge toll on a person's view of themselves. You have a great job that allows you to grow and stretch yourself but you at what cost? It is time to take stock of your self worth and skills. Try to set boundaries but also start looking to see if there is something else more aligned for you if the current job and company can't conform. It is definitely a different market out there now and I see it with new hires. They are not going to kill themselves in their job. They know they can move on and job hopping is the new norm.

31. AmeliaMarch 23,2022 at 1:13PM UTC

    Does the company put these expectations on its employees, or have the EMPLOYEES put these expectations on themselves? You've already said it- you don't benefit from working all these hours. So why do you? If it's not acceptable to draw the line and establish boundaries with this company, it's time to leave. They'll replace you as soon as you're out the door without a second thought. Not worth your time, energy, and LIFE to devote yourself to a company that will ultimately replace you.

32. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 1:14PM UTC

    Your career should never come before your health, whether that be physical or mental. You don't benefit from working long hours, your company does, and you are missing out on so many great things in life by continuing in that environment. Work fewer hours. Start putting resumes out again. Find a job that values you as a human being and move on.

33. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

    I was once in a terrible job that was eating at my life 7 days a week. I quickly realized that I was not going to make this my forever job. I also quickly realized that the company culture was not a good match for me even though I have a strong work ethic and have always received High reviews. If I were you, I would do two things. First, decide that this is not your Forever job and start looking to move on. Second, I would not give yourself permission to quit this job before at least one year. I really believe it looks better on a resume to not be someone who jumps from job to job. At the same time, don't get discouraged because you know this is not your Forever job dot-dot-dot simply view it as a great training job for the better job that is waiting for you sometime in the unknown future

34. Desiree JohnsonMarch 23,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    You need to find a position at a company that has a work life balance. There is such a thing and you're company needs to get with the times. Also you have to put you first and say no.

35. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    Next time someone pushes their non -urgent work let them know that you would have to give up your personal time ifyou were to do their work and find out if they would also be working that evening on the project, arrange to check in with them throughout the evening with queries and progress updates as you assume they are also working y ,or you and others could push for the company to set up a system to log the extra time worked by staff (usually the regularly exploited staff) to record the name of the project , name of tne senior or manager responsible and the name of person delegating the work to you plus ofcourse the hrs you worked on it.i can go on- this log should be reviewed at your staff meeting and also at your pay review .

    So exploitative.

    The company owns the job but you own your career- use your spare time to build your skills reading, courses etc and totally recognise your worth.

36. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

    I had a job with a small company and found myself sucked into this same type thing. I was “on” 24/7. At first, I loved it because I thought that would help me as the company grew. What I found was that the more I took on, the less the owner did and more was expected. after a few years, little things started happening. My dad died and I left the state to help my mom. Three days later my boss called and asked how much longer I would be gone, she needed me! Right, then my husband retired so i told her I needed to go on the company’s health insurance, but would be glad to pay 100% of whatever it cost the company. She said she “would have to think about that” at the same time I found out that she provided health insurance for her son and his family, and put him on the books as an employee - with a salary higher than mine. He maybe worked 1 day a month. After that, I stopped coming in early or staying late. I finally snapped and put my two weeks notice in without another job in sight. BEST decision I ever made. I told my replacement, who didn’t get much training before I left to “start as you plan to continue”. He didn’t understand. But on his first day, he showed up to work there was no one there. The boss finally showed up a few hours later and was annoyed that he hadn’t really done anything. I heard that on his third day, the boss realized that the phones were still forwarded to her house, so she finally went to the office. His keys were on the desk with a note that it just wasn’t working out. Who hires a new employee, who is often the only one in the office, and then doesn’t show up on their first week until lunchtime???????

37. Sabrina CortesMarch 23,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

    Jobs are supposed to enrich our lives and help us meet our financial obligations and goals. Work should never interfere with family time or with our health; these are first and foremost.

    If we can't take care of ourselves and live as healthy as we can, then how are we supposed to care for those that depend on us?

    Just some food for thought.

38. E CMarch 23,2022 at 2:05PM UTC

    One of the good things to come out of the pandemic is that we are realizing that work as we've known it doesn't have to be the center of our lives. It's great to love your job, but make sure that it never replaces your family, friends, or your relationship with yourself. Your boss won't visit you in the hospital at the end of your life. All the best to you.

39. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

    I found that at my recent job you better work much more than 40 hours - yet the company claims that they emphasize work/life balance.

    It bugged me when I had a question and my then-boss sent a request to my colleague who was on vacation. It wasn't anything critical, I just my boss to point me to where to look to find the answer.

    I eventually started to not be able to sleep due to the stress, and generally losing quality of life. Worse, I realized it's affecting my health.

    So I am looking for a new job now, and keeping our bills low.

    I believe companies are just putting more and more work on employees until it simply doesn't work anymore. We have realistically no protection anymore. Most are "right to work" states. Which makes us all believe we have to do this.

    I wish I had a better answer...

40. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    I wouldn't worry to have just six months in at this place if I were you. It has value. You are obviously kicking it but the mere fact that you are writing this post shows that you know something is off and you can't go on this way, No need to torture yourself. You could ask for a reference letter before leaving to help you find a new job and make sure to write down all your incredible achievements for your new resume. If you burn yourself out, you'll have to be on sick leave and that wouldn't help your career either. Put yourself first, sister!

41. Claire McCabeMarch 23,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

    Maybe you're realizing you're valuing work/life balance and just working 40 hours a week? It's not a crime. There are plenty of jobs that only ask 40 hours a week, nothing more. I have one. I work for a university. I've worked in tech, nonprofits, and taught high school and some of these past roles asked more of me. Now I realize I am a better me when I just work 40 hours or less and that's OK.

42. Karen AMarch 23,2022 at 3:04PM UTC

    I left a job about 6 months ago for similar reasons. I had worked there for over 10 years, but I realized that it wasn't worth my health and constant exhaustion to put in the long hours - it was time to find some work/life balance. I am so happy that I made the move! I have a wonderful boss and team at my new company! It was totally worth looking (and finding). Think about what you want in a role and in a company, then go seek that situation.

    Good luck with your decision!

43. Me!March 23,2022 at 3:07PM UTC

    it is important to set boundaries. If everything is critical nothing is critical. The work will be there no matter how many hour you put in. No one was ever given a promotion or raise because they did not use sick time. PTO is valuable time, in 10 years you will remember the vacation not the conference call missed.

44. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

    Well I think this has more to do with your personal management than the job. You have allowed this poorly run company to dictate your boundaries and lack of selfcare.

    I think you have a huge learning curve ahead. This has so very little to do with your job. I just started my 3rd startup and in a month have made my boundaries perfectly clear. I love my life and want to continue working for many years to come.

    My job supports my life and not the other way around.

45. Christi MillerMarch 23,2022 at 3:41PM UTC

    I would find a job that allows you to take care of you. A any job/boss that expects you to give up all of you is not a place to be for the long term.

46. Shelby CMarch 23,2022 at 3:44PM UTC

    It sounds like it is not a good fit for you and that is okay.

    In my experience, every company that I have worked for, the higher you rise, the less "time off" you truly have. While I and others may have been away from the office more often, I was sometimes in a hotel room working until midnight. Then, I would brainstorm until I fell asleep only to wake up and pick up where I left off. I carried a "Bat Phone" at all times.

    When I helped run a worldwide operation, and I was the communication hub, I had to read emails every two hours from 7am to 7pm and then every couple of hours prior to sleep. I would frequently go up there, gather what I needed, to return home so I could spend time with my family while I worked. Plus, I consulted on the side. :p [face palm] Some of us love our jobs. My career was more of my identity than anything else; however, it can only get you so far.

    I learned balance the hard way.

47. Melissa MonsonMarch 23,2022 at 3:50PM UTC

    That is brutal. I do agree with some of the comments here not to buy into the culture of workaholism. Just because other people don't value their time and/or have healthy boundaries around work, that's not your problem.

    I would say try implementing boundaries around the hours you work and see how that goes. The saying goes, the only people who get offended by you setting boundaries, are the people who benefited from you having none.

    If it doesn't go well when you set boundaries and that expectation to work all those hours is there, then your personal values don't align with the company. That is your green light to look for a new job.

48. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 4:21PM UTC

    You do need to find a new job. I worked at a place like that and it doesn't get better. Nothing you do will ever be enough.

49. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 4:23PM UTC

    Also, take time off to get better. This job is not worth your health and your life. Don't let their toxic ways make you think you owe anything to them. It's abusive. Rest, get better, and then find a new job.

50. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 4:30PM UTC

    There are HUGE emotional, physical, and mental prices to pay for having zero work-life balance, which is where you are now. While you have this time to recover and reflect about your circumstances, take the time to look into other opportunities. The longer you remain in this toxic environment -- and make no mistake about it, it IS VERY TOXIC -- the more you will be expected to continue on this course and the worse it will get. You can count on suffering exponentially. Under no circumstances is your mental, physical and emotional health and well-being worth the sacrifice. Believe me, I know from first hand experience. It's taken me nearly two years to adjust to working in a job and company that supports not only a good work-life balance, but makes it clear that the care and support of their employees is a top priority in the company culture. Get out as soon as possible. I wish you the best -- a good job with a company that respects your personal well-being is out there -- go find it. :)

51. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPMarch 23,2022 at 4:30PM UTC

    If you like the company and the people, then I would have a sit down conversation with your supervisor and let them know how you feel. I know a lot of organizations that lost good employees because they never spoke up. Often times, if the company values you as an employee and an integral part of their business, they want a chance to do better. And if after voicing your concern, there has been no change or action, then look for a new job. Now, if you don't care for the company, the role , your supervisor, then that's a different story. Good luck and know that you should be valued by an company you join!

52. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 5:22PM UTC

    I agree with the comments. This is toxic and if it's such a part of the culture that everyone is doing and expecting this amount of overwork, you should get out.

    It sounds like you're taking time to be reflective (while sick, I'm so sorry - get well soon!), and another option could be setting healthy boundaries and being a catalyst for change. If you have the mental strength to go against the start up culture and stand up for yourself, it could inspire others. You know the worst that can happen is they let you go, but if you're already considering a change - at least you'll be prepared and know you tried. Best wishes!

53. tiffany birchMarch 23,2022 at 6:15PM UTC

    Perhaps, it's time to take a look at creating health boundaries . It sounds like you are "people pleasing" as a need to feel wanted. I've been hit with COVID, layoff March 2020, sports injury and 8 months of PT. However, the value we place on ourselves is the value we transmit to others. You sound very capable and now have more to add to your resume in finding a "healthy" position that values you.

54. Kristie WhiteMarch 23,2022 at 7:47PM UTC

    I see a couple of things.
    You say you love the company and the people - that is on the plus side. And this company (IMO) isn't really a startup anymore, they are a company that is hitting their stride which is causing rapid growth and heavy demand on its workforce. They are going to have to start hiring if the demand is this heavy or they will have retention issues.
    It can be very exciting to be involved with a company that is changing rapidly - and exhausting. That is probably why you are getting sick. So you need to start saying "No", and/or double your delivery time even when you don't need to. Staying in this situation - if you can create some boundaries - could be very beneficial long term. But you've got to set some boundaries. You have proven yourself, you have 6 solid months under your belt and have had your efforts recognized. You are not probationary anymore. So when someone asked you to do non-critical work, assess your workload and your health and determine what you can do. Don't be the "go-to" - an emergency on their part does not necessarily create an emergency on your part. They need to respect your boundaries.
    While I agree this is a difficult environment, if you can find a "balanced" way to work here, I would try. You are already starting to build up resentment which will come through in your interactions with others. Don't feel guilty about setting boundaries - this company is old enough and large enough to grow up.

55. Focused898785March 23,2022 at 8:10PM UTC

    This is excellent advice. I will add that learning to set boundaries is not a learned behavior in all of us. It may take additional therapy or working with a coach to gain these skills- an inherent one if you are striving to avoid physical and emotional burnout.

56. AnonymousMarch 24,2022 at 3:37AM UTC

    Many poorly run small to midsized companies like to hide behind the label "startup". It excuses a lot of horrible behavior and poorly executed business plans.

    But it's like a 40 year old that still goes to frat parties. It just doesn't add up. And only the most naive buy into their story.

57. Jackie GhedineMarch 24,2022 at 9:59AM UTC

    If you are considering looking for a new job, now is the time to do it. The market has never been better and for the first time in decades the power has shifted to the employee looking for a job with 1.5 jobs available for every person. Think about this, IF you leave, THEN (add the worst thing that could happen). Then ask yourself, am I capable of dealing with X? The answer will be yes.

58. AnonymousMarch 24,2022 at 11:39AM UTC

    Your health is 100% priority. Definitely quit. You do not have to stay a year. It’s hard to speak up when your boss doesn’t value their own work life balance. In the mean time you can set boundaries. This is good to do no matter where you work.

    When you are asked to do more than your work load can handle say, “Okay, what work would you like me to put aside or to delegate to others so I can focus entirely on this new project.”

    When they expect you to work off hours. “I’m unavailable to work after (insert time)”

    Silence work calls at night and on the weekend.

    Spend your new available time looking for work.

    If that fails. Just know you can always just quit. Honor your health.

59. ChristineMarch 24,2022 at 12:45PM UTC

    I would recommend looking for a new job. You can be grateful for all you learned and all you were able to accomplish in the sink or swim environment. It has proven to you what you are capable of. However the work environment is not healthy and not sustainable. I had a couple positions like you are in. I was paid very well for my time ($200,000 or more) I felt myself trapped by the pay. I realized I wasn’t really. It is possible to find a kickass job and not have to sell out on the rest of your life for a good paying job. Today’s job market is unlike its ever been. So many employers are finding themselves having to sell themselves on why a prospective employee should choose them. I’d recommend that you update your resume, update fir Linked in profile, set up a job notification on Indeed.com . You may be pleasantly surprised at what is out there. Good luck! You deserve to have a life outside of work. It is not even your own business. As a business coach I am even working with business owners themselves to not have that kind of work mentality.

60. Rosa GoesMarch 30,2022 at 9:07PM UTC

    I recommend asking the company how far along they are in reaching their goals especially if they plan to go public. You didn't mention the benefits you have, i.e. stock options. You contributed so much, it would be great to be part of their success.