i posted in January due to the fact my new employer pulled a bait and switch with my health insurance. My offer letter and employee handbook said that they would pay $x per pay period towards insurance and it was actually 1/2 of that. HR said it was a “typo”. Since that time, they have also been late with 2 paychecks (in one case a week late) They blame it on the payroll processor, but my bank says otherwise. They are also constantly trying to cut expenses, which impacts my position of Business Development. I otherwise like the job, but I need financial stability. On interviews, I have said just this, but now I am worried that I am being too honest. Thoughts? And yes, this is a start-up and IMO have made some questionable financial decisions that I won’t go into.

7 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 3:53PM UTC

   You're definitely oversharing. Keep it simple. Unfortunately, in a short amount of time, you can clearly see that your goals do not align with your current organization. This is why you're excited at the possibility of working with X X X because they XXX.

2. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 4:28PM UTC

   I steer clear of commenting on specifics. I come at this issue from a big picture perspective. Saying I gravitate to companies with solid business plans and savvy leadership. I relate to those companies that offer transparency and are are building strong reputations in the industry.

3. Joanne RosenMay 30,2024 at 4:48PM UTC

   Are you currently interviewing for other jobs? Don't say financial stability of the company is your reason for wanting to work there. Instead, research the company. Find things that interest you. Maybe they work with a charity you admire. Talk about that. Or, they just acquired a smaller company. Talk about how you can see the benefit in selling the services or whatever of the combined company.

   If you aren't interviewing right now, you need to polish up the resume and start. It sounds like the company where you work is really suffering financial difficulties.

4. Krystin MorganMay 30,2024 at 5:04PM UTC

   My thoughts are that this is ludicrous and you would do well to start looking elsewhere! If they can't pay you on time - or be detail-oriented enough to produce accurate offer letters - that's probably not a place with long-term success.

5. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 7:34PM UTC

   OP here- yes, I am actively looking and I have consulted a lawyer and the DLT in my state. Basically it is tough toenails unless I want the situation to become highly adversarial and I prefer to stay employed…. Thank you for the comments on how to phrase the issue, very helpful.

6. AlexisJune 1,2024 at 1:33PM UTC

   I think you are smart looking for a new job. "You can say, I work for a startup and they are having financial issues, so I want to be proactive because I need stability/something solid/whatever spin you put on it." I would rather have the candidate be honest and by expressing it is a start up, little more needs to be said. In the long run, over 90% of startups fail.

7. AnonymousJune 1,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

   If you have the original documents, then I’d take it to DOL.