I found myself out of a job when I received recognition by SLT members and my boss retaliated.

Anonymous

January 27,2023 at 7:56PM UTC

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I found myself out of a job when I received recognition by SLT members and my boss retaliated. While my boss was out, the team was left without instruction. We had new employees and they were struggling.

I've led teams in the past so pulled everyone together for a quick meeting. Did anyone need anything, were they being asked to have something done without answers...etc. They were floundering and welcomed my help.

I helped them while stating, this is what I would suggest but please check with our boss to make sure. I contacted departments requesting updates and got back to them with answers that I knew and others, I said the director would get back in touch after his holiday.

I created short bullet point list that I sent to the director regarding what happened each day so he was aware of the requests to make it easier when he returned.

The department heads thanked me for my help and for keeping the lines of communication open. I received a public thank you from a VP in front of my boss for my assistance.

All of a sudden a switch clicked off and suddenly he was nasty and I wasn't doing my job. Early the following week, I was summoned to HR with trumped up lists of things stating I wasn't a good employee. It was filled with lies and I awas devastated. I stood up for myself and after the meeting, providing feedback and proof against every charge but they back him.

I ended up leaving the company as I knew I couldn't work them any longer. I've been blackballed in the area and make to final rounds and I'm told that my former boss is telling everyone he fired me and not to hire me. I've heard they wanted to offer me the job but don't want to cause problems due to his position in the community. I'm not sure what to do at this point!

I didn't do anything wrong and after a year of searching, I can't find a position. Even if I relocated, how can I get around not using my former company as a reference? I'm kicking myself for trying to help as I was making a good salary and enjoyed my position until that happened. I'd appreciate your advice as I don't think I'm going to find a job in my area and at this point, I really need a paycheck!

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AnonymousJanuary 27,2023 at 8:12PM UTC
Sounds like another horrible individual. Maybe you can dig up some info on his past life as a felon. [LOL]. I did just that, but the consensus seems to be that we should turn the other cheek and let them continue to dominate the workplace because we are not "go-getters" and let karma run its course... and we must be grateful for any meager crumbs we are able to scarf up (with a knife in our teeth ready to stab any and all comers in the back if they get in our way). After all, it is the "new" normal to send out 1000 resumes and get nothing. Just turn the other cheek and be grateful and maintain a "positive attitude." If the mafia were hiring, I would be applying right now. It's possibly the only organization where I would have a chance of liking my coworkers.
AnonymousJanuary 27,2023 at 8:42PM UTC
C’mon. The OP here has been badly harmed — you were not. Sense of proportion, please.
But you might be onto something: think about careers in which your natural sense of aggression and investigative skills can be put to good use. (Detective agencies? Collection agencies? Companies that repossess cars?)
AnonymousJanuary 27,2023 at 8:37PM UTC
Check with a plaintiff-side employment lawyer (ie represents employees.) Your first consult should be free, so check with several law firms and hire the most reputable one with the best track record.
You might have a cause of action against your former company for defaming you and preventing you from finding employment. If you win, you would likely get a negotiated financial settlement (your lawyer would take up to 40%) and your former boss and the company would be subject to a non-disclosure agreement about the circumstances of your departure from the company.
AnonymousJanuary 27,2023 at 8:56PM UTC
It's called a cease and desist letter that might or might not help.
In the meantime, if you can change your last name used on resumes and applications that might be a short term work around.
BethBJanuary 27,2023 at 10:52PM UTC
That is a lawsuit begging to happen. There is a reason companies will only release certain information when called for a reference or background check. It might make sense to pay for a consultation with a labor lawyer. Don't put back and let someone else control your destiny. You could receive a nice settlement over this.
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 1:48PM UTC
Thank you all. I looked into a lawsuit but after my initial consultation, I was told that previous employees had tried and failed against the corporation. While pretending to be a 'Best Place to Work' it actually has lawyers on payroll to combat these lawsuits.
She advised to move on rather than spending the money and time required. I'm glad I tried but I was caught off guard as I just received a bonus before this happened celebrating my hard work. I had some savings but after returning from vacation the month prior, it wasn't the optimal time.
While I made sure my career didn't define me, I was proud of my achievements and this situation devastated me as I didn't do anything wrong and was punished and it continues to have residual consequences. While I can't wait to get back to work, I lost my trust in that if I work hard, I can succeed. I appreciated everyone's support and hopefully I'll be able to find a job again soon even with his actions.
Mary PoolJanuary 29,2023 at 1:49PM UTC
Contact your old boss' manager or even the VP who acknowledged your help and tell them what is going on; also, contact personnel and threaten to hire an attorney. Legal aid should be able to help you write a letter if it comes to that. In the future, don't quit until you have another job. It is easier to find a job when you have a job and you will maintain an income. I know it is hard to go to work where you don't feel valued or even wanted, but it is harder not to be able to make rent. Another thought is to ask them for help in finding a new position due to the roadblocks their employee has put in your path. You might be surprised and they may help, or the might not.
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 3:34PM UTC
This fellow is creating a hostile work environment and you should prepare a case with EEOC. Don't let him think he is going to get away with this. I think these kinds of things go on far too often and most folks don't understand that there are laws to protect employees.
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 1:57PM UTC
Here's a thought - have the attorney send a cease & desist letter to your former boss, NOT your former employer. If he continues to badmouth you, file suit against him personally and the company tangentially.
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 6:24PM UTC
Consider suing him for defamation (check with an attorney for the correct term)?
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 7:15PM UTC
You need to speak to an employment attorney. Clearly he was worried that you wanted his job. I would also write a letter to the CEO of your former company telling them what he has done. Let them know that if you sue him you will be bringing them into the conversation as well and their allowing his defamation of you not only in interviews but in the industry is causing you financial loss. You should think about how you bring up the elephant in the room when you interview with companies. Something like, I left former employer because my boss was a bully and the company did nothing to support me so I was forced to quit. Good luck.
JudikingJanuary 30,2023 at 2:35PM UTC
Go to an attorney. Threaten a law suit. Make sure the CEO and the VP are aware of what you are doing. Usually a threat is all it takes to get this guy to back down. What he's doing is illegal and you can sue him personally, but, as was stated, also the company. I don't know your financial situation, but if you are able, I'd sue the jerk for defamation and lost wages.