Is it ever a good idea to resign on principle?

Anonymous

May 31,2023 at 10:16PM UTC

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Is it ever a good idea to resign on principle?

I posted "A Coup D'Etat" here earlier. Short version, one of 2 founders of a nonprofit decided she was going to boot the other out of the org, using a series of underhanded tactics, with cronies who have committed illegal acts like wage theft.

I've been looking for work, got 3 interviews and was ghosted by all of them afterward. I've had a lot of one-step-from-rage-quitting moments at work, but this one took the cake.

I can't go into detail without outing myself (it's a very specialized area), so let's just say the 2 directors had opposite visions. I'm biased, but I'm going to say that the one who got kicked out would be like a hospital CEO that championed chemotherapy cancer treatments, while the one remaining is a big fan of essential oils. In other words, going with the new vision would not just be the opposite of what the hospital was known for; it would also be dangerous to the patients.

And after looking at our financials, I discovered our hard-earned fundraising monies are being funneled to an essential oils MLM.

The only reason I'm still there - and I mean the ONLY reason - is because I don't get unemployment payments if I quit. Is this the type of thing where it would be appropriate to write a resignation letter saying "I cannot in good faith support this new vision"?

I'm somewhat under a time limit in finding a new job, because they will probably just let me go anyway - after milking me for all the knowledge I've accumulated over my time here. These are people who are supposed to understand large computer processes, but can barely turn one on. I so desperately want to leave them hanging.

I have a fair amount of savings, but I wanted to use that for a down payment on a house, and it's already significantly smaller after a year-long period of unemployment some years ago.

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AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 12:19AM UTC
The average time to find a job in this market right now is 6-12 months. Be prepared. Make LinkedIn your new BFF.
Julia KoncakJune 1,2023 at 3:17AM UTC
In a resignation letter, I have used “It’s time for a change after X years. Plan to travel and then find my next opportunity.” Then I would report the company for unethical practices. Your mental health is at stake now.
AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 11:32AM UTC
If I resigned on principle, I'd always be unemployed.
A lot of crap, a lot of annoying issues - but the rent, my desire to travel, care for my children and live debt-free keep me FROM resigning
I see the guidelines as "business", collect my paycheck and move on
AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 12:32PM UTC
If there were an. Audit by the company's competitor or someone else, with this funneling of money be perceived as illegal?.. If illegal activity is going on and you are doing nothing about it? Then, in my opinion you are being a party to it.. Even though it is very clear that you are not a party to it and you are basically stuck and observing all the train wreck. Pick a time and pull the trigger period resign and do not give them a reason why.. There could be retaliation and I mean big retaliation.. These people sound scary. If there is a way that you can anonymously report their behavior after you have left the organization. That I would do that for sure.Make sure that you keep copies of every single email or forward it to your private email as soon as possible
AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 1:15PM UTC
I'm not sure, but it's worth researching what protections and potential benefits you would get as a whistleblower if the actions are unethical or illegal. If it is a place that requires licensing, then the state/federal board that provides it is a place to start. If they accept government grants, they could be out of compliance with the grant terms and subject to having to refund the proceeds.
AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 4:51PM UTC
Have you contacted the legal authorities as a whistleblower re the wage theft? Doing so will protect you from termination in some states and though this is not a long term solution it could buy you some time. As for the companies who ghosted you if you went through an interview process andf got left on a hook go to email to a rung above the level who left you hanging and let them know what ensued in a gentle way. Remain interested but also share your experience. It sounds like a tough situation and worst case you can contact a local labor lawyer and ask about quitting under duress due to illegal activities and see if they can help re the unemployment. It's a rough market now for finding a new job in some places so think about the short and long term financial risks both ways, good luck!
AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 7:04AM UTC
Ghosting interviewees has become commonplace. Its rude but commonplace. She should NOT contact the higher up of the one who left her hanging. Would be very intrusive and unprofessional.
AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 9:06AM UTC
How is the nonprofit set up? Is there a board of directors? Do you have a board liaison? Can you speak with the outed partner? Use your resources to see what the options are before making any moves. Be very careful though. Make sure you know if they are friend or foe. In the meantime keep looking.
Amy CollinsJune 2,2023 at 12:59PM UTC
Document everything you can to show what is going on and that you are not a part of it. Save hard copies and or use a thumb drive and bring it home with you. Just for your protection! Then if you can exit gracefully without causing bad blood, that might be the best course of action.
GirlBossanova934974June 2,2023 at 2:13PM UTC
Without sounding callous, I think the best thing you can do is concentrate your time on your job search. I have learned over the years that one NEVER sticks around on a sinking ship nor does one engage in writing long resignation letters. Getting even with some crummy outfit sounds good but that time is far better spent on starting a new job. The best way in my mind is NOT to take this stuff personally! A crummy senior leader is a big jerk to just about everyone! Doing all sorts of not so legal things is another step in the wrong direction. So as another commentator has said on this thread, please make LINKEDIN your new best friend. Several daily job emails should be set up that you should be looking each and every morning and APPLYING to right away! Your LINKEDIN profile needs to be completely filled out in detail and it should be impeccable. If you are in the IT business, all your software skillsets need to be spelled out in full detail etc. Best of Luck!
Victoria NoltenJune 2,2023 at 3:02PM UTC
Document everything. If they are doing illegal things and not just irritating things then I feel it’s your duty to take it to the board chair. If the board chair is part of the problem then report it to the authorities.
Do you have a employee handbook? Look up whistleblower. they may have a anonymous way to report. If you report them and they retaliate you have a lawsuit. At the very least if you can show everything you can fight for unemployment.
if you just don’t like the way it all went down (and I don’t blame you) then move on and use savings. Life is too short.
Maggie StoneJune 2,2023 at 6:53PM UTC
I agree. I think it’s a valid reason to resign. However you might want to make have the savings to carry you for at least 4-6 months, particularly since you have been in a very specialized field, so you may have a longer job search.