Being stuck in between two jobs, what to do? Should i just dump my former job?

Question

Once i was working for a small company (15-20 people and me) that went nearly bankrupt last year because of the financial crisis. Now there's just me and the owner of the company. I do a lot of programming for him. I also moved on to another company. And i am somehow feeling responsible for him, because when i would say i quit his company would go down like a rock. It's because i'm only willing to do some work almost for free (he say's he will pay me but he's saying that for nearly 4 months). He has a very sick daughter and maybe because of that i feel sorry for him and do all the things i do. And that is bugging me.

Also he doen't listen to what i am saying. When his company was in good shape he said he didn't feel the need to update the design of his web page (his company page - it looks like from 1999) and now he's paying for it because a lot of clients are refusing to use his webpage and pay for extra services. Also the programmer before me created a monster system which is worthy mentioning on the daily wtf.

I know this is not a programming related question but i don't know where else to turn.

So my question is: Should i just say "I quit" or should i somehow reason with him.

Answer 1

It sounds like his business is likely to go down with or without you, eventually. I suggest you quit, but giving plenty of notice - and helping to recruit a replacement if at all possible. I'd also be absolutely frank with him about what you think the company needs.

Does your new company know you're still working for the old one, by the way?

Answer 2

You have a choice.

You can just quit. You aren't responsible for the company's fate. If you've acted in good faith then you have nothing to be guilty about. This is easily explained by you needing to eat, pay your bills, etc.

You can offer to work for him part-time. If he is unable to pay you for this you can handle it in several ways. For one, you can take an equity stake in the company in lieu of payment. Only do this if you think it has potential and want to commit to it in the long term. Note: this doesn't (or shouldn't) preclude you from taking other work to pay the bills in the interim.

It's not unreasonable to need or expect to get paid.

Answer 3

It sounds like your old boss isn't a very good businessman. If his business is going to fail eventually no matter what you do, it may be better for it to fail sooner rather than later so he can get on with his life and do something else.

I do not believe you should continue to work without pay of some sort. If you want to donate your time, pick a worthy charity. Pay does not necessary mean cash, it could be stock, a written IOU, share of the profits, whatever. If he is not willing to give you anything then I would say run, don't walk.

If offered something like stock or payment from future profits, well then you must decide if there is any realistic hope for the business. This may be tough to do depending on your business training. Get help from a third part if necessary but just remember that your old boss is probably not objective about what whatever he may offer you is worth.

Assuming you decide to continue working with him, and that it is likely that the business will be successful enough for you to be properly compensated out of future earnings, then get your agreement with him in writing and make sure you get some type of either formal ownership or lean which can be enforced; not just a verbal "trust me".

Answer 4

It appears to me that you have a strong urge to quit and you are just asking this here so that you can justify it to yourself. Forgive me if I sound harsh.

There are situations in life where you can't always be right, but what is important is that every decision of your life is your own and not formulated by others.

Btw, it is interesting that you have mentioned:

"Should i just say "I quit" or should i somehow reason with him"

Reason with him on what? To pay you? or to agree about your quitting? Or do you have any bright ideas to revive the business and is he not listening to you?

I would like to say just this: If you are working for him part time (or full time) do it fully accepting whatever you do. That'll help him and you. Else, no point as you are just postponing the eventual downfall and not averting it.

Answer 5

Yup!!! better you give a short term notice and leave that Job...it willl give time to your boss to think also....

Answer 6

My opinion is that this passive strategy trying to survive may not be the right one.

If you have any interest in this work at all (forgetting revenue for a moment)...

Have a talk with the owner. Put it forth that this current form of business may not have any future. Decide to make harsh steps now in the interest of future and transform this business into something else. Change the web site completely so that it doesn't convey the old smell of 1999 but breathes freshness of 2010. Think of other areas of competence you have. What other related or not related service you could offer for which there is demand on the market.

Then, if you come to an agreement, commit yourselves to the case and attempt to make a leap together. If it works and you're back in good business, then everything is fine. If it doesn't, move on. Each their own separate path.