Don't take this as a deterrent. I'm just sharing an experience and hoping someone found a “work-around.”
End of 2020 I was a project manager for a high rise construction company. I had held a more prominent role for a larger company before so I was really overqualified for the position and my numbers were reflecting that. I was killing it. The senior execs and financial controller were showering praise and I really thought I was solid.
I reported to the president, and one day he called me in to his office. He told me that it was noticed that I have been taking rather long lunches. It was such a ridiculous concern i thought it was a joke. within my role, I'm often out of town, on a worksite, or entertaining clients for lunches. When I was a junior I was criticized for being in the office. I said ya, of course. That's part of how my numbers are so good. He said that they expect me to be present in the office during the work day.
This guy had married the company owner's daughter 40 years ago, and was handed this position. At no time during those 40 years did it occur to him to learn his job. Or my job. Or how any of this company worked. I enjoyed working for him because it was like not having a boss. This was the first time we had a conversation that was directly related to my job. Despite trying to explain what it is that I do, he expected me to sign a document saying that I would remain in my office between 8 and 4:30.
I've been tired of working my ass off so some dumbass can reap the benefits. I just said no. He said “so you quit.” I said “no, I'm just not signing that paper. How you handle that is your business.” He asked me to reconsider. I said “no, I have a two hour lunch to take, let's pick this up after.” When I got back HR was in the office and I was given the offer to sign again or I would be terminated. I refused left, and I haven't applied to a single job since.
I was tinkering on the side learning a little coding and had a couple project management apps that I would have given freely to the company. now they were mine and I was pretty sure I would be fine. Flash forward a year and a half and my apps aren't complete, I haven't been able to generate any sustaining income. I've exhausted my credit and savings and short on rent.
And still will not apply for another job.