In 2018, I applied for a UX position at a small software company. As a part of the interview process, I was given a few days to perform a design challenge, which focused on the language of the app. While working on it, I was concerned that the company would use my ideas without hiring me, so I emailed the VP of engineering and asked if the challenge was purely hypothetical. He assured me it was and the company would not profit from my ideas. I did my best and presented a viable solution.
I was hired, and within the first month, I was told the hypothetical design challenge was actually a real project the company was unable to solve for years. I was then instructed by the COO to review the previous applicants ideas and incorporate them into the final product. I didn't do it. I lied and said I did. I wasn't going to steal intellectual property from people without their knowledge.
I stayed for 10 months but was eventually fired for calling a meeting with the VP of engineering and politely confronting him about his negative pattern of behavior, condescending attitude and methods of creating a toxic work environment. Since I was the newbie, and the VP was tight with the COO for 15 years, they got mad because I spoke the truth and I was fired unjustly, without reason. I applied for unemployment and the company tried to deny it. I opened a case with the state, who took statements from both parties and eventually the state sided with me, proving that company was full of a bunch of lying fuck puppets.