I work as a graphic designer at a small remote digital marketing agency (>10 people). A few weeks ago, one of my 2 bosses asked if I planned on staying there long term. I thought I was safe being honest with them because another employee has been openly looking for other work for months. They also constantly stress “open and honest” communication. I told her my goal was to eventually work with a design team, but I had no timeline and hadn’t even looked at applying anywhere. I said I’d be there for at least a few more months, if not longer. She says okay, never brings it up again.
Today my bosses drop the bomb on me that in that time, they hired someone to replace me, and she starts tomorrow. I’m being given two weeks of full time work, and then I’ll be cut to part time working 5-10 hours (which I’m not doing). So I wasn’t technically fired, but rather ousted from my position. I put so much work and effort into this job the past year for such little pay and this is how I’m treated. I was “open and honest” with them, and in return they hired my replacement behind my back and blindsided me with the news.
Lesson learned: small businesses exploit their workers just as much as big corporations do!!