I worked for a “woke” woman founded nonprofit org that promised better pay, unlimited vacation, insurance at no cost the the employee, and flexible hours. I thought I hit the jackpot. Everyone had kids and they were always welcome at the office and we were always told they came first. We were always encouraged to take time when we needed it, no questions asked.
But, I quit last week. Why? Because their motto is “there is no work life balance because we are family”. Because the “culture” they promised me was a front. Because the vast majority of my coworkers were not in a position to quit and lose income. Because I was becoming a scapegoat for their own ineptitude.
In the moments I was learning my 2 year old more than likely had Covid (4 classmates tested positive) and needed to be picked up from daycare immediately, my boss used our call to tell me I was full of excuses, never did any work, and was on probation. He was screaming at me while I was being bombarded with emergency messages from her daycare that she needed a doctor because her fever was spiking. I asked him multiple times to let me go and he refused. I eventually hung up.
Last exchange I had with him? Sent the documents he was accusing me of not doing (and faking an emergency with my child) with the description being “here is my work, I quit.” What was the document? $1.5 million in donations I had secured. I password protected it and let them know I would be in contact with the donors I recruited to let them know I was leaving and why.
I had been teachers pet for so long and never thought this would happen to me. I saw it with others, but thought I was secure because I did my work. I always made excuses for leadership because they were tired and over worked. This sub helped me see the reality.
My boss had accused me of “stepping on my coworkers instead of standing up for them” so I said BET. This is me sticking up for them. Enjoy losing $1.5 mil in revenue.
As for me? Holding my baby for the second week straight while she recovers from COVD. Best choice I ever made.