Reddit User Wonders If He Was Wrong To Leave After His Dad Gave Business To His Brother

"I have been running the business for the last 2 years. We now have 50 vans in the fleet."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• June 21, 2023

Family disagreements can be emotionally challenging, especially when they involve complex matters such as the transfer of a family business from one generation to the next. In some instances, tensions can arise when the father, as the business owner, makes the difficult decision to hand over the reins to one son while completely excluding another from involvement in the business.

This division can have significant consequences, affecting not only the family dynamics but also the future of the business itself. We have one of those stories today.

OP's older brother initially pursued a career as an accountant after completing university, while OP started working as a plumber for their father at a young age and later gained qualifications in plumbing and gas.

When COVID-19 hit, OP's brother returned from the city and began working for their father's plumbing business. Their father, who has been unwell due to asbestosis for the past four years but still enjoys life, recently announced his decision to step down from the business due to his health and spend more time with their mother.

The business was handed over to OP's brother, and OP was demoted and faced a significant pay cut. Feeling upset and unappreciated, OP decided to leave the business and start their own.

This decision caused a rift within the family, with hurtful messages and calls directed at OP. After receiving support from clients and colleagues, OP's father had a heartfelt conversation with him, expressing remorse for the way things unfolded and acknowledging the value OP brought to the company.

Meanwhile, OP started his own successful plumbing business, and despite ongoing tension with his family, he is excitedly planning his wedding with his fiancé and looking forward to starting a family together.

OP started working for their father as a plumber at a young age and obtained qualifications in plumbing and gas through college

Last month, OP's father announced his decision to step down from the family business and pass the business on to the OP's brother

After expressing disagreement with his father's feelings, OP decides to leave and start his own business

Despite the uncertain result, OP is determined to engage in a conversation with his father because his affection for his family remains strong and he desires his future offspring to be acquainted with them.

During their conversation, the father tearfully admitted feeling guilty for not being there for his other son while they were growing up, due to work commitments.

He admitted that he should have divided the business between us and apologized for not recognizing my achievements

OP has the necessary resources to start a new business

OP's father started to ask when he was going to return to the company as they need him

OP's father and brother still refuse to communicate with him and have made it clear that they will not be attending his wedding

The family has apologized and seeks to reconcile

Their apologies seem insincere, prioritize your own success

The family calls OP ungrateful, but it's unjustified

OP's parents showed clear favoritism towards his brother, disregarding OP's successful management of the company

The decision to cut OP's pay reflects jealousy and sibling rivalry

It's important for OP to prioritize its own company and not be afraid to act in its best interests

OP's immediate family is showing their true colors

Education doesn't guarantee business success. OP has extensive knowledge of the business, while his brother lacks understanding and experience

OP's father potentially being manipulated by their brother

It's unfortunate that OP's father and brother made this choice

OP's choice to start their own business is justified

OP's dad exhibits favoritism towards his other son, despite the fact that he never expressed any interest in being involved in the business.

The conclusion drawn from this situation is that family disagreements, particularly those involving the transfer of a family business, can have deep emotional impacts and potentially strain relationships. The decision made by OP's father to favor his brother and exclude OP from the business caused significant turmoil.

However, OP's choice to start his own successful venture demonstrates resilience and determination. Despite the ongoing tension with his family, OP is focused on building a fulfilling personal life with his fiancé and eagerly anticipating the future. This highlights the importance of finding personal fulfillment and success outside of family dynamics when necessary.

Damjan