Redditor Navigates Difficult Exit From Previous Job And Wonders If Declining Rehire Is Justified

The ethical challenge of going back to a harmful workplace atmosphere.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• October 2, 2023

The impact of a toxic or unhealthy working atmosphere on an individual's well-being cannot be overstated. The environment in which we spend a significant portion of our waking hours can have a profound effect on our mental, emotional, and even physical health.

It is often in the face of such adversity that the idea of seeking a new job becomes not just a desire but a necessity for one's overall quality of life. Last September, OP's former boss ignored his advice and that of their colleagues, hiring a new coworker who proved difficult to work with.

After experiencing mistreatment and unaddressed complaints, OP decided to seek new opportunities. He quickly landed a well-paying job as a university professor.

However, his previous employer delayed OP's November wages and the final account owed to him, which included vacation pay, a contractual bonus, and compensation for extra hours worked.

Following legal threats, OP finally received their due payments. Despite the challenging separation, the former employer recently reached out, asking OP to return due to his unique skills, and requested assistance in finding a replacement.

OP declined, citing the lack of support during his departure. Now, former colleagues and acquaintances are divided, with some urging OP to help and others questioning their reaction. OP seeks advice on whether his response is justified.

Due to a toxic work environment, OP started job hunting and received a professorship offer at a university. He resigned in October and left the company by the end of November.

OP is supposed to receive their November wages and a final account by the end of the year, including vacation pay, a bonus, and extra hours worked. However, after quitting, he faced delays and excuses in receiving these payments

Now, the previous employer OP is seeking his assistance and commitment, even though they did not seek a replacement within the month following OP's resignation.

Former coworkers are exerting pressure on the OP, believing it's unfair for him to decline assistance. Without his support, some of his colleagues may face the risk of job loss.

When an employee leaves a company, it's the company's responsibility to find a replacement, not the departing employee's

In light of the circumstances, it's entirely reasonable for OP not to hold respect for his former boss.

If OP doesn't want to assist due to lack of respect or delayed payments, that's perfectly acceptable too.

Their attempt to guilt-trip OP is unprofessional and unreasonable.

The company's failure is due to mismanagement, not OP's refusal to assist.

They're just trying to manipulate OP into solving their problems.

If OP is willing to help, he should propose a contract with a much higher hourly rate and demand weekly payments

OP isn't accountable for the success or failure of a company that mistreated him and didn't pay him on time

OP is not exaggerating the negative impact of their toxic working environment. The consequences they face as a result of his departure are not OP's responsibility, nor should he bear the blame for them.

It was the responsibility of his boss and the company's management to create a conducive and fair workplace environment. If his employer truly valued OP's contributions and skills, they should have considered the timing and allowed for a smooth transition rather than pushing an employee to the point of resignation.

OP should not feel guilty for prioritizing their own well-being and professional growth. A healthy workplace is a shared responsibility, and employees should not be made to feel responsible for the consequences of management's poor decisions.

Damjan