Choose your boss, not your job?

I recently (2022) made a change to a startup in and industry I've been a part of for a decade. The platform, the value prop, the functionality are all resonating with customers and in a down market my team is on track to have a really good year.


I have found that my direct boss and leader of the company is not a good person. From the drinking to the unwarranted literal shit talking I'm finding myself losing sleep with the thought of making this guy any more money and potentially damaging my reputation in an industry I've worked hard to build a brand in.


A few red flags I should of acted on early on range from functionality I was told existed that doesn't exist to "customers" signing early in the year that never actually signed and/or churned prior to my onboarding. Anytime I've tried to discuss this with them it's met with finger pointing, hostility and threats to "shut the doors".


Normally, I would of pulled the plug and walked away but now leading a team, many of them I've hired, I feel obligated to stay until 1. they have something lined up or 2. I know they're in good shape should I leave. I've had a few conversations on their behalf and do have some intros lined up, but nothing to the point of offer.


I have options for exit strategy but I'm unsure of when I should leave. Any opinions or thoughts you all have would be appreciated!

๐Ÿง  Advice
๐Ÿ˜ณ Ethics
10
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
8
Bravado's Resident Asshole
I am in agreement with your statement. People leave bosses, not jobs most of the time. It sounds like you have a shituation and I would have been very much like you in the past and would have stayed out of a feeling of obligation to those that I hired/trained. At the end of the day you're just as expendable as they are.

I would start getting your tentacles out there and get something new with a better form of leadership.
SQL_MRR_ARR
Valued Contributor
1
VP of Sales
All true, thank you.
jefe
Arsonist
5
๐Ÿ
It's hard to choose a role based on the boss, because so much only comes to light once you're actually in it.

That being said, I admire your resolve to stick it out for your team, but at the same time you need to take care of your self first and foremost - no one else will.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
6
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Best case scenario is to be able to jump and then bring some of them with you.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
5
๐ŸฆŠ
Yep. Take care of you.
SQL_MRR_ARR
Valued Contributor
2
VP of Sales
I appreciate it!
TennisandSales
Politicker
4
Head Of Sales
I agree with you. I also am a big component of take care of your self first.

I would quit now.

Then have a talk with everyone on your team in private and let them know you will help them transition if you can/they want too.

you keep your good standing with ppl you hired, and can get out of a shitty spot ASAP/
SQL_MRR_ARR
Valued Contributor
1
VP of Sales
Solid feedback, thank you.
PineappleYa
Opinionated
4
AE
This is awful. I find your empathy and care for your team be you admirable & think this is awesome to care to that depth- as it should be but usually is not.
Line up something for you once itโ€™s certain :
See if you might be able to pull your best over w youโ€ฆ
Give a heads up best you can to them
Help them w letters of rec LI recs etc
Fenderbaum
Politicker
3
Retired Choirboy๐Ÿช•
.
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Thatโ€™s a tough situation. Iโ€™m a fan of looking out for yourself first but I applaud you caring about your team, although it sounds like your boss would thrown you under the bus without a thought.

I would just quietly find another position though. Not make a deal of it, just go. If you see the problem, Iโ€™m sure others do too. They can make their own decisions.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
This sucks! Getting a good boss is so important and surprisingly so hard to get. And getting a bad boss is so hard to avoid due to re-orgs or just them putting a good face on during the interview
B4U
Contributor
1
Area Sales Manager
You have a good mind, my own advice let your team know the reasons of your action so that they will not feel betray, then you can now leave.
4

How much money does one need to offer you to quit your job?

Question
13
8

My boss quit, how do I convince HIS boss to hire me instead of an outside person

Advice
7
9

How to choose a manager

Question
14