I started a new job a week and half ago. It is an MSP that provides support and services to schools and small businesses. It seemed like a place where my eclectic knowledge could be put to use. I am getting older and my ability to land jobs seems to be harder, so finding this place was pretty lucky. They have ten employees including me. It is family owned with the owner, his wife, and his son clearly in charge. I signed a standard non compete when I started. The first week went by without a hitch, the start of the second week started, last Wednesday, began a trip into a world where I do not feel comfortable. I went into the office of the owner's son and he has a autographed picture of Trump shaking Reagan's hand. On the other wall is a gun that with a laser engraved stock celebrating Trump. On a another wall is a rebel flag that says the second amendment protects the first.
On Thursday, the son came in and was yelling at TV, which was playing Fox and was before the Senate hearing started. Once the hearing started it only grew worse. The main sales Rep joined the son and also screamed at the TV.
I went home Thursday worried. I began to doubt myself and wondering if I can work in this environment.
Friday was better, very little TV, much like a typical day at a small company.
Over the weekend, I started to be critical of my approach and my attitude. I felt that I needed to grow up and do the work. Work is hard to find so shut up, eyes forward, work.
I was added to the company group text, without being asked, which is mostly fine although asking would have been considerate. Most of the texts were work related, but a few last week were political. I would ignore posts on Facebook or hide them, but now I have a company thread that I compelled to read due to its company nature. Today's political post included a supposed picture of Dr. Ford as a teenager with the caption that it is proof that Kavanaugh could not have done what he is accused to have done as she was not pretty enough. (paraphrase). Nothing quite says take care of a technical issue like a joke about rape.
The company technically sound, and I not only fit but feel I could learn but I honestly feel that on the end I will not fit. My wife feels that I should say to quit with the posts but I feel that will just hasten my demise and out me as trouble. I truly feel like just going in tomorrow and resigning without notice. I also feel that I should keep the texts as proof of a hostile work place in case they feel like enforcing the non compete. I do regret that I don't want to work there but I feel ethically inclined to be honest and just resign.
Need some honest opinions.
You're in a situation that will only get worse for you whether or not you say something to the owners. I'd recommend you do the following:
1. Print, at home if possible, copies of all the emails and such that make you uncomfortable.
2. Request a time to talk whomever you report to, if it's not the owner's son, and explain how his unprofessional behavior is making you feel. Ask that he/she speak to the owner's son. If you report to the owner's son then you'll have to talk to him directly, but in an adult, professional manner concentrating on facts, not emotions.
3. If there is no change in behavior, then go directly to the owner and express your concerns. Again, in an adult and professional manner.
4. If that fails, contact an employment lawyer to see if there is anything legal you can do such as getting out of the non-compete contract or as a last effort suing them for creating a hostile work environment.
5. Most importantly, document everything. Names, dates, times, places, who said what, who else was present and saw/heard what took place. Even get the names and addresses of the former employees, if you can, and contact them to see why they left. Their experiences there may strengthen your case against the company. The more documentation of the events the better you'll stand if they try to fire you or you sue them.
6. Quietly start looking for a new job because as a family owned business the owner most likely knows about his son's behavior and through his action/inaction is encouraging the bad behavior. You may not get a recommendation from them but I'm sure similar businesses in the local area will know about them and understand.
Working in a business where the environment is hostile will affect your physical and mental health. You may have to suck it up for awhile but if you can find a new job where the work environment is is friendlier, professional, and non-hostile that would be the best way to go even if it's for less pay.