4 ms·

Not for technical reasons, but my worst job in software was also my first, a part time gig in college back in the late 90s. It was a software company owned by

Not for technical reasons, but my worst job in software was also my first, a part time gig in college back in the late 90s. It was a software company owned by two people that didn't write code or do anything on a computer other than send email. They had somehow managed to hire somebody to make a moderately successful version 1.0 of their product, but now none of the original programmers were there and they were trying to come up with a brand new release. They mentioned during the interview that they had been "burned" by every programmer they'd ever hired. In retrospect, this was a red flag that the business owners were the only common denominator there, but again, this was my first ever software job, I had no idea what to expect. They stopped paying me after 1 month, and kept promising that I'd get paid as soon as the big contract they were pursuing landed. I quit shortly after I took a phone call from one of their creditors demanding that they fax over a check.

mey 11y ago
If this was in the US, you should seek back wages through your state.
- crystalmeph 11y ago
  I got another job quickly, and it didn't hurt me too much financially (I was still living at home with my parents at the time). But you're right, I should have, if only to force them them out of business and out of the next guy's misery.
  - danielweber 11y ago
    It still may not be too late. Plus other employees who were screwed but unaware of their rights may automatically get checks.
    - vacri 11y ago
      You're suggesting legally chasing a few weeks salary after nearly 20 years? That's quite a grudge you're encouraging, and likely to cost much more than it would gain, even if it could be proven.
      - RyJones 11y ago
        In Washington State, the state will pursue them with glee and vigor free of charge (to you). I think 20 years is a little outside how old a debt they would track, though.
        danielweber 11y ago
        Most states will do the fight. 20 years may well be too late, but anyone in a similar position should just call and find out.

mey 11y ago

If this was in the US, you should seek back wages through your state.

crystalmeph 11y ago
I got another job quickly, and it didn't hurt me too much financially (I was still living at home with my parents at the time). But you're right, I should have, if only to force them them out of business and out of the next guy's misery.
- danielweber 11y ago
  It still may not be too late. Plus other employees who were screwed but unaware of their rights may automatically get checks.
  - vacri 11y ago
    You're suggesting legally chasing a few weeks salary after nearly 20 years? That's quite a grudge you're encouraging, and likely to cost much more than it would gain, even if it could be proven.
    - RyJones 11y ago
      In Washington State, the state will pursue them with glee and vigor free of charge (to you). I think 20 years is a little outside how old a debt they would track, though.
      - danielweber 11y ago
        Most states will do the fight. 20 years may well be too late, but anyone in a similar position should just call and find out.