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Agreed. If you're really willing to quit, there's no downside to talking to the founders, if done correctly. If they're the sort to appreciate straight talk, p
by ethbro 7y ago
Agreed. If you're really willing to quit, there's no downside to talking to the founders, if done correctly.
If they're the sort to appreciate straight talk, plainly state you feel the team lead is doing more harm vs delivering value to the company. Otherwise back into it from "There are some issues with the way things are working that I've noticed..."
Make sure to include you're not the only one who feels this way. But certainly don't name or get overly specific with the others you've talked to. I'd simply suggest the founders reach out to {these groups} to get their opinions.
End with the work environment created by the team lead is directly causing you to look for other opportunities. (Hint: go ahead and start interviewing and have semi-serious job leads before this talk)
Remind them of what you feel you've done: never overestimate their knowledge of who actually did / does what.
State that you like(d) working at the company, found the problems interesting, and loved what you felt you and the founders had done ("together!" Be generous, and appreciative of whatever they did to keep the company a going concern while technical problems were solved).
If they do come back with an offer, as GP cautions, make sure you don't agree to any "company will make things better in an unspecified manner, in exchange for ensuring you work there another X years" forms of compensation.
If you do feel the offer is too vague ("We'll talk to team lead"), thank them for that, but push back and remind them that you've already been dealing with this for X months and are going to need a firmer commitment to change things.
Then see where it goes. Anything worth getting it worth asking for, especially if you have concrete other options.
- deepbreath 7y ago> (Hint: go ahead and start interviewing and have semi-serious job leads before this talk) I think this bit of advice is at odds with OP's statement: "I don’t think I’d come across very well (or as sharp as I usually) in interviews at the moment without a break." I was quite burned out at my previous job, as well, and decided (against most people's advice) to quit without an offer. I had similar "I'd rather give it a shot at being a bartender than write more code" thoughts. I was unemployed for a few months, but ultimately ended up with a few good offers. Leaving without a backup was definitely the right choice in my case.
- mcv 7y agoWhen the job is actively hurting you, that may well be the best thing to do. A middle road might be to take some vacation. (Though assuming this is even an option might be very European of me.) Or call in sick. (But again, European.)
- saiya-jin 7y agoYeah, i don't think its good idea to move during burnout straight to another job, with high expectations for seemingly senior position, tons of stuff to learn, integrate with new teams/culture/etc. Just stating a looming burnout and serious will to rather NOT work at all than continue working at that company under current situation should let them realize how grave the situation is. Don't leave them room for interpreting this as 'he just needs a pat on his back and some sweet talk and he is back on track'. Polite and honest, but firm stance. People are so freaking afraid to be on their own without job for few months. Unless OP's finances are very tight, it sounds like this kind of break is exactly what he needs. Too much at stake, and after proper breakdown, there might not be a way back.