UPDATE: Lesson Learned: NEVER work for family...Sticky situation at work.

[broon]

I worked for an uncle once. He's the kind of person who would understand if I had the opportunity to make more somewhere else...even if for a competitor/friend. Heck, his son worked for a competitor. It will be tough but hopefully you can present it right so they understand where you are coming from. If they get pissed, at least they aren't your parents.

 

[DaiShan]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

She can do this because Lola is there, and once she leaves, we are concerned her Aunt may be resentful since suddenly her time off goes out the window.

then the aunt should make lola a partner, give her 10 or 20 % of the business so that her value to the company is shown to lola

does the aunt/uncle have kids that will take over the biz?

i see this as an opportunity for the aunt/uncle to decide on the future, they can do the right thing and make lola a partner if she is indespensible

Yes, her aunt has a son who has already expressed interest in learning the job. I believe he is 13.

The person that has talked with Lola has already told her within 2 years his goal is to have a second office and she would be the manager of it.

EDIT: And her bonus structure has been cut down.

Wait so her Aunt cut back lola's bonuses while taking 3 day weekends every week for an entire summer and you are worried about her being resentful? Looks like they have posterity locked up, see Kranky or my original response and put in notice IMO.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
The problem is that her Aunt has become accustomed to the fact that Lola can run the entire office, so her Aunt takes a large amount of time off. If I had to put a number on it, 60-70 days per year. Last summer she took every Friday off. :shocked:

She can do this because Lola is there, and once she leaves, we are concerned her Aunt may be resentful since suddenly her time off goes out the window.

If the aunt can do that, then it sounds like business is good. Time for aunt to share the wealth, since it sounds like it's warranted. The aunt is going to have to counter-offer because she knows she will have to eat it when she hires someone new.

You have to look at this from the standpoint that you have the "upper-hand". You need to look out for yourself first.

 

[FoBoT]

the fake her death idea is starting to look better

 

[PricklyPete]

That has got to be tough Lola...but my advice is you need to do what is best for you and your immediate family.

Go and talk to your aunt. Tell her that you have really enjoyed your working experience with her, but you know of similar opportunities that are paying significantly more and offer more growth potential.

If she counters with an increase as well as the future possibility of growth...than you are good to go and can stay where you are. If she says she just can't offer you anymore, she shouldn't be too upset if you decide to move on.

Good luck with all of it.

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
The problem is that her Aunt has become accustomed to the fact that Lola can run the entire office, so her Aunt takes a large amount of time off. If I had to put a number on it, 60-70 days per year. Last summer she took every Friday off. :shocked:

She can do this because Lola is there, and once she leaves, we are concerned her Aunt may be resentful since suddenly her time off goes out the window.

If that's the case, even more reason to leave. Look, the aunt feels she's "made it". She built her business and is ready to reap the rewards, which in her mind include lots of days off. She sees LW as a very trusted employee - not as a partner in any sense. Let's not forget the security thing and how nothing was done.

Working for family is not a good situation. LW did it for a while, and now is in position to move on. Best to move on. If she stays, it's only a matter of time before a more awkward situation comes up.

 

[Stuxnet]

Originally posted by: daveymark
Reason #5,234 on why never to go into business with family

Or friends...

Sounds like Lola is jumping out of the frying pan and into the oven. At least she's being paid to BURN!

j/k & g/l

 

[Lola]

You have no idea how greatful i am for all of your help!
This is what i really needed!

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: LolaWiz
You have no idea how greatful i am for all of your help!
This is what i really needed!

so, you're going with my "fake your death" idea, right?

uh? pretty smart isn't it?

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: LolaWiz
You have no idea how greatful i am for all of your help!
This is what i really needed!

so, you're going with my "fake your death" idea, right?

uh? pretty smart isn't it?

well, i was thinking about doing this but she might be quite shocked when i show up at the family easter party in a few months.
always a bump in the road with a good plan!

Gah, the closer it gets for me to tell her, the more nervous i get.
cripes.

 

[kranky]

So what are you going to tell her?

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: kranky
So what are you going to tell her?

 

[RossMAN]

How much of a pay difference are we talking here?

I agree with kranky's suggestion and the sooner the better.

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
How much of a pay difference are we talking here?

I agree with kranky's suggestion and the sooner the better.

i have not seen the options yet, but in the neighborhood of 10-12k more than what i am making now, plus, bonuses and more % of a comission.

i am not sure what i am going to say, but i am thinking of really making sure she knows how greatful i am to her that she has given me such an oppertunity to begin with.
She has put a lot of faith and trust into me and in turn, i really am happy i could help her grow, but at this point, I think i have grown out of my position here.

I think something along those lines.

 

[RossMAN]

The sooner the better also so that allows her sufficient time to find a replacement?

You could mention that tax time is coming up? Not sure if she'd buy that or not.

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
The sooner the better also so that allows her sufficient time to find a replacement?

You could mention that tax time is coming up? Not sure if she'd buy that or not.

i would be apt to stay for a little longer that 2 weeks to try and see if she could find a replacement for me.
I understand this is going to be hard for her and i want to help as much as i can.

 

[Syrch]

wait, will the other job hinder your ATOT time? Very important question one must ask themselves

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: Syrch
wait, will the other job hinder your ATOT time? Very important question one must ask themselves

i do not believe so that is one thing i DID take into account!

 

[So]

<south park>Now that's what I call a sticky situation!</south park>

 

[OutHouse]

business is business. your skills have value and if your Aunt doesnt want to pay for them then tell her you are moving on. simple as that.

oh and never mix business and family.

 

[Kadarin]

I agree that it sounds like leaving the aunt is the right move. She's cutting down on your bonus while taking extra time off, which indicates that she is certainly taking you for granted. Get an offer from the other guy first, then tell your aunt in a straightforward way is what I would do. She'll likely be pissed, but it's still the right thing to do.

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
I agree that it sounds like leaving the aunt is the right move. She's cutting down on your bonus while taking extra time off, which indicates that she is certainly taking you for granted. Get an offer from the other guy first, then tell your aunt in a straightforward way is what I would do. She'll likely be pissed, but it's still the right thing to do.

get that offer in writing.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: kranky
Direct and straightforward is the best way.

"I have been offered another job that pays a lot more so I'm giving my two weeks notice. But I am very thankful that you gave me this opportunity to work with you."

Frankly, if she offers to match the pay, I'd turn it down. All that means is that she was taking advantage of you all this time. Of course you can't say that, but just say that you are ready for the next stage of your career, to grow more professionally, and that's a large part of the reason you're moving on.

You're afraid to tell her because you see it as saying "I don't want to work here any more". Don't think of it that way - you are taking another opportunity, with a chance to further develop your skills. It is no reflection on where you are working now.

This, in my opinion is the best advice you've gotten. Do not stay.

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: Citrix

get that offer in writing.

This is very good advice ... it would really suck to give your notice & have the offer dry up on you... also I think you should first offer her the chance to match/beat the other guys offer if your comfortable working there.

Good luck & be sure to give us an update!

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: Captante

Originally posted by: Citrix

get that offer in writing.

This is very good advice ... it would really suck to give your notice & have the offer dry up on you... also I think you should first offer her the chance to match/beat the other guys offer if your comfortable working there.

Good luck & be sure to give us an update!

I will for sure get the offer in writing. I am meeting with the other agent on thursday morning.

i will update when things happen.

Thanks again for all the honest and helpful advice!