Work Blog
Out of context: Reply #46
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- BonSeff8
Had to leave a perfectly fine job of 3 years due to a toxic director.
There were 2 UX squads working independently on two totally different products, lots of momentum on both, work wasn't exciting but moral and enjoyment was up. I led one of the squads. Then C-suite decided to create two new positions, a UX director, who would merge both squads and a VP of UX & Product. The VP was fired shortly after his hire because he didn't disclose his SEC trading violations from a former endeavor where he tried to cheat investors. And the Director absolutely murdered the vibe across two squads. I had never seen anything like it before, absolutely no interpersonal skills. Everyone looked to me to be a change agent and try to reason with the director, the director looked to me to reason with the squads. It totally drained me.
So I spent about 4 weeks coding a portfolio, curating a decade and a half of work, writing case studies, and putting together a resume that would hopefully compete in this landscape. Once ready, then applied like hell and had about a dozen interviews and countless rejection letters just from those that actually took the time to send them.
Finally found something that I think I am going to be really happy with, doing something very similar as the place I left. But starting over.
I feel terrible for those still there at the old place and see them all leaving in the next 90 days. It's really a shame. We made noise, voiced our concerns and went completely ignored by management. Hate to see it because it is a really talented team of UXers in the weeds. But any care for quality has been tanked due to one guy who couldn't read the tea leaves.
- I went thru an eerily similar thing a few years ago. (I actually got fired by the toxic leader the morning before I was asked to do provide feedback on him.)********
- And I can totally relate to the point about feeling terrible for the people who still work with him.********
- Craziest thing: him firing me turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to my career. like Top 3. Ironic!********
- I am glad things turned around for you, and I hope I am as lucky. I have a good feeling about it. It sucks seeing your workmates deflated.BonSeff
- Wow, no respect for the OG internal team's opinion... not sure if that's normal or not. How's it going at the new place?canoe
- Congrats on finding a new job you're happy with! I'm on the hunt now too after being made redundant.microkorg
- I went thru an eerily similar thing a few years ago. (I actually got fired by the toxic leader the morning before I was asked to do provide feedback on him.)