What would you do?

I was talking to a client of ours today, and she told me something disturbing. A little over two years ago, I left a very small (me and the boss) company over some personal differences that I won't get into here. The fact of the matter is, I left there of my own accord. I started working where I am now, and two of my former employer's customers called me to ak that I still do work for them. My present company was all too happy to oblige. Well, now it's two years later and this woman who works for one of the two companies tells me that my former employer is running around bad-mouthing me, saying he had to "fire" me. Now, I don't know what he's trying to gain by it, but it has me more than a little upset. On the one hand, I could care less, because the company I work for now is a service company with 65 employees that does millions in business each year, and his little business doesn't even factor in as competition to us. On the other hand, I don't like the fact that he's distorting the facts. And so what if I quit? What does he care? And why does he have to tell people he fired me? What do I matter to him?

Well, what would you do? I will probably let it go, but what would you do in my situation?

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R. Bret Walker, CNE

Wondering what videos to rent this weekend? Check out The People's Reviews, movie reviews written for the people and by the people.

"No one's really gonna be free until nerd persecution ends."

If it were me, and i say this because in this buisnes reputation is important, I would call and make an appointment with him. I would sit down and ask him bluntly if he fired you, and how he came to that conclution. ask him if he has any resentment to you quiting, and why he is trying to destroy your reputation. If he denies it, and turns into a prick, let him know that you have contacted an attourny and he feels you have a good case for a slander lawsuit. I believe that should get you an apology and he probably wont say anything bad again. If not, maby you should get an attourny, If he succeded in ruining your reputation, your career options in your community, outside of where you work now, may be very limited. this is the rought I would probably go.

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We may be through with the past, but the past is not through with us.

I on the other hand, am a hothead. I would call and scream at this old employer, or look for him in a bar, store or something like that and get in his face screaming like an idiot.

I know that's not very professional, but I have a very short fuse and a very bad temper.

I'd say go with LORE's suggestion. It's more civilized, and less likely to win you a free stay at the local county lockup!!!

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Why do convenience stores that are open 24/7 have locks on the doors?

I would not sweat a two man operation when you work for a 65 man operation. The old boss is just being a big baby and I can only imagine why you quit. Don't sweat it. Obviously you have the creds for a better job and he is just making himself look worse!

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You spend your whole life believing that you're on the right track,
only to discover that you're on the wrong train.

I'd do something like Lore's idea, except I'd go 1 further. I'd contact a lawyer, explain the situation, and have the lawyer send a letter to your old boss. I'd ask that the letter should be on the lawyer's official letterhead and should explain that unless the ex-boss ceases his slandering of you; you will be taking legal action to protect your reputation. If you still hear that the ex-boss is smearing your good name, sue him. After all, that's the Amercian way, right? https://forums.windrivers.com/

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You did what? I'm sorry but that's not supported.

I'd follow LORE's idea. If you sit down with your ex employer it gives you two a chance to be civil. Sending the letter first would probably stop all the comments, but it will also cost you some cash. Your choice, but either way I would not take this lightly.

l'd combine the last few ideas:[*]An employer is, by law, required to give an assessment of your performance as an employee, and unless you stole from them, beat them up, or torched the place, they are actuall not allowed to offer anything negative. Getting a lawyer is costly, so l'd print up some fake-but-official-looking letterhead. Chances are, they'll get the idea and shut up, without calling your lawyer to debate the law.
[*]l'd also walk right into this place, demand to see the boss, and say 'we have to talk'. Clearing a few things up might remind this person that you weren't actually fired...sometimes their lies snowball and they start to believe their own garbage.




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Either drop the Windows out of your computers, or drop your computers out of the windows.
BreakWindows

First of all, thanks for all the support. As he works primarily as an electrician and does computer jobs only on the side, he works out of his house. I don't know where he lives, nor do I care to find out, and I certainly don't want to start anything in front of his family. I found it disturbing that this client was bringing it up, but she was well aware of the actual situation by which I left his employment, and was not taking any negative information from his statements. I don't want to comment on the caliber of his business dealings, but believe me, if any of his comments came back to me in a negative way, my lawyer would indeed get in contact with him. So far, this client only joked about his comments knowing fully well the circumstances of my leaving his employ.

Thanks again for your words of encouragement and wisdom (-:

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R. Bret Walker, CNE

Wondering what videos to rent this weekend? Check out The People's Reviews, movie reviews written for the people and by the people.

"No one's really gonna be free until nerd persecution ends."

umm... agreed about the lawyer thing with this.... if you can find witnesses, you can sue, and you will win

hey, pcshark, know what? with all the replies here, you have enough advice to take him to court right now and retire from the winnings! GO FOR IT!!! *g*
-drew

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I just don't understand stop signs...aren't vehicles made to, well...GO???

I don't think its worth your time. Although I would not use him as a reference in the future (duh!)...thats now a blank spot in your resume when you were "freelancing".

Suing is out...you can't show damages and its really your word against his since there is no paper trail and your claims are based on hearsay. My assumption is that this guy is small potatoes, and that he talks to only a few people in your universe.

When you decide to leave a job in the future, the general practice is that in exchange for you staying 2 weeks, you get a nice letter of recommendation. Furthermore, during the years you work for an employer you might ask for a review every 6 months or so (yearly max) of your work, in writing. You keep a copy of those for yourself. That sort of paperwork is the professional way to handle your career, and a great way to bust your bosses balls if he messes with you.

well, if i were you, this is what id do. (bear in mind i got suspended twice from high school, and community service for breaking a guys jaw in a bar fight) I would go to his shop or if you can find it, his house break all the windows and maul the hell outta him with a big stainless steel Wrench. Then deal with the consequences after. He wont bad mouth you again, thats for sure. This approach works best however if you have no family to support, which as far as i know you do. so its not so great after all. https://forums.windrivers.com/
just my two penneth

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No girl deserves my tears, and the one who does will never make me cry.

Well, I would call him. or you can take this approach: Find an old PC, shine it up Real Nice.....turn it sideways, and shove it up his candy *** !

I agree with LORE (I mean how can data's brother be wrong?) A face to face conversation with the right attitude can go a long way...
Being from New Zealand, where it's not all that common to sue, I would say that there is no need to get the lawyers involved unless it gets real serious... I agree with someone else (sorry forget the name) who said that he probably doesn't asscociate with many people in your universe, so really it's not a problem. I recommend inviting him to a meeting in a cafe (that way it can't get too loud) and just explain what you have heard, tell him that you will not tolerate unnecessary and untrue slander and that if you hear any more about it then you will consult a lawyer.

Hopefully he gets the message.

Bottom line, slander is bad, and you don't want people spreading harmful rumours about you.

Quote:

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Originally posted by cheezmonkey:
break all the windows

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Hey, now you're besmirching MY name..! https://forums.windrivers.com/

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Either drop the Windows out of your computers, or drop your computers out of the windows.
BreakWindows