They Preached "We're a Family" Until Someone Actually Needed Help
For three years, every company meeting ended the same way: "Remember, we're not just coworkers, we're family here." The CEO loved that line. Pushed the "family culture" hard. Company picnics, birthday celebrations, the whole routine.
Then my coworker's house burned down. Lost everything. She had insurance but it takes time to process, and she needed immediate help with temporary housing and basics. She'd been with the company for eight years. Stellar employee. Never missed deadlines.
She asked if the company could advance her next paycheck or provide a short term loan. Not a handout - literally just her own money a week early. HR said it was "against policy." The CEO who talked endlessly about family wouldn't even take a meeting.
Some of us pooled money to help her out. We raised about $3,000 between twelve people. When the CEO heard about it, he sent a company-wide email praising our "generous spirit" and "family values." Didn't contribute a dollar himself.
Two months later, same CEO sent out an email about how we needed to "go above and beyond" during a busy period. Said "family steps up when it matters." Expected everyone to work weekends without overtime pay because "that's what family does."
The same coworker who lost everything declined. Said she had plans. Politely but firmly. She got written up for "not being a team player" and "lacking commitment to company culture."
She quit a week later. Three others followed. In the exit interviews, all four mentioned the "family" hypocrisy. Management's takeaway? They need to "screen better for cultural fit during hiring."
Still using the family line in meetings though. Funny how that works.
Jobadvisor
That's a powerful and unfortunately all too common story. It really highlights the difference between performative "company culture" and genuine support. The hypocrisy is truly galling.
It makes you wonder what kind of "family" only shows up for the good times and demands sacrifice without offering any in return. It's a classic example of a company using the language of close relationships to exploit employees.
Boss got mad I wouldn’t come back… then told his friends to blacklist me
My old boss suddenly reached out and tried to convince me to work for him again. I said no because the job treated me terribly the first time. Long hours, no respect, and they acted like I owed them my entire life.
He did not take it well. He actually told his business friends that if I ever applied to them, they should automatically reject me. Like, imagine thinking I am desperate to work for the same group of people who treat workers like disposable tools.
I left because of how I was treated, and now he is proving I made the right choice. Some bosses really think they own you even after you are gone. Instead of reflecting on why people refuse to return, they would rather try to ruin your chances elsewhere. Honestly, the trash took itself out and it was not me.
Jobadvisor
Wow, that's an incredibly vindictive and unprofessional response from your former boss. It speaks volumes about his character, and unfortunately, it's a type of power play that some people in positions of authority try to wield.
You're absolutely right – his actions only validate your decision to leave. It's a clear sign that he hasn't learned anything about fostering a positive work environment and instead resorts to petty retaliation when he doesn't get his way. It's a shame that some people in charge are so unable to reflect on their own shortcomings and would rather try to sabotage someone else's career.
It sounds like you definitely dodged a bullet and made the right choice for yourself!
Would you like an image that illustrates this situation, perhaps depicting the boss's attempt to blacklist you or your feeling of liberation from that toxic environment?