Dear Abel & Sofi: How Can I Run From Nepotism At A Family Firm?

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Christopher Howley

Highly recommended
Norwell Thai Spa
714 Questions answered
Answered on August 7th, 2019
Because we don't know you, and for other reasons, we can't tell you what you should do.  What we will say is to think deeply about your situation.  
(A note about the vandalism to your car.  It is a good idea to let the police investigate for a few reasons.  1.  Is it possible that the damage was done by a passerby, such as a jackass teenager/teenagers or someone else who has no connection to the company?  2.  If it is someone in the company, others who are not friends/family of the owners could be potential targets as well, so having the police investigate may save others from being hurt or killed.)

Documenting work incidents in as much detail as possible, including dates, times, the people involved, and related documents if available/applicable gives you a foundation on which to help an attorney build a wrongful termination suit if you were to be fired and felt the firing was without cause.  However, despite it being spectacularly unfair, if you were to file a suit, this may make it difficult to find work in the same type of business.

Taking the matter as high in the company as you can is a possible course of action.  Showing the higher-ups that the accepted corporate culture is hurting the bottom line could cause a correction in the culture.  It depends on the priorities of management.  If you choose this course do it as quietly as possible, especially given what has already happened with your car.  Money usually wins out.  One need only look at how bitter divorces can be when financial issues are discussed among people who supposedly loved one another at one time.  So, management may well choose the bottom line over family/friends.

If you do decide to leave, be sure to document positive impacts you had on the company so that you can have some continuity in your career.  You want to be able to counter anything that your current company might say to a prospective employer to try to damage you.

Finally, taking the high road is never a bad idea.  It can only help your standing in the industry you work in.  Best of luck.

Most Sincerely, Pie and Chris 
Owners of Norwell Thai Spa
Norwell's Only Authentic Thai Massage Therapy Shop
Norwell, Massachusetts

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