By the time you begin to suspect you are being screwed – you probably are already screwed!

In my case, my “partners” were making poor/illegal business decisions and misusing Corporate funds, lying. When I complained to my “partners” about the effect it was having on my work and my health. They clammed up, I could not get a written answer from anyone in response to my simple questions or even what my job duties were supposed to be. This should have been a huge red flag, after a few months of this, I was terminated due to lack of work. This was immediately after I told (my “friend”) that based on my Doctors orders, I would have to go on stress leave, that I couldn’t continue to work under these conditions any longer without some immediate answers. They “laid me off” the next Monday.

Has anyone ever been through this – if you have, you can vouch – it’s pretty frustrating to say the least.

The Company I had helped start and build, was doing extremely well, sales approaching 5M/yr growth was over 100% YOY, the future growth potential was huge.

After I had designed and built their business systems, I was promised “we will always have a job for you” by my “friends and partners”.  That’s what was I was told when I discussed leaving the Company to distribute product on my own, .

This would prove to be a baldfaced lie, one of many that I should have immediately documented. Since they were my “friends and partners” I was satisfied with a verbal agreement. Don’t make this mistake – document all offers and promises.

Even if it is made by a “very close friend” get everything down in writing. It is sad, but you must do this to protect yourself, you cant trust anyone not even your best friend.