Troubles at work
Dear Dr.Mac,
I started to work for company “A” 5 years ago. My boss was sponsoring my visa and I was working for his insurance brokerage office. In that office was also my cousin working which has a relationship with my boss. In the beginning everything was just wonderfull, untill I started to get independent- I learned English, I went to school, I was doing good job at the office. After while, I meet my current husband, and that was a very big issue. Then my cousin was saying bad things about him to other co-workers, even though she never met him. I just didn’t feel comfortable introducing him to somebody who basicly calls him a gay! That was a beginning of the meltdown.
I did speak to my boss several times that this work environment for me was unworkable. He didn’t care and continued to mistreat me. Thinking about going to work made me shake inside. It became worse, so I quit.
In the meantime I spoke to insurance agent that we have our house insured with and he offered me a job which I accepted. But then I started to get phone calls where they would keep calling and hang up each time.
Now, the attorney of my ex-boss is saying he will file a suit against me and my new boss for breaking a no-compete clause. me competing. I don’t think he has a right to do such a things, since I was hired on different position. I did not steal any of his clients, even a lot of them are my friends. He is just angry, but how far it can go yet?
-Frustrated Foxy
Dear Frustrated Foxy,
Although I did have a hard time understanding your letter, let me toss out a few thoughts anyway.
Did you sign a “no compete” agreement when you took your first insurance job or anytime while you were working there? If you did, then your former company may be able to go after you. If you didn’t, then they are probably trying to scare you for some reason but don’t have a legal right to threaten you about stealing clients. Either way, I suggest you talk to an attorney to make sure you are okay.
Secondly, it might not be a bad idea to have an attorney write a letter to your former boss asking him/her to leave you alone. Since it sounds like you may have been in a harassing environment, there may be some grounds for you to fight back. Since I’m not an attorney, you will want to talk with one. It is unfortunate how you were treated at your last job. Don’t give up. You should never have to stand for any inappropriate or unprofessional behavior! Let me know how it turns out.
-Dr. Mac
