[Quinch]

Let this story serve as a warning to you all ...

A couple of months ago I started working for a friend who was senior manager at a DIY store. I didn't even have to apply - the job was mine for the taking. Everything was great at first but I soon realised that it wasn't going to work out so I told him, as a friend, that I didn't see myself there long term. He asked if I wanted to stay or leave and I said I would like to stay for the time being.

A few weeks later I hurt my back. There is *a lot* of heavy lifting in this company and, although it really isn't my job to do it, I often end up doing it anyway because there isn't anyone else available at the time.

Next thing I know, the deputy manager (who is also my friend's brother) calls me up to his office and asks me to hand in my notice of resignation. They don't want me there if I'm not totally happy there and have a bad back.

I have tried to talk to my friend about it but he never seems to be around and isn't answering my emails/phone calls. I haven't handed in my letter and don't intend to do so because I know I will have technically resigned and won't be entitled to any benefits.

I'll go back this week and claim it was all a big mistake. I have found things difficult because I've never done work like this before (I've always been office based) but I'm sure I can learn and it will get better if they give me a second chance. As far as my back is concerned I will just have to control the pain with medication.

Incidentally, another friend who also works there tells me he feels there is (his words) "A Culture of Bullying" among some staff. Especially against friends of the manager.

I admit that I have been stupid and naive to tell the truth to someone who is a friend but also happens to be responsible for the company. I need this job (for the time being at least) because I have debts to pay and can't afford to be unemployed. However, I feel that my friend has turned his back on me when I most need help and I have been betrayed by someone I thought I could trust. I wonder if I can still call him my friend at all after this. I feel everyone would have been better off if he had never offered me the job. Perhaps, by hiring a friend instead of someone better suited, he was failing in his duties as a manager.

I don't know what's going to happen this week. Wish me luck.

[littlekitty]

What happened Quinch? Did they fire you?

[Quinch]

Not yet. I have spoken to my friend and put my cards on the table but he hasn't made any decision at the time of writing.

I went for physio this morning and they think I've done something to a disc in my back. Bugger

[whichwayisup]

A few weeks later I hurt my back. There is *a lot* of heavy lifting in this company and, although it really isn't my job to do it, I often end up doing it anyway because there isn't anyone else available at the time.

This is crucial and something you need to talk to your friend about WHEN he stops hiding from you...Legally speaking, his company is on the hook for this one, since you hurt yourself on the job, but also did something that wasn't in your job description...

[allina]

Look at things from your friends point of view. He handed you a job, you weren't really happy then injured yourself, possibly costing the company a lot of money. It must be nerve wrecking for your friend.

[Quinch]

Originally Posted by allina

He handed you a job, you weren't really happy then injured yourself, possibly costing the company a lot of money. It must be nerve wrecking for your friend.

I can understand that. I think we both made mistakes here and have got ourselves into a situation that we need to get out of. But perhaps it should not have been totally unexpected. The reason there is an old rule about not working for (or hiring) friends is because, 90% of the time, they end like this. I wish I could just find another job and go back to the way things were with my friend.