CEO of Company wants to fire me because of my fitness blog...

by 147 replies
183
***EDIT*** - Updated Post (3rd Page)

I have been working for a medical device company as a Director of Marketing for a little over 8 months. It's a small business, mostly a distributor who often sells medical devices to the government facilities.

As a hobby, I enjoy creating blog around the fitness industry. I created a blog on wordpress about fitness and motivating others to workout, I even often have users submit articles and share their stories and struggles. It's been doing very well.

In terms of work, I'm doing a fantastic job. My department is not only meeting, but exceeding goals . We've been ahead of the game and I have received nothing but praise from our CEO. I invest about 12 hour days into the company, as well as come in occasionally for 4 to 6 hours every other weekend. I love what I do.

My Ceo stumbled across my blog over the weekend by googling my name. He basically told me that if I have any sort of business or hobby even if it's done on my time that it is considered unacceptable. He said I as a manager should fully be committed to only working for his company, and although I'm doing fantastic that if I have anything else on the side on my own free time should be deleted right away or I am to be fired.

I tried reasoning with him, gauging him and I just don't understand what the problem is. He says that if I want to continue my blog I am to be demoted or fired. I have till tomorrow to make up my mind.

Is there anything I can do in terms of Law that can help me? This seems really messed up and I don't know why he's acting like this. The company has never written me up for anything, never a verbal warning. They have nothing on me. Any help would be great.

Should I negotiate with him on a package prior to leaving?

Thank You.
#main internet marketing discussion forum #blog #ceo #company #fitness
  • I'm no legal expert, but here in the UK he wouldn't be able to fire you for this.

    I'll let others chime in on that...

    But from a moral point of view... screw him.

    You commit over half your day, 5 days a week and then some time on weekends too.

    You're ahead of targets.

    And he's having a power-trip.

    If you're the head of marketing then I'm sure a lot of the success of the company is because of work you've completed.

    He's a fool.
    • [ 3 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Thank you for the kind words. I'm just so hurt, you know. I did nothing wrong, I just created a blog to help others achieve their goals. It's not even related to work, nor do I work on it during work. I love doing that, it's my hobby and he wants to take it away from me for no reason. He feels that although I give 110% I don't truly understand the vision and mission if I had something like a blog to work on during my personal time. Wtf?

      In California, you're an At-will employee so they can let you go for anything. He has a tendency of letting people go for no reason. It's just.. It's really hurtful.
      • [1] reply
  • Wow! This has to be one of the most absurd things I've ever heard! Especially considering you're already putting in massive hours at your job, and your blog / hobby is in no way interfering with that.

    So, per your jerk-of-a-boss's standards, you can't date, have a family, buy a house and fix it up, go camping, fishing, skiing, or anything else that might actually mean you have a LIFE outside of your job?? That is what he's implying, it seems... Wow, just....wow!!

    I'm not an attorney, but I can't imagine there are any legal grounds whatsoever for firing you because you have this blog.

    If I were you, I'd consult with a very good attorney before you make any decisions regarding what to do next. If your company does fire you, then your attorney can advise you regarding your legal rights and options (which, I suspect, would include suing them for wrongful termination - I think that's the correct term, but again, I'm not an attorney).

    Edit: I didn't see your second post about being an "at-will" employee - I'm not familiar with that, but I'd still talk to an attorney.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I was able to get a hold of a nice attorney next door in our building that helped me. He said unless it's related to race/age/sex in the state of California they can let you go at any time. You're an at will employee. I'm afraid if I do anything, he wont even pay my unemployment.

      I swear to god, I wish there was more to give you but this is the true story. It would be more fulfilling to hear I didn't do a good job. But to hear I'm doing fantastic at work, putting in so many hours, then to tell me I'm not allowed to have ambitions all of a sudden. I just don't understand.. I keep asking myself why
  • So tomorrow I'm going to get fired. It sucks, this is just not fair. I've done nothing wrong.
    • [1] reply
    • Can you sell the blog to me for $1.00 and keep the admin acct yourself in case I break anything? I'd hate to ruin your site so I'd want you to have full access still...
  • Sounds like he has the crab mentality.
  • I am not a lawyer, but I believe an employer in the US can fire you for no good reason at all. In any state. If you have leverage, use it.
  • Dude, I'm sorry to hear this but I would Quit before this guy even has the pleasure of firing me! There's no way in hell I would let anybody control my life like this, especially not this jerk! ...especially if I was the one of the main people responsible for holding his company together. To be quite frank, there comes pivotal times in life when you MUST have the balls to stand up for yourself. This is one of those times.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I can't quit. I wish I can.

      If I quit, I don't get unemployment. I need money to live.

      Quite honestly, having the conversation that I had today. If I were to close the blog and never do anything else similar on my freetime.. just to have a job. Ask yourself, how satisfied would you be?

      This is a matter of principle. It's just so messed up. I wouldn't be able to walk into work everyday.

      I just feel terrible.. I keep asking myself why I deserve something like this? I'm doing fantastic as a marketing director, I've introduced so many inbound procedures and created such a great ROI for the company. Why would someone do this to me? It's not even related to what I do. It's just about promoting fitness. I'm not even trying to make money from it, I lost 120lbs myself and wanted to help others. That's it.

      I feel terrible. and tomorrow I have to go to him and make a decision. and leave the company. I did nothing wrong. how can I go about explaining this to my next employers.
      • [1] reply
  • Ask him if he would be interested into seeing his company on Youtube for the stupiest reason to fire someone.

    America is the place of free speach and liberty, all what you did was to follow that.

    You boss (hole) is Anti-American

    Can his brand stand this? Guess he would loose some cash on that silly behavior.

    If he can fire you for no reason whatsoever, you also don't have any reasons to be loyal.

    "Man fired because he runs a Blog - all in 2014's digital age"

    Good story for a smash mag.

    G.

    Does he pay you for 24-7-365? Maybe he messes up some and think that working with Internet Marketing all is full time available like websites, emails etc.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Whatever is the outcome, whether you continue/delete the blog, the relationship has been stained. So you might as well say, "Ciao! I'm gonna wait up with my family, eating breakfast and enjoy my time and you continue to slog your way".

    Then, find another job while you try to work on your blog where the income can totally replace your salary. The people here in WF will help you achieve that.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Something is not adding up here.

      Joe Mobley
      • [2] replies
  • It actually infuriated me reading this post. This guy's ignorance is beyond reason.

    As Kay King mentioned above, you really do have to consider the consequences. Here's what I would suggest:
    1. Take your site offline: Redirect your site to 404 page stating that your page is down for maintenance. Leave an Opt-in form for people to leave their emails to be notified when the site comes back online. (Be careful with the opt-in form because you don't want your boss to know you have plans to maintain the site: see step 3)
    2. Go back into your boss, state your case. Would you be fired if you participated in a men's softball league or coached the local little league team on weekends? It's an out-of-work hobby like any other.
    3. If he does not budge, tell him the site is gone and offline. If he checks he will get the 404 page. Just tell him that's the default page you set until the domain expires.
    4. Search for another job on the side. Interview for positions with similar pay rates. If you interview for a job with a paycut, be sure the salary difference is worth what your blog is worth to you.
    5. Once you land another job, tell your boss to stick it where the sun don't shine and let him know you'll be happily running your blog and working for another company.

    This, of course, is just my recommendation. No use losing your job and putting your family in a hole over a blog. But there's also no reason to let this jerk get away with this.
    • [ 4 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Well I am trying to help. Expect a flood of Lawyers to hit this thread.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Agreed, I'd go in early tomorrow and get ahold of anything I could that would help me get an edge with starting a competing business.. Then do everything in my power to put his company out of business. What a d-bag. I'd think the marketing manager of a company would have pretty darn good connections and ideas to grow a business, might as well put them to use. Honestly, even if he doesn't fire you.. I'd start making it my mission to go into direct competition with him.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Bad advice, I think. Companies successfully sue people that do this all the time. If you take proprietary information that is STEALING. Expect consequences.

      My advice to the OP: If you literally can't afford to lose your job, take down the blog. It may be a bitter pill, but explain to your boss that you didn't realize you were doing anything wrong, and now that you understand you have fully complied with his directions and won't violate company policy again.

      Save all your blog posts. Find a new job where you are not prohibited from doing this kind of thing, and then re-launch.

      RIght or wrong, if you can't take the consequences sometimes the only play is to back down and regroup.
      • [1] reply
  • This sounds like a sign to me.

    A very clear sign.

    Do you see it?
    • [ 3 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Yep.

      I'm going in tomorrow prepared to take charge. I honestly can not express my gratitude online. You guys are so wonderful, you don't even know. You have really helped soften the blow and encouraged me to push forward.

      It's heartbreaking to leave my job, leave my wonderful employees. They are the most amazing people I have had a chance to work with and I'm going to miss them. My marketing team is wonderful and I know they support me as well.

      Thank You to Everyone.
      • [1] reply
  • In case he really fires you for this, I'd like to know the name of the company.

    Just have the wish to leave a bad review at Yelp and some other places about his products.

    Some I absolutely never would do is giving up my principles for that an AH like that guy is winning.

    You told that he is a CEO, so there are other owners around.

    Don't you think that you maybe did bother him with your sudden success as Marketing Director and he just was looking for a reason to kick your butt?

    He maybe was made responsible by the board for the bad turnover then you appear and turn around the ship (YOU not him, got it).

    Whatever it is, the Blog might just be an argument for another reason. Try to find who's on top of him and arm yourself with figures and facts to show off what you did for the company in a short time and who know's - maybe he is done soon and you become the CEO.

    You are a Director - Call in a board meeting and show where the company could be in 12 month following your ideas.

    Attack is sometimes the best defense and If all goes down, let it go down with style.
    • [1] reply
    • Thanks will do. I know for a fact its owned by him and his wife. His wife Sharon works part-time as a manager of payroll as well as does nursing on the side at hospitals.

      He owns the company, and they are located in Chula Vista CA. I will release his name and company after what happens tomorrow. I'm just worried he might try to fight me for unemployment. You guys don't even know how frustrated I am, it's just shaking me..
  • Does the company somehow directly contradict what message your blog gives off?
    • [1] reply
    • Nope. They are a Small Disabled Veteran Owned Business that works with manufacturers to distribute medical supplies to VA and DOD hospitals. They put their products on whats known as government contracts called (GSA and FSS).

      I brought to the company inbound marketing strategies, 3-2-1 landing page (Drip campaigns) and established good leads for them. He fired the Sales Team because he felt that there was no need for outbound strategies. This is how crazy the guy is. I really REALLY hope his business fails.
  • Ditch this job and get a new one. He has no, right to stop you from doing something...that does not take away from his business....
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Don't know where you are, but this is illegal in most places. When I was working a job I would have loved to have gotten fired for a reason like this. Trust me.

    A few things to consider: do you have a contract with a non-compete clause? Are you selling the same products or similar through your blog that he sells? Are you an affiliate of a competitor?
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [2] replies
    • No contract signed for non-compete clause because it's VOID in CA. However, my blog is not even related to the business in any sense. It's just purely about fitness.

      I'm selling no products nor ad-space. I make no profit from the website, I am truly passionate about fitness and I live in San Diego and wanted to help others achieve their goals by having other content writers share their stories. It's boomed like crazy since I launched, so many people are interested in writing on the site and I get a few hundred visitors a day. However I make no money from it because I don't want to put ads on the site. I want it to remain quality. This was mostly a hobby of mine, I just found it relaxing to work on this site and feels good to help others and give back to the city.
      • [1] reply
    • I doubt you will qualify for unemployment - the only reason you will lose the job is your refusal to adhere to the boss's rules. That's the same as quitting and he can argue against unemployment and may win.

      I urge the OP to READ through the entire thread. In the beginning it was a great job with good people and OP was doing fantastic after 8 months on the job.

      After a few posts by people with nothing to lose - the OP is going to chuck a job even though the OP says the income is NEEDED. All this over a blog that probably makes very little money.

      I'm with Joe - there's more to this story. It doesn't make sense. You don't chuck the income that supports you to post on a health and fitness blog (one of 296,000,000 google results for that keyword phrase).

      Two things - don't try to pull your co-workers or "team" into this drama. They aren't going to risk their jobs for you. They probably agree with you about the silliness of this. Hell, I agree with you, too. But I wouldn't risk the job that pays my bills to prove a point and hope I can get unemployment or a new job quickly.

      Don't release the name of the company here - against the rules. Before you jump online to bash the company you worked for - you might want to consider how that looks to future employers.
      • [ 6 ] Thanks
      • [2] replies
  • Whatever you do outside of work that doesn't represent his company. He can say nothing about. Screw Him. He has allot of books on leadership to read. Before you quite be sure you recommend a certain book and be sure it has your affiliate link on it. Screw that guy!
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • [DELETED]
  • This is a hard reality of a Job...Where you are dependent on the mercy of a man who can easily be wrong as he is a normal human being.

    In my part of the world where several American companies are also in business, have a thin line in the attachments of appointment letters that you can not do anything outside of the company that can potentially earn you money. I will request you to first check whether this tiny sentence is there in your appointment letter and its attachments or not. If not then I am sure you can sue him for his illegal activity and even file a suite of mental and emotional harassment.

    On the other hand, believe me ....Your site is one of the best I have ever seen...both design-wise and content wise. And Hence, if you have some money and can plan to invest 6 month's time, you can earn a living by this site as well.

    My advice will be to go full time online....If not possible by today. Then, just ask me, and I will create a backup of your website now and a home page saying "Website is Down for maintenance". You can save yourself by today then work upon creation a bank balance for at-least 6 months to give a full time try for this blog to flourish.

    believe me, if you have given 12 hours daily to this blog, you would have earned more money than you are earning right now from your day job.

    Best of Luck!
    Vikash
    • [1] reply
    • Vikash,

      You are very kind man, I spent a year teaching myself how to code and learn wordpress. I wanted to help others and it's making an impact in my city it feels wonderful to know. I don't want to put ads on the site, so I'm trying my best to see if I can find Angel Investors or even sponsors. I'm still working on the blog, I'm a bit of a perfectionist but you are very kind for your encouraging words. Thank You.
      • [1] reply
  • I'd let him fire you and try to get unemployment. If you quit, it'll be much, much more difficult. I got fired once (in California) because of some petty rule my boss had. When I had my interview with the unemployment office, the interviewer laughed at how stupid my boss was and approved my benefits.

    Regardless, don't go trashing the company online or anything. It will come back to haunt you. Once you part ways with the company, move on.
  • Health and medical devices don't go together. If you are healthy, then you don't need medical devices. Haven't you realized the pharma angle by now? Keep you sick, and it keeps them profitable.

    I hope you launch a PR campaign if you are actually fired over this.
    • [2] replies
    • I know I'm late to this party, but your story resonates. If you're determined to leave, let the company fire you. LegalShield is real and available in your area. I'm affiliated but don't work in it anymore. When I planned to quit my last job - and I do mean my last job, I talked to my LS attorney first and he gave me great advice. I quit, filed for unemployment and was approved for unemployment.

      In my case, I said the company continued to change the compensation and tied it to new tech products that were rolling out for which the workforce was not trained. Without adequate training, I would just fall behind and get fired anyway.

      I got a one line note from unemployment saying I was approved. Woo Hoo.

      Let us know how it goes. I'm sure you can come back here for concrete suggestions on moving forward.

      Sending love and good Karma your way and a hardy God bless!
      • [1] reply
    • Don't you have good old Russian and Italian friends there in California to help you out?
  • I haven't read all the replies here but I do know that he can't fire you for that. You're not doing something that is in competition with his company. You're not using work material or stealing things from him. Your home life is NOT his business.
    If he fires you, make sure it is in writing and sue him. That will shut him up.

    I can tell you that as somebody who won an unlawful termination case. It's complicated but if you're in the right, refuse to let anybody walk all over you.
    • [1] reply
  • Are you making money off the blog? I think some industries actually have rules regarding conflict of interest and such, especially the finance industry. You may want to check out the laws in your country regarding this issue.

    If it's just a personal blog, I don't see what the problem is.
  • Do not work for your own purpose in office do it at your home
    • [1] reply
    • Sounds like your boss doesn't want people to be healthy, bad for business surely... a bit like a McDonald employee operating an anti-GMO blog...
  • Ok ,start your full time online business .
  • Of course everyone is on your side... It would be pretty cool if this hit the big news and caused a little scandal over at the company - I'd document everything that happens regardless! What do the other folks at the company have to say about this?

    The boss probably has some other issue and just takes it out on the blog. You know how some people nag about trivial concerns while something big is gnawing away their own insides?
    At one of my student jobs, I had a boss that acted exactly the opposite - he constantly wanted to talk about people's hobbies and non-work projects because that's when he saw their passion. And passion was what he wanted to see.

    If I read how much positive energy you put in and get out of the blog... don't give it up... There must be a solution...
  • Sorry to hear that, your boss sounds like he is jealous!

    Personally I wouldn't let it stop me, I would find some way of continuing with the blog regardless.

    However, I appreciate that you may need this job for now to make ends meet. So, it is a tough one that only you can decide what means more to you.

    All the best
  • I call bullshit.

    CEO's hardly have the time to personally google people, especially long standing employees who are doing a good job and doing their part to make the company successful.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [3] replies
    • But why would the OP make up a story like this?
      • [1] reply
    • When I asked him about who's in the board he told that the CEO is the owner and his wife is the manager.

      Look's like a very small business to me, they love titles so in the past the guy was just called "Boss" or "Owner", today he is a CEO because it's sounds cool.

      Most probably our OP is also a one man show in Marketing, so hardly a Marketing Director what should imply having a team of people in his department. (Absolutely NOT diminishing your work or importance here LivingCali758, OK).

      And as I mentioned, he most probably pissed the guy off with his success so that's why he started to sneak out his private life.

      This CEO is maybe in a bad marriage with his Manager and has to hear all night long "YOU are an idiot, see how easy it is to make more sales".

      In a real company, a CEO will not spend his free time Google his employees names over weekend. After all, they have been hired after a HR selection and there where reasons why they hired YOU and not someone else.

      G.

    • I partially agree. However, the term "CEO" is a lot like the term "IM"...it get's used in way more instances than it really should.
  • What do you like best? Your blog or your job? Then again, you could tell him that you are going to sell the blog and after that just change the username and post under an Alias
  • I think that your boss is mentally handicapped and don't have the ethics to run a healthy company. As you had mentioned that you already get fired, then move on with your blog. Monetize your blog and I am sure you will make big from it. You can make your blogging as your full time career. There are thousands of pro bloggers out there as an example. Wish you a Much success in your life
  • I worked in HR for a while and also as a manager in the fitness industry for about 5 years. This is totally illegal you shouldn't even be worried. There is no way your manager can fire you without documenting paperwork of either your incompetence or your inability to succeed. Unless of course you harassed someone at work or did something completely inappropriate. I would suggest talking to your HR rep or seeking legal help. Your blog is just an expression of freedom of speech and isn't that what America is about anyways?

    _____________________________________

    Affiliate Manager- Mundo Media LTD
  • Seriously consider what you are doing. There are two options.

    One you walk away, keep the blog and hope to get unemployment - I don't know how that works in California, but here in England if you walk away from a job you do NOT get unemployment, no matter what the reason is.

    Two you take down the blog, put it on hold, continue with the job whilst looking for another one. If you need an income then this has to be considered. Having principles is fine if you can afford to have them.

    I know how you feel. I was in a similar situation where my boss started to prohibit my involvement with politics. Rather than risk the job I gave up (I was a city politician and it is allowed to have a job as well). I was asked to stand as a national politician but refused because of the job. Three months later - after it was too late to change my mind - I was made redundant. Just a cheery 'bye bye you are no longer needed. It's a tough call, income or freedom. Just think about it all very carefully before you do something you will regret.
  • Is he fat? That can be the problem.
  • Actually ... it is far simpler.

    I prefer having a roof over my head instead of a blog.

    Is it wrong?

    Yes.

    Is that boss an idiot?

    Yes.

    But this is not about "what it should be", it is what it is.

    To quote from Marcus Aurelius's Meditations.

    "Don't expect Plato's republic".

    So as far as I see ... I would keep the job and look for something else in the meantime. Your days there are numbered no matter how you put it.

    This is because you will feel betrayed if you stay and you won't give your best. You'll think every single day of what happened.

    But I would still not leave.

    It's easy to get your ego take a hold of you. It's easy to say "I'm right, I deserve better".

    But this doesn't change a practical reality ...

    You can stay and forget your principles for now ... surrender so you can build a position of power.
    You can keep your blog and good luck paying your bills ... this works only if you can find a job fast.
    You can benefit from the unemployment benefit ... which is a win - win or lose - lose scenario. It depends on your spending.

    Looking back, I've made decisions based on these factors too and I regret. I've had to settle with a far worse circumstance even if I was right.

    So do the mature thing.
  • First of all, just how well is your blog doing?

    Give us some stats so we can help you evaluate its worth. If your blog hardly does anything, it may be better to just take it offline for the time being. You can always get a new domain and use a different pen name to republish your contents.

    But regardless of whether you stay or leave, your relationship with your boss is long gone. Even if you take down your blog and stay in your current company, you need to start planning your next moves. Start looking for a new job or find ways to replace your income. This may be difficult to do but make sure you keep performing as you have, or that will just give your boss reasons you fire you.

    Be prepared to lose your job regardless of what you do. Whatever happens, keep your cool. Don't let you emotions take over.

    Good luck and let us know how it turns out
    • [1] reply
    • He has already stated that his blog is NON PROFIT.

      For the life of me I can't see what this guy's thinking. He is risking homelessness, starvation and God knows what else over a NON PROFIT HOBBY BLOG.

      I seriously question this person's mental stability.
      • [1] reply
  • Steven ...

    It's not about the blog and you know it. It's about his ego.

    We are not rational creatures. We don't do what's in our best interest.

    I've screwed many good things in my life thanks to my ego. I'm not surprised to see someone else going on the same path.

    Best thing he could do would be to take a vacation and focus on something else.
  • This guy sounds like he's just using your blog as an excuse to get rid of you. If you can document everything, including emails, phone calls, etc., do so, as he cannot prevent you from doing your blog on your own time. Now, if you were working on it during company time, that's a different story.

    I once had someone try and get me to sign documentation that I wouldn't run a business concurrently while working for them. I told them (professionally) to go kick rocks.
  • Banned
    Let him..then see a solicitor for unfair dismissal...

    Are you telling us everything? I can't believe this is the only reason and well,,,on the net people do love to tell porkies don't they?
  • Banned
    Because there are many sad liars on the net that love to make b*S up and lie....but we all know this right? In fact, i am losing my faith in humanity with al lthe B*S* i see and hear on the Net.

    Now, i am not saying op is but something doesn't smell right here.

  • Perhaps archive it (export the database and download it as well as ftp the rest of it to your hard drive). Take it down keep your job for now and do the following.
    A) Talk to the board members and try to get the SOB fired
    B) Look for a job at a better company that is not run by a jerk (easier to get hired while employed)
    C) When you have a new job put it back up (before you leave the old company)
    D) If the old company fires you -you now have a job to go to and you may also be able to sue them (doubtfull there'd be any benefit since your damages would be less but you'd really have to explore with an attorney).
  • As I see it, if you give up the blog, and stay at the firm, you are dead in the water.

    You will never forgive the boss, never be happy, and it will end up in either you leaving, or getting fired.

    But there is a massive opportunity here that seems to have gone unnoticed, almost...

    This thread is proof of how unnaceptable this behaviour is, and if you stick to your guns, and get fired, then you will be able to whip up a social media tornado that will have your humble blog all over the news.

    Use this to your advantage, and launch yourself amid the torrent of social frenzy that would follow.

    Get some monetization on the pages quickly, you will soon be asked to guest post, most likely mainstream media will get involved, just run with it.

    I'm sure your fellow warriors can help you cause a stir, and get things started for you.

    It could be the making of you.

    Good luck!

    Pete
    • [2] replies
    • You know, this is really great advice and I would have never thought of it. The only problem is if the social media frenzy backfires of the monetization doesn't earn a substantial amount at least to partially cover the loss of income. It's by no means a gimme, but heck, there is potential for this to turn into a media circus, at least at the local level. And then, who knows. I guess anything is possible.

      I'm not sure I'd have the guts to do it, but it has lots of potential.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
    • It's great that there are so many people willing to help but we don't know the full story. Not calling the OP a liar but do we have all the facts?
      For all we know the boss caught him working on his blog during business hours.
      Although it's not going to happen I for one would love to hear what the boss had to say before
      before making a judgement....
  • What you do outside work is none of this CEO's business.

    If you are doing a good job within his company, that should be enough.

    If he fires you, you should get a lawyer and sue him.
  • That is absolutely crazy, it does not seem like your blogging hobby is getting in the way of your work and absolutely no logical reason why he wants you to shut it down. I hope you can keep both your blog and job
  • Here's what I would do:

    1) BACKUP the entire blog to your computer.

    2) DELETE your online blog, but KEEP your domain name.

    3) Plan your "escape" from your current employer by IMMEDIATELY looking for another job.

    4) When you find a new job, put your blog back up.

    A quick note...

    It sounds like your boss may be trying to find a way to get rid of you. The blog may be his excuse. If that's the case, deleting your blog won't end your problems at work.

    The bottom line? You need to FIND A NEW JOB and get out of there.

    John
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Within every black cloud lies a golden opportunity.
    Focus on the opportunity. Not the cloud.
    May the force be with you,

    Hugh
  • The company doesn't own you. Companies do have certain rights when it comes to trade secrets, intellectual property, competition, and in some industries moral clauses, etc. If your blog was in direct competition, or in any way suggesting "alternatives" to using the company's products they have a reasonable argument. But from what you're saying, that's not the case here. They have no legal recourse... sounds like the CEO is just a bully.

    Politely remind him that you're fully committed, and that your off hours are yours to spend as you choose.

    If they're trying to use this as an excuse to get rid of you for a different reason, let them - then you'll have a wrongful termination case.
  • Tell him to "Bite It !

    Then tell him that what he said is unethical and that if he wants to force the issue that you are going to
    work for his competitors 100 % for free just to crush his ass for talking to you like that ...
  • So... I guess that you don't have a job anymore since the blog is still up and running...
  • Banned
    Crazy something like this would actually happen.

    Either let him demote/fire you & sue him or just leave the business on your own. Imagine what he's done to other employees before you were hired.

    I can tell you one thing, If it was me I would create 10 more blogs just to prove a point.
  • Banned
    Virtually all states are are At-Will states these days.

    Indeed California is an At-Will state and you can be legally fired for ALMOST anything if you are not hired under an expressed employment contract that states you can be fired only with good cause.

    You can not be terminated fir the following reasons.

    Age, race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, sisability, pregnancy, refusing to break the law, In retaliation for filing a discrimination or safety claim or taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act

    California does observe all three At-Will exceptions which would most likely be where your legal standing is, if you have any standing at all.

    * Covenant of Good Faith & Fair Dealing Exception

    * Implied Contract Exception

    * Public Policy Exception

    http://stats.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2001/01/art1full.pdf

    At-Will Employment - Exceptions by State

    California Labor and Employment Law » Can My Boss Fire Me at Any Time for Any Reason? What is

    At Will Employment Explained | General Counsel Law

    At-Will Employee FAQ's - FindLaw

    http://www.hullmcguire.com/pdf/Hull%...20Doctrine.pdf

    At-Will Employment and Wrongful Termination

    The Rights Of At-Will Employees In California

    https://www.rocketlawyer.com/article...t-states-ps.rl

    Breach of an Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing legal definition of Breach of an Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing. Breach of an Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing synonyms by the Free Online Law Dictionary.

    Best of luck!

    -don
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • I too find it strange that a ceo would, out of the blue, fire someone from a successful team for no reason. Even if it's true and that blog upset him, I find it unlikely that someone would give up a job and career over a hobby blog with only a few hundred visitors that doesn't earn any money... principle yes, but you cannot pay your bills with principals.
    • [2] replies
    • The OP talked to a LAWYER - who said the employer is within his rights in that state.

      Seems to me that would end the legal arguments.
      • [1] reply
    • I don't understand? It's not OK for you to have a blog (or other outside interests?) but it's OK for his wife to work another job? That doesn't make sense.

      For the most part it's not. As posted above most states are "at-will" employers which means you or the company can terminate your working relationship at anytime for nearly any reason (i.e. while they can fire you because they want to discriminate they have to use other "reasons" but can't flat out say I'm firing Joe Blow because he's Asian, or 60 or gay or whatever).

      How are you finding the blog?!?!?! But that also doesn't make sense to me. Why would he out of "nowhere" search for the OP? I could see if the OP was doing something that was in direct violation of company policies, against a non-compete clause, etc.

      With what Kay & others who are apparently smarter than I & are finding the blog it doesn't make sense that he did this. And if there's nothing company related even if someone else at the job knew about it & told the boss I don't understand the issue. Also with the above admission that his wife works for the company PT but ALSO is able to work as a nurse? We need the late great Paul Harvey here to tell us The Rest of the Story.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • I'm thinking that we either don't have all of the details to the story or OP simply made it all up because he's looking for attention.
  • ******UPDATE*****

    This morning I came in with a suit and tie as I usually do to work. I logged in and made some coffee. Once I received my coffee, I was going to head over to HR. As I was heading over to HR the CEO stops me and tells me if I've made up my mind yet. I told him I feel more comfortable having the HR manager present upon this conversation. He denied my request and said there is no need that he will send the message over to HR.

    I told him immediately that I feel threatened and will not proceed unless the HR manager is present. He threw a fit and had the HR manager and I go to his office upstairs.

    Once we sat down, he asked me if I made up my mind. I told him I've been advised to record the conversation on my phone, and wanted to let them both know. I read out his full name and business with the HR manager present and started to discuss the issue. Within a minute, he yells to turn off the recording. I asked why, he said, "because it's my company" so I turned it off as requested.

    I then went to proceed to let him know that he has an option of either letting me stay and work on my personal fitness blog on my free time or he can fire me. He hired me as a director not as anything else. I explained to him about the division of labor standards he’s breaking.

    He immediately stands up and yells at me to leave and get out. I asked for my paperwork from HR and was denied. I’ve been told it will be mailed to me and HR will email me everything else. I asked for copies of everything I have signed since day 1 to be provided as well. He told me to go get my lawyers to go after him.

    After I packed everything, I talked to HR manager we’re good friends in the workplace and I asked him if there was more to this action. He told me he didn’t really understand what was going on and that it came down to the CEO thinking that if anyone in his management team works on a blog even if its not related to work and is done on free time. That they truly don’t understand the “vision and mission” of the company.

    He assured me I’ll collect unemployment. I’m working with a few lawyers as a free consultation to see if I have a case, I’m also going to visit the offices of the Division of Labor standards to report the company.

    I know a lot of you are wonder why I would give up a 90k job for some blog. Well this isn’t so much about the blog. This is about taking ones ambitions and saying that during your free time you’re still my property. This is crazy, I started a fitness blog to help others after I lost 120lbs. That’s it. No ads, nothing.

    I worked for a medical distribution company that sells devices to hospitals (small business) been around for 7 years and less than 10 employees. My team in marketing found out about all this and reached out and hugged me and thanked me for my time but they were disgusted with the ceo’s behavior.

    Everyone in the company seems to worry about him. I don’t have enough money for rent next month, I’m in my 30’s and single, but I filed for unemployment so I’m hoping it works out.

    I know a lot of you are thinking why not just hide or sell your blog. The principle of the matter, he has already stained our relationship. How can I go into work everyday feeling slapped on the face and having something I’m hard-wired to do removed for me. I can’t live in a world where he sees his managers as having no ambitions but only the companies in a management position. Also, I tried telling him I can have someone else run it, it practically runs itself. He wanted it deleted, removed and I found that unacceptable.

    Look, I’m not a super religious person. I believe in good faith and I’ve done nothing wrong in this situation. He admits himself I have provided him transparency since day 1 and My team in marketing has blown away his expectations because we’ve produced excellent work. I have never once been talked to, written up or verbally warned. I am a fantastic employee. I commit 10 to 11 hours a day, and often-even go on weekends for another 4 to 6 hours. What I do on my free time should be my own and no one can control that.

    I don’t know where I’m going to be a month from now but I’m asking all of you for help. If you know anyone I can get in touch with in San Diego, CA it would be helpful. This isn’t fair. Since when is owning a blog a bad thing to do?
    • [5] replies
    • I swear to god guys, I'm not lieing about any of this! I swear to you as crazy as this sounds, this is what is going on. I keep asking myself WHY I must have asked myself Why last night over so many hours. I don't understand, I think it's ego related.

      Maybe he felt threatened? Or maybe he just was looking to get rid of me one way or another? The thing is, it's not performance based at work. I never worked on it at work, I committed so much time into this company and he pulls this 180 on me.

      I think it upset him that in my linkedin I have Social Entrepreneur & Owner listed instead of what I do. I remember him trying to force me to change it in the morning to represent my job (I agreed I would, it was fair). by the time I got back to my desk, he called me in his office again to get rid of the blog. I was like wtf the whole day.

      By any means if you have any questions, please ask me and I will try my best to answer them.
      • [ 2 ] Thanks
    • Banned
      A similar thing happened to me in Illinois about 30 years ago. I was the top employee in the district sales numbers wise --> by a long way <-- and was let go by a less than honest and highly unethical DM that thought I had called a company audit on him. He was dead wrong and he was just paranoid because his numbers had sucked for several months straight.

      I was furious as I had rebuilt the sales and reputation of 5 or 6 different stores for this company in 3 states as a store manager, and I was known as one of the best employees in the company. I came to find out none of that mattered.

      I talked with a couple of lawyers...both of them told me I was working At-Will and could be fired for anything...just not discriminated against.

      I called more people and "experts" and finally ended up at the EEOC. The EEOC told me I had no case unless I turned it into an actionable discrimination case. You know, race, sex, religion etc... I was not going to lie to get my job back to go to work for the same a-hole again...so I moved on and just a few years later I opened up my own business.

      It took me probably a decade to fully get over how I had been wronged...but unfortunately for me that is the way the ball bounced.

      Best of luck.

      -don
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
    • How can you be a single 30 something that has been making 90k/year and not have enough saved for next month's rent?
      • [ 4 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
    • You were working 12 hour days and 4-6 hours every other weekend. In essence, you were earning $27.47/hr throwing your life away. You made the right choice regardless of the blog. That's too much time commitment for any business...even your own. Where's the time for fun, family, friends, etc?
      • [1] reply
    • Sorry to hear that things didn't work out. But I say again: why didn't you just close the blog, kept your job and, now that you know your job isn't secure, start looking for a new job.

      Your blog could always be started up again.
      • [1] reply
  • Your ex boss is insane. You have been given some excellent advice on monetising your blog to get some income from it. Take it and use it.

    I do know what it feels like to have a boss who is nuts. My ex boss stole my external hard drive which had all of my IM purchases downloaded to it. I had it at work as I was working on a website for a friend of his - at his request. I have no idea why he decided to take it and 'lose' it, who knows the mind of a weird person?

    I'm in a different country so I have no advice for you regarding unemployment law in the US, but good luck with sorting something out.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Are you at a stage where maybe you are at a crossroads in your life? Try to understand whether you want to keep both, of if either your job or your blog has a priority. Maybe its' a sign that its time to move on and go at this venture full time, especially if you can monetize your blog in a good manner.

    From a legal standpoint, depends on your company's contract and policies you have internally. Get your literature, inform yourself and act accordingly. However before taking any action, do get a valid advice from a specialized lawyer.
    • [1] reply
    • So - there is a bit more to it. It isn't just a blog but your name associated as owner/operator of a business that goes with the blog?

      I'm not defending the boss as I think he went too far. BUT - you say you are "Director of Marketing" for the company - which would associate your name with management of the company in customer's minds perhaps?

      Yet you are on linked in and probably other social media under your name but listing a different business.

      I don't agree at all with what your boss did - but let's face it. It's not hard to replace an employee these days and employers can demand more in the way of loyalty because good jobs aren't easy to find.

      You don't have a choice, do you? I've found the longer you fight and rant about a wrong that's been done to you....the longer that "wrong" has control over you. Put it behind you - chalk it up to a learning experience - and move on. No, it's not easy - but many worthwhile things aren't.
      • [ 2 ] Thanks
      • [2] replies
  • I would be very interested in knowing the name of the company. It shouldn't matter anymore now that you're definitely not going back...
  • Kay is correct, don't let it take over your life. I did and I am only just getting over the depression illness that it caused. My ex boss was also a personal friend of over 10 years, but we have never spoken since. Never mix friendship with business.

    It sounds like he wanted to own you. Your ex boss seems to be quite insane, or maybe exceptionally clever, after all he got what he wanted and has now saved himself $90K a year.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • That really sucks man - best of luck!
  • What is more imporatant to you?

    Having the blog or your job?
  • When I tried to visit your blog, I got this error:

    HTTP Error 400. The request hostname is invalid.

    Sorry, I know you're having a hard time right now, but didn't know if you were aware of this.

    Best of luck to you in your new endeavours. I'm sure you will make a new employer very proud to have YOU on their team. I admire your work ethics!
  • OK, I just saw this post and got caught up on the entire thread. I not only live in California I live in the same city where you worked. If everything you are saying is accurate I can tell you the following:

    You were an at-will employee not under a collective bargaining agreement or contract so unless the company fired you for being a member of a protected class, for carrying out union activity, or for not performing an action which violated the law a wrongful termination lawsuit is a long shot at best.

    You can look at other labor laws that may have been violated and go after him for that. For example, when you are terminated by a company in California they are required to issue you your final paycheck at the time of termination or pay a $100 per day penalty, for up to 30 days, for every day that they are late. File a complaint with the labor board (form is online) and you will be able to collect this penalty money.

    Additionally since you did not resign if they want to challenge your unemployment they will need to prove that you were terminated for misconduct. In CA proving misconduct is extremely difficult. A taxi driver was fired for falling asleep at the wheel and crashing the vehicle. He was terminated and filed for unemployment. The company challenged. It was found to not be misconduct and he received his full unemployment. At your salary level you will get the maximum which is $450 a week paid as $900 every two weeks. They issue you a pay card and load the money right on the card.

    I have local media connections but I don't know if this would be an exciting enough story for them to cover. If there is more behind the scenes let me know and I will see what I can do. Also if you have any other questions let me know.
  • If you ask me, your boss is just looking for a reason to let you go. Why was he Googling your name?

    I would be looking for another job, right away!
  • One thing that sticks out to me. You make 90k a year but cant afford to pay your rent the month after your fired?
    • [1] reply
    • Oh, and one more thing...

      Let us all take a look at the blog that got you fired.

      Please post the URL

      Pete
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • The guy did you a favor... seriously. The key is for you to use
    this time to prove that by building your own dream and securing
    your own freedom.

    Same thing happened to me about 20 years ago. I built my dream
    and secured my freedom. I now send the asshole who fired me after
    I, literally, made him wealthy Christmas every year cards thanking him.
    It drives him crazy according to a mutual friend.

    Oh... and his business tanked after a couple years... mine is still kicking ass!

    I'd be happy to help you follow the same path if thats something you'd enjoy.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • Screw him. Tell the authorities he can't let you go for having a fitness blog!! I've never heard anything like this before.
  • Did he tell you when you were hired that you could not have a part-time job or extracurricular activities? He should have communicated his expectations up front.

    From my 20+ years in the corporate world if your leader can not communicate their expectations clearly and up front then they are a poor excuse for a leader. Like others on this thread have said...this is probably a blessing, because the guy clearly lacks leadership skills.
  • $10 says this was all a great stunt to get curious people to click and see what the blog is about (I guess I was a sucker too). Bet it shows up on flippa now that there's a huge increase in traffic.

    No way this is a "personal" blog, written by a $90k/yr "director of marketing".

    Can Taking Green Tea Supplements Can Improve Your Health? | LiveFitSD
    Green Tea Pills – An Alternative To Drinking Tea | DietTips.org

    You need to put down the spinner, or stop buying $2 articles about green tea.
    • [1] reply
    • Banned
      I hope not, but that might be a good call...and yeah, that's quite the green tea spin job alright.

      Cheers

      -don

Next Topics on Trending Feed