Getting Screwed Over on the Job Because You’ve Got Multiple Sclerosis
I'll be honest with you from the start; this is a very touchy subject for me. One attached with emotion and anger. This is especially sensitive issue because my employer/boss is also my parent. Yes, I (used to work) for my mom and dad in a family run CPA accounting firm.
Family businesses are never easy many people will tell you.
It's difficult to say the least when you're dealing with your boss who is also your parent and they know you have multiple sclerosis and are completely aware of all your problems. It's hard to hide it from your parents who of course know you very well.
The story goes as such, I started working for my parents when I was about 16 and graduated from college with a degree in accounting and human resources. Once I graduated I received a full time position with my dad's firm, and became my mom and dad's right hand person. You could say it was a lovey-dovey affair. Mom, dad and son working together. What more could you want.
This went on for 12 years. Me working and them getting older and older. Till one day I said to my dad, what's up with retirement?It was my assumption that I would take over the firm. Of course, I was his kid who worked faithfully for him for many years. All the clients we had were because of him and I. I had after all brought in 30-40 percent of the new clients over the past few years. I treated this business as though it was mine and it was assumed by all clients that I would take it over.
Back to that question, my dad had no answer to,what are you doing for retirement?
Till 3 months later.
My mother came into my office closed the door and said, your new boss is coming in about one hour. We've sold the business.
My reaction?
I felt like the fool, and thought that I was really nothing more than an employee till the very end.
Both my parents take pride in being secretive and telling no one what their plans are, not even to their own children.
Looking back at this event that happened 4 months ago I'm grateful that my parents sold their business.
Why?
Because there are so many other opportunities out there for me, one's that are positive and not laced with anger, denial, and control. My father did me a favor he released me from a business that would be a burden. One that he created that was dependent on his and my mother's hard work. A business that was not a team effort. This is not what I wanted.
When I asked my parents why they didn't consider me to be the next owner it was because I had multiple sclerosis. I didn't have the energy my dad had to make things work, to continue the business in a successful manner. They questioned on whether I would get sick and who would take over if that happened.
Crappy?
Yes
But a blessing. I didn't want to deal with them and what they created and who they were. After the business was sold my eyes opened up as to what they believed in. And it was nothing I agreed with.
I have many opportunities awaiting me and people who love me and want me to succeed. I see this in the future and realize that all things happen for a reason.
So did I get screwed over? They short changed themselves and their son by their regimented thinking and their belief that there are no possibilities. They thought it was their way or no way and that's just what they got. I see bright sky's ahead and that's all that really matters.
Robert Groth is the author of Conquer Multiple Sclerosis. To receive a FREE Ebook go to http://www.conquerms.com