'Stop crying and get back to work': Underpaid receptionist quits for a better job, learns 1.5 years later that her ex-boss still can't fill her position

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Nov 18, 2023 8:00 AM EST

It's not easy to remember your worth when you're desperate for work. The working world is engineered to make us feel grateful for signing any sort of contract in a highly competitive market with next to no jobs. That being said, even if you finally landed in a decent position after months and months of searching, always be sure to remember that if you end up taking on more responsibilities than the ones that were initially outlined upon getting hired, that means you have the right to advocate for yourself to get proper compensation. Even if the culture of the company seems to dissuade you from speaking up in that way, don't let the culture keep you from standing up for yourself. Believe me, you will be better off for it and so will your company.

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  • 01
    Stealth Quit my old job, 1.5 years later they still can't find anyone to fill my position. Hi all, apologies in advance for the long post but hopefully it'll help inspire someone to make the Big
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423

  • This thread was posted to Reddit by u/Mundane-Increase-423, an underpaid receptionist who was essentially the company office manager despite never getting paid for that extra work. When she finally stood up to her horrible boss (who frequently made her cry on the job), she left and the company was in a dire place without her. Now, you would think this boss would have then re-evaluated his approach to filling the position so that this kind of situation wouldn't happen again, but then you would be wrong. This is supported by the fact that a year and a half later, he is still unable to find someone new.

    Keep scrolling below for the full story. When you're finished, feel free to take a look at this post about an employee's savage resignation letter.

  • 02
    Stealth Quit my old job, 1.5 years later they still can't find anyone to fill my position. Hi all, apologies in advance for the long post but hopefully it'll help inspire someone to make the Big Decision.
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 03
    In 2020 (during the ) I (24F) ended up landing a job as a "receptionist" for a small construction company. At the time, it was really the only option and promised an advancement into a career in accounting. I was stoked!
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 04
    About 6 months into it, though, I found that I was pretty much the office manager. Cue lesson: Good employees only get more work. I went from answering phones/filling out intake forms, to being in charge of office & warehouse inventory, tracking all jobs, supplier relations, managing schedules for 6 people, and becoming the direct assistant to 3 department heads. All while being paid the same amount, all while still being the "receptionist."
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 05
    On top of that, the owner was not a great person. He would bring me into his office just to berate me for my personal life, then tell me to "stop crying and get back to work."
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 06
    Completely uncalled for. Due to other factors, I didn't see leaving this job as an easy thing to do. I had crippling anxiety and serious issues with not setting boundaries, etc. It got to the point where every day for months I would cry going to and coming back from work,
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 07
    because of work. There were a couple of times where I warned the owners I was looking for other jobs, and they would promise me a raise (never a promotion into the promised "career advancement" that I worked so hard for.) That raise (the first one I had gotten in 2 years of working there) finally came in my last 2 months of working there.
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 08
    Eventually, I had enough. I left work that Friday feeling like I didn't amount to anything, that no matter how hard I worked in this life, I would never amount to anything. I started furiously looking for another job, and lo & behold, another small company had reached out to me on Indeed.
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 09
    I swear I had never seen their business, but they sat literally half a mile from my house. I interviewed that Saturday and got the job on the spot. Surprise surprise, I do 1/4 of the work I did and get paid more for it, too!
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 10
    I was terrified, but on that Monday I typed up my two weeks notice and gave it to the owner who wasn't awful. Cue the "You'll never be happy there," "What are they paying you?" "I hope you know what you're doing by leaving here." I spent the next two weeks training my replacement, only to find out 3 days after I left that she quit.
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 11
    It's been a year and a half, and I'm still friends with some of my old coworkers. One will call me about every 3 months to tell me the new receptionist quit... again. They have never found someone that tolerates the I went through, and they never will. My new job is all about a work/life balance, and still to this day I find myself sighing breaths of relief that I am out of the situation I was in. Now all I have to do is sit back, relax, and wait for the next phone call about the new receptionis
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 12
    If you made it to the end of this, thank you for listening! Always question if you're being treated right at your job, and if you're not, never stop looking for the next best thing. Even if it's not exactly what you're looking for, nothing can replace the sense of peace you gain from working with the right people. <3
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 13
    Comfortable-Snow-597. 6 days ago How good does it feel to have a job that respects you as person after that horrible experience?? Glad your in a good spot. 920 Reply Share
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 14
    Mundane-Increase-423 OP 6 days ago It's completely insane. I have found a sense of self-worth that I never had before. Like if I'm sick, I can just clock out and go to the Dr.??? What do you mean you want me to get better??? It's mind blowing how much we're forced into a life of discomfort for the false narrative of "It'll be worth it in the end!" 666 Reply Share
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 15
    organikbeaver - 6 days ago Soc Dem You are valued and deserve an employer that knows that! 151 B Reply Share
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 16
    Mundane-Increase-423 OP 6 days ago Thank you! We all are, and we all deserve what I feel privileged to have! 71 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 17
    charlie21356 days ago It's funny when you find out your replacement doesn't last long. Rinse and repeat. Upper management complains then that good help just isn't out there. 155 Reply Share
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 18
    Vesspi 6 days ago You actually gave them a two week notice after how badly they treated you? Wow. 110 Reply Share
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423
  • 19
    swordstool 6 days ago One lesson to learn from this is NEVER tell anyone you work with where you're going. Good luck at the new job!
    via u/Mundane-Increase-423

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