[nymph]

More likely it was an aggregation of events that prompted it.

It's amazing the extent to which (what should be) self-evident principles such as this whole "fairness and respect" thing, "honoring handshake deals", and "generally behaving in an upstanding way (even though it may be convenient or profitable for you not to)" seem to be beyond the cognitive grasp of certain "founders" I know.

[Matt_Mickiewicz]

Thumbs up.

I've heard about a few instances of the past year of startup founders treating their employees really badly... from lying about work hour expectations, to the details of the day to day job in order to get someone to sign on the dotted line. Even firing people, without cause, within days of them starting.

[nymph]

What do you mean, "without cause"? There are plenty of good reasons for firing people just after you've hired them:

"We really appreciate your strong backend skills (especially being as we're still trying to figure out like, namespaces and stuff). But we just found this frontend guy who's really hawt! And we can't afford him unless we fire you."

"It's not a culture fit."

"It's just not working out."

etc.

[npizzolato]

Being fired for "not being a culture fit" within days of being hired sounds reasonable to you? Especially after what was most likely a rather involved interview process?

[saryant]

I think he was being sarcastic.

[nymph]

Sarcastic it was, I confess.

But to the friend of mine this happened to (at the hands of a 25 year-old first-time "founder"), it was anything but.

And when they gave their "explanation", it was pure deadpan -- without the slightest trace of irony or humility.

[npizzolato]

Woosh. That's what I get for reading comments half asleep.