[0xeeeeeeee]

This type story would make me hesitant to hire him after throwing his last employer under the bus (the usual response to this type of article). But with only one side of the story...you can't draw too many conclusions.

I checked his linkedin and it looks like he was at Pivotal from March to sometime recently. Lots of details are brushed over in this post so...maybe a more extensive post-mortem would be helpful.

[colinbartlett]

Most employment or termination agreements I've seen have non-disparagement clauses that specifically prohibit this kind of post as well. (Although who knows if it would be enforced or could be enforced).

[beachstartup]

usually those kinds of contracts are presented with guaranty of a severence package or at least a single big check, which is supposed to ameliorate/attenuate any hard feelings. nobody can coerce you to sign something like that, and besides, the enforceability of those contracts is dubious (outside of normal libel/slander laws) so they want you to take the money and happily leave.

there's also supposed to be an exit interview in which you are told why you are being let go and the details of the above. this is also designed to prevent anger. people, even when losing their jobs, respond well to truth and money.

and in my experience it usually works fine, but in this case, it doesn't sound like either happened. or maybe he refused the contract and hence, refused the money. that's certainly possible.

[fecak]

In my experience over the past several years, I've seen lots of contracts and employment agreements for tech firms but very few non-disparagement clauses. I expect if he were terminated they would get one signed (or try to).