The chapter with liars, extractive work practices and inept “management” is now over

You might have questions about many things - it is good to be curious: what/how/why, the impact, and the lessons it has brought me.

The past period has been tough yet transformative. I faced challenging situations and gained valuable insights into resilience, patience, and understanding systems. A lot of good things happened - with a lot of supportive and kind people who were there to help me. Thank you! I wouldn’t be here without you.

This is a page representing a new starting point: the synthesis of research and experiences (a lot of field work and autoethnography, if you like) - so far, it has been insightful.

Lots of research, new friends, tonnes of art and pickleball games! All these experiences will undoubtedly influence my future work.

Over the years, I’ve gained insights into workplace dynamics, employment rights, and the importance of standing up for fairness and integrity, no matter how challenging the road ahead might seem. This journey has taught me to remain grounded, to value my own well-being, and to use every experience – no matter how tough – as a stepping stone toward something meaningful.

I am continuing the recovery process. At least, I am moving forward with clarity and purpose. I am excited to use this energy for future projects. These projects will focus on creating solutions, promoting ethical practices, and assisting others in avoiding similar problems that I have faced.

I would like to thank everyone who has had the time to chat, share, reach out and support me along the way.

This particular environment lacked delivery discipline and leadership maturity. It became clear early on that the structure wasn’t set up for long-term success - unclear authority, poor communication, and no room for challenge. I’ve worked in high-pressure environments before, but this crossed a line. It’s the only time I’ve had to walk away on principle, and I don’t regret it.

This awful chapter is now in the past. No words can describe how it was and how close it was.

LOUD & CLEAR

What’s it got to do with catastrophes? Well, comets are interesting for many reasons…

The main lesson here: I shouldn’t have given them benefit of the doubt: multiple narratives, lies and no trust were obvious from the very beginning. The only mistake is that I was too gullible and naive believing the wrong people. Trust is earned, so I won’t be making the same mistake again.

The following is the list of things I will be improving, based on the experiences of working in the wrong place:

Do you want to work in tech with me?

I am an experienced computing professional delivering high-quality operational software systems and processes with efficiency and effectiveness. Data-driven and goal-oriented, I focus on building quality products and fostering robust processes.

I thrive in collaborative, learning-focused cultures that prioritise teamwork, people, and career development. For me, it’s always people first—and I truly mean it.

If you’re interested in working with me, take a look below. I’ve made it simple for you to decide if we’d be a great fit to work together.

You won’t enjoy working with me if you expect someone to tolerate empty promises about career progression.
You won’t enjoy working with me if your idea of “innovation” is using buzzwords to deceive clients.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you lack the technical expertise to understand your own business model.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you value appearance over actual skill and results.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you believe that overworking your employees is the only way to increase profits.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you rely on vague metrics to measure success instead of tangible outcomes.
You won’t enjoy working with me if your idea of leadership involves gaslighting and manipulation.
You won’t enjoy working with me if your strategy for client retention is misleading them about deliverables.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you think “team culture” is a facade to hide toxic behaviours.
You won’t enjoy working with me if your recruitment process is built on luring candidates with false promises.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you prioritise short-term profits over long-term employee well-being.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you believe your employees’ personal time belongs to the company.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you have no intention of supporting staff facing mental health challenges.
You won’t enjoy working with me if your solution to technical problems is to ignore them and hope no one notices.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you think it’s acceptable to exploit junior employees as “cost-effective resources.”
You won’t enjoy working with me if you are uncomfortable with team members who call out unethical behaviour when they see it.
You won’t enjoy working with me if your business model depends on overcharging clients for under-delivering.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you mistake loyalty for silent tolerance of injustice.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you think “collaboration” means taking credit for others’ work.
You won’t enjoy working with me if you can’t handle someone who refuses to be complicit in unethical practices.

Also, after some years of experimentation and research, I can state that:

Never again will I work for a company that values profits over people.
Never again will I stay silent when I witness unethical behaviour.
Never again will I accept vague job descriptions hiding a lack of actual strategy.
Never again will I overlook a company’s red flags during an interview process.
Never again will I tolerate being gaslighted about my expertise or contributions.
Never again will I work for leaders who lack the technical skills to understand their team’s work.
Never again will I accept an employer taking credit for my achievements.
Never again will I stay in an environment where raising concerns leads to retaliation.
Never again will I allow my creativity to be exploited without recognition.
Never again will I ignore warning signs of a company using its people as disposable resources.
Never again will I trust a company whose leadership can’t back up its promises with action.
Never again will I accept a job offer without clear and measurable career development plans.
Never again will I sacrifice my mental health for an organisation that doesn’t value it.
Never again will I accept excuses for why basic employee rights can’t be met.
Never again will I be part of a team that uses deception to maintain client relationships.
Never again will I work for a company that doesn’t invest in its employees’ growth.
Never again will I let myself be silenced by fear of losing my job.
Never again will I be manipulated by “perks” designed to distract from a toxic culture.
Never again will I let my expertise be undermined by those who don’t understand it.
Never again will I work somewhere that prioritises reputation over integrity.