Regrettably, I find myself at the crossroads of terminating a peripheral income source.

In my spare capacity, I served as a consultant for a private company. Unfortunately, the recent trajectory of this engagement has become increasingly toxic, culminating in a heated conversation with key management that led to my decision to disengage.

During this exchange, it became apparent that a concerning lack of motivation and professionalism permeated the leadership. My concerns about the firm’s direction were met with confirmation from a colleague who shared similar sentiments, calling the way leadership operates a cause for concern.

This decision didn’t stem from a single incident but rather a series of red flags that caught my attention:

1. The replacement for a retiring PA left abruptly, attributing the departure to the Chairman.
2. Key positions remain unfilled since 2020, indicating a void in critical roles.
3. Failure to replace a personnel who retired in mid-2022 despite an announced intention in late 2021.
4. Instances of lack of honesty and transparency from the Chairman during my tenure.

My belief is that every job should offer opportunities for learning or earning, ideally both. Sadly, this engagement provided neither. I’ve realized that any compensation earned from this association would likely be outweighed by the mental toll it could take.

I’m currently in the process of terminating my involvement, accepting the inevitable write-off of c.$2,500 in receivables. Adjustments in income will lead to noticeable reductions in expenses. Though this timing inconveniences my recent plans to track expenses, I see it as an opportunity for a cost-reduction exercise in the coming months.

I consider myself fortunate to have the liberty to step away from such a situation. This decision might also afford me more time to redirect my focus toward other endeavors.