Since one of the owners of our company died there has been a power void in the company. The other owner is weak and unable to lead the company. Different factions have been vying for control like it was a survivor game. If you seem to support one group the others undermine you. I tired my best to remain neutral but it became clear that would not be allowed.
This is not sexist but it is the truth, most of the alliances are from the women in the company determined to make it a female run place excluding men from gaining positions of authority even though the work done outside of the office is done almost exclusively by men. It has become apparent that they will use whatever tactic required. Including rumor and outright lies. Several men have left the company, some because they see what is happening and some forced out.
So my only option was to retire, yes I am at that age that I had that choice. I have heard since I left things are falling apart and clients are going elsewhere for services. It seems that those people doing this would rather run the company into the ground than give up their struggle for power. Mostly the younger ones that believe there will always be another job ready just for the asking. They have not gone through as many recessions that I have when you couldn’t even buy a job Those that came to work during the pandemic thinking the government will give them bail out money.
I also heard after the election there was almost a complete breakdown with people calling in sick and work not being done and outright anger directed at anyone not on their side. I pray this is not common in most workplaces.
*Name is not required.