Quite a situation. I do consulting work related to IT and other issues in a particular industry. I work with a startup consulting subsidiary. I am the sole consultant, though there is also a president of the sub. The president of the sub is not involved in the sales, marketing, consulting, or relationship management.
The parent company does work related to my area but they do not fully understand my side of the business. I have grown the sub with great difficulty due to overall management issues very much outside my control.
There has been much conflict with the parent company, from admin issues, to technology needs, to marketing problems. I’ve had to fight for everything, though I’ve tried to be respectful and professional.
We are now facing growth decisions and disagree on how to grow. I am firmly committed to my plan for growth because I have a better understanding of the work involved. They disagree.
I have also been accused of being disrespectful to management on occasion during discussions when I try to explain things they don’t understand.
At a recent meeting, they threatened to fire me due to “impertinence.” I take issue with the word. I would prefer to call an issue of mutual respect. Also, if they fire me they have no one that I know of in line to continue the engagements lined up through 2007. We also receive with inquiries at least two times per week from potential clients.
I am basically fed up and plan to resign. I don’t have a job lined up, but am willing to take the risk. One reason being that my skills are in demand. The other is that my family can survive on my husband’s salary, though not as comfortably.
My main concern is that I have developed and grown mostly excellent relationships with the clients. Who will take over the engagements? And will the quality be as it should?
I am also concerned about the possibility of bad informal references despite my strong results. I have a strong work history and have maintained relationships with past supervisors and coworkers.
I do not have a contract. There is no non-compete clause.
Seeking advice on all of the above. Any takers? Any advice would be much appreciated.