I'm a contract PM in a company that I enjoy, but the longer I stay the more uncomfortable I am with the influence of politics. I don't hold many strong political opinions, but there is definitely an accepted political persuasion and I've learned to keep my head low and my mouth shut. Not long ago, a manager took an employee out to lunch and fired her because she shared a political opinion on Facebook. He returned and bragged openly about it, and said that if he'd known she voted that way, he would never have hired her. More recently, a senior executive urged employees to sign a petition; I think he meant well, but things like this only add to the cultural discomfort.
My contract will expire soon. Should I take the opportunity to find another position, or is this the new "normal" that I would expect to find anywhere? Saving Changes...
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Ron MontgomeryConsultant| OnPoint 2.0 LLCPlatte City, Mo, United States
While I think there is an unfortunate level of political discourse in the workplace, the behavior you described doesn't seem to be a new normal. I think the key is that you said you are beginning to feel uncomfortable. As a contract PM, you should always be prepared to move on. There's a good chance that you'll find a client that is a better fit for you. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Flee. Any company that allows managers to openly act that way isn't an organization for which you want to work, because you can't trust it. For example, some enterprising brown nosers might start accusing people of belonging to 'the wrong party' just to ingratiate themselves to the management, and in the blink of an eye you could find yourself out of a job and unable to get another because some spiteful manager slandered your good name throughout your industry. Saving Changes...
Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Yes, I agree, the fact that you feel uncomfortable is a serious red flag that you should not ignore. The fact that you ask the question on this forum means that you have recognized it and that is good. You have two choices - stay and hope those were isolated incidences or move on to a place where you feel comfortable again. If you choose the first option you have to be very vigilant because it is easy to become part of the culture if you hang around it too long. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
As a contractor, you get to do your job and leave. If you are uncomfortable, why do it? You have the perfect excuse not to stay: your contract is over and you want to do something different.
Leave on good terms with the current client. You will need them as a reference for your future contracts. Saving Changes...
