Need advice

[*K10*]

I hope the details come across here because this is kind of a complicated situation. For 3 years I was employed with a SMALL company and I kept the books so I know what kind of financial situation they were up against. While employed in lieu of a raise I was given 50 shares of stock in the company. My last day with that company was in May of last year. And while the President of the company has paid me for some of the repurchase of the stock I hold I'm STILL waiting for him to repurchase the rest of it. He still has approximately 30 shares to repurchase. At the beginning of this month (March) I sent him and email and basically said "Please pay me the remainder owed to me ($14,000) by the end of the month or I will move forward with legal proceedings to obtain the money due me" and you are all are probably like :eek: that's ballsy to say to a past employer but what you need to know is... I was "involved" with him toward the end of my employment (the last year there) so we have alittle more history than just employer/employee.

I know his financial state is still tight because and yet even though he has approx. 6 more employees now than he did when I was there... and he has investors to answer to and dealing out $14,000 might not go over too well... but... I've waited long enough - I want my money.

So... I am confused as to what to do... you'd have to know him and how mad he'll be if I pursue this legally and ofcourse that will ruin a job reference etc. but... what else can I do to get money that was promised to me? Just move on and hope someday a check shows up in my mailbox? Trust me I've tried everything I can think of to get the funds - over the last 9 months it's been one push and pull after another and NO we aren't involved now!

Those who know him and me say... leave it be because his more likely to pay "some day" if it's coming from the goodness (I use that term lightly) of his heart.

What would you do?

[kitalyn414]

i think you are handling it properly. make sure that you can prove that the money is owed to you and then go for it. $14K is nothing to brush off.

[GetMeOuttaDC]

and about the reference...can't you use someone else from the company who worked with you? if you absolutely HAVE to use him as a reference, just attach a little addendum sheet next time you give someone your references explaining the situation. I had to do that with a previous employer who decided to hold my last paycheck hostage.

Any prospective employer worth working for would understand... a situation like that isn't normal, but it is common.

[Tayl405]

I don't think there's anything wrong with getting a lawyer. $14,000 is a LOT of money--don't just wait! You don't need to necessarily take him to court, but it might be a good idea to have a lawyer call him and at least make it known that you're serious (not threaten, maybe even get a settlement).

[Morgan81]

I'd probably do exactly what you're doing too. If it comes to it, get the lawyer, you'll get less (legal fees), but it would be better than nothing.

[GetMeOuttaDC]

I'd probably do exactly what you're doing too. If it comes to it, get the lawyer, you'll get less (legal fees), but it would be better than nothing.

when you involve a lawyer, you are supposed to ask for enough money to cover legal fees - not to mention annoyance and your time. And if you don't ask for it, they will! there's no judge in the country that wouldn't award her that plus her 14K.

[*K10*]

Well... I basically gave him one last chance. Today I emailed him but if he makes no efforts by April 1 - he's gonna have one hell of a lawsuit on his hands (I guess!? :( )!