Seek Revenge
Even the calmest person can be driven to seek revenge, especially when an employer attempts to exploit them. This was the case for Lance, who never imagined himself in such a situation.
However, when faced with the prospect of losing everything he had worked for over the past few years, Lance knew he had to take action. He was compelled to fight back to protect his livelihood and hard-earned achievements.
Struggling To Find Work
In the early 2000s, Lance found himself unemployed and struggling to find work. Despite going to several interviews and feeling optimistic at times, nothing seemed to come through for him. Each disappointment made the search feel more challenging.
One day, while browsing the newspaper, Lance discovered an opening that caught his eye. Although he lacked experience in that field, the position aligned perfectly with his dreams. This unexpected chance sparked a new sense of hope and excitement for his future.
Application For The Job
Lance quickly submitted his application for the job, and just a few days afterward, he found himself in the human resources office for an interview. The interviewer appeared impressed by his background and began outlining the role, including some of its drawbacks.
Unbeknownst to Lance, this was a deliberate tactic designed to lure him into accepting the position. What seemed like a straightforward interview was actually a carefully set trap to get him to commit without fully realizing the consequences.
Overtime Pay
The woman explained to Lance that the company was still in its early stages and did not offer any overtime pay. Additionally, the salary was relatively low compared to what other companies might offer for the same role. She mentioned that if he had chosen a different employer, he could likely earn a higher income.
She also informed him that performance reviews would begin on a quarterly basis. If he successfully passed these initial evaluations, subsequent reviews would then be conducted annually. This approach was part of the company’s plan to monitor progress and growth over time.
The Serious Challenge
Lance felt thrilled by the job offer and didn’t realize the serious challenges hidden beneath it. Initially, the proposal appeared standard and straightforward, so he accepted it without much hesitation.
During his other interviews, he heard similar promises repeatedly. However, Lance was unaware that despite hearing these statements several times, many of them were actually against the law. This lack of knowledge left him vulnerable to potential legal issues he hadn’t anticipated.
Received An Opportunity
Lance felt a deep sense of relief when he received an opportunity to pursue something he was genuinely passionate about, and he eagerly accepted it. While some, particularly those familiar with the legalities involved, might view his decision as unwise, Lance’s choice was driven by more than just practicality.
There were meaningful reasons behind his acceptance beyond simply securing a steady paycheck. For Lance, this offer represented a chance to engage in work that truly resonated with him, fulfilling personal aspirations and values that outweighed any concerns others might have had.
Typically Demanded
Lance knew that positions like this typically demanded either a degree or relevant experience, neither of which he possessed. However, by taking the job, he gave himself a chance to gain the practical experience he lacked.
He convinced himself that enduring the tough work and low pay for a few years would eventually pay off. With that experience under his belt, he hoped to qualify for better opportunities at other companies in the future.
Remained Dedicated
After three years with the company, Lance remained a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the team. Throughout this time, he witnessed significant growth and felt a strong connection to the company’s achievements, proud to contribute to its success.
Now that the business was generating an annual profit of $2 million, Lance believed it was reasonable to expect recognition for his efforts. He felt that his hard work deserved fair compensation in line with the company’s impressive progress.
Summoning All Courage
Summoning all his courage, Lance entered his manager’s office and requested compensation for the overtime hours he had worked over the past several years. To his surprise, his boss appeared to accept the demand without hesitation.
However, judging by his boss’s response, Lance could never have anticipated that this straightforward appeal would ultimately lead to devastating consequences, threatening to cost him everything he valued.
Previously Discussed
Lance had previously discussed his unpaid wages and overtime with his manager, but there was a complication. His contract explicitly stated that he was not eligible for overtime or back pay, so these amounts could not be officially recognized as such.
To resolve the issue, his boss proposed paying the money as a discretionary bonus rather than overtime or back pay. Lance was agreeable to this arrangement; his main concern was simply receiving the $50,000 he was owed.
Alternative Arrangements
But a bonus of $50,000 didn’t seem that logical though, and it was bound to raise some issues, so Lance and his boss came up with an alternative arrangement.
Lance would accept some of the money in cash, and the rest would be given in equity. To Lance, that seemed logical as the company had only so much cash flow, and he would be happy with shares.
Willing To Make Arrangements
Lance was even willing to accept less cash and more shares as it seemed like a very good investment at the time. The company had only been growing, which meant that in a few years, those shares would be worth a fortune.
But things were not nearly as simple as they seemed, as Lance’s boss didn’t plan on giving away his shares or his cash.
The Final Offer
Over the next few days, the talks about his funds were starting to dwindle, and Lance started getting upset with that.
It had been over a week, and Lance was about to barge into his boss’ office, but the secretary stopped him by handing him the offer. The offer was that the full $50,000 would be paid in equity, and it turned out to be much less than Lance had hoped for.
Extremely Unhappy
Lance stared at the shares he was offered, and the blood boiled in his veins. Less than 0.01% that’s what he was offered. It was a minuscule amount compared to what the company was actually worth.
To Lance, it was an insult, not compensation for all his hard work. He felt as if the company was trying to cheat him out of his hard-earned money, and that infuriated him.
Resignation
On that very day, Lance handed in his resignation. He would not be standing for such blatant disregard of his work, and he would not be letting the company get away with what they did, either.
Lance could see the panic in the CTO’s eyes as he handed him the letter. Since the CEO refused to update his contract, he was technically still on probation and had a ton of sick leave. He would stop working immediately.
Registered Letter
But Lance’s plan for revenge didn’t end there. Early the next morning, he headed to the post office with a special letter.
In the letter, he requested his back pay and overtime payments, but the company refused to cooperate. Not backing down, Lance sent yet another detailed letter demanding the funds be paid to him.
The Response
Once again, the company replied with their refusal, and it was clear that they were under the assumption that Lance had no leg to stand on since his contract clearly stated that he wasn’t entitled to those funds.
They had no idea that Lance had been doing some research and found out that he was actually entitled to every penny they were refusing to give. So he took the next step.
Getting Legal Advice
Lance contacted a lawyer to find out if there was any way he could force the company to pay the amount they owed him. And what he learned would create a snowball effect to the likes the company had never seen before.
But why would it come as such a shock to them? Wouldn’t they expect something like that to happen?
Not The Usual Behavior
Well, no. Back in those days, people didn’t usually take the company they worked for to court, so Lance’s approach was very unconventional.
Back then, the companies just assumed they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it. But Lance was going to teach them a lesson they wouldn’t soon forget. And the most amazing part was that they thought they had gotten off scot-free.
What He Learned
The lawyer informed Lance that he had all the right to sue the company as they had to pay him the back pay and overtime, whether they wanted to or not. But that wasn’t all she told him.
She also informed Lance that if he waited for seven years, they would also have to pay interest for the money they owed him. His $50,000 would end up doubling in that time. But waiting came with its risks.
A Tough Decision
Lance had to choose whether he wanted to sue them immediately or right before the seven years were up. And the choice was not an easy one.
Both decisions had their positive and negative sides, and it was up to him to ensure that he got the most out of the opportunity that was handed to him.
The Risks
If he chose to wait, the risks could be major. What would he do if the company started going downhill and closed down before he could file a lawsuit against them?
But then again, it would mean he could get double the amount of money that he was hoping for, and at that point, he didn’t have any of it, so would he really be losing anything?
The Conclusion
With that thought in mind, Lance decided to go ahead and wait the few years that were left of the seven-year deadline.
He went on with his life as if nothing had happened, but when the time finally came, he was ready to push back with all his might. And because of that, the wait seemed to be worthwhile. What Lance got out of the case left everyone stunned.
Years Later
The moment those six years and eleven months had passed, Lance got himself a lawyer. He presented all the evidence he had in the form of company emails and written responses and informed the lawyer of what he had been told.
The lawyer immediately got to work, and before Lance knew what was happening, the company had been served with a summons.
A Solid Case
Even though Lance’s contract stated that he wasn’t entitled to the funds, the lawyer knew they had a solid case.
The contract wasn’t valid as it violated state laws, and Lance had more than enough evidence to prove that the company acknowledged the debt and was willing to pay it in the form of equity. Because of that, the company didn’t have a foot to stand on.
A Threatening Call
A couple of days later, Lance received a call from the CEO, and it wasn’t a friendly one. But the CEO didn’t know that Lance and his lawyer expected the call and that Lance was advised to record the discussion.
So all the threats that were made were handed in as evidence when the case finally went to court.
Heading To Court
A few months later, Lance was standing in the courtroom facing off against the CEO in front of a judge. He was incredibly nervous and hoped that things would go his way.
At this stage, the amount he was owed came to about $135,000, and even though he didn’t have it, he didn’t want to lose it. But at that point, things could go either way.
Unpredictable
The company’s lawyers presented their case, stating that their offer was a gesture of goodwill and that they didn’t have to pay Lance a cent as his contract clearly stated that he wasn’t entitled to it.
And Lance’s lawyers stated their case. But it seemed like the judge wasn’t leaning in any particular way as both parties had a solid point. However, that all changed when Lance’s lawyer provided the evidence.
Presenting The Evidence
The lawyer gave the judge all of the communication between Lance and the company, as well as the recording of the CEO threatening Lance. That was the moment things changed.
The judge shot a glance at the CEO before calling for a break to go over all the evidence. Lance was a nervous wreck and could only hope things would work out in his favor.
The Verdict
About two hours later, Lance was back in front of the judge, who had made her decision. She ordered the company to pay the $135,000 they owed Lance as well as his legal costs.
Those amounts were to be paid immediately. The judge also ruled that the company would get a full audit from the labor department to see how many other employees were suffering under the same circumstances. And the CEO lost his driver's license that same night when he drunkenly crashed into another car.