Tell HN: Terminated for Refusing to Work on Weekend

That said, there is an important lesson here. Tying one's identity to one's place of employment is a losing proposition. You can feel loyalty to your team, your colleagues, perhaps even your manager. But loyalty to the company is misguided, it will not be reciprocated. You need to put yourself first and treat this as a business transaction that it is.

At the end of the day, this situation sucks, but believe me, it won't be long before it starts fading and mattering less and less. Wish you the best.

I think you are a good engineer who put many years into a company! Be proud of that. You're also a person who stood up for yourself! Be proud of that as well. Most people wouldn't stand up for themselves.

Take a walk, if you can. Maybe 4km. Don't think about work, career, or anything. Just see whatever you can see.

After you get back from your walk, acknowledge all the positive things you've done at work, and think briefly about the negative parts. 15 minutes tops. Put it all aside. It's done now, don't dwell anymore.

You're now able to tell what a bad employer looks like. Find a new job, and continue to stand up for yourself! You will find an employer that values you.

1. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7047217373161914369-...

2. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7048156...

3. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7048317...

Anyhow, that was clearly a toxic place where you shouldn't spend more time.

Best of luck on your next job.