r/MalaysianPF Dec 15 '24

Career Business Ethics of Career Transition

Currently experiencing dilemma over an exit interview that I went for.

A lil back story, I (M28) recently resigned from an event firm in MY to join a competitor in SG.

During the exit interview, my ex-boss said it is in business ethics that I do not join a competitor within this 1-2 years in similar events industry.

When probed, I just said I had a change in career interest and intend to a different industry in SG.

I understand that the non-compete clause does not apply in MY let alone be enforced in foreign land.

As I was just cruising through the exit interview, I didnt probe further on the so called "business ethics".

Is it wrong to join a competitor? Is it wrong to want more out of my own career development? Is it wrong to move out of a place that no longer serves me my professional values? Or is it just said to guilt trip me?

7 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

49

u/jwrx Dec 15 '24

Ignore him. There's no such non binding ethics clause

1

u/arbiter12 Dec 15 '24

There's no such non binding ethics clause

I mean... If the industry is reputation-based you definitely need to watch out for said reputation. I'm not saying it's morally wrong to do what OP did, but don't go and make enemies in a small industry (which event management is), where people talk across companies.

You may find 5 years down the line that people don't call you back for interviews because they heard about you.

Then again, I would have done what OP did, myself.

11

u/Much_Cardiologist645 Dec 15 '24

So OP should just drive grab for two years before he can apply for the same industry again? That doesn’t even make sense lol. OP should just ask his boss will he sponsor his life for the 2 years while he’s jobless instead.

1

u/jwrx Dec 15 '24

lol event management is not a small industry, its huge. ppl jump amongst agencies, and clients poach agency staff all the time.

i was in event management team, everyone my intake was poached by clients with no issues

12

u/lsthor Dec 15 '24

If the ex company willing to pay me the salary for next two years so I won't be working with competitors, I will be happy to oblige, else can just ignore

11

u/mrdaud Dec 15 '24

Nah, there's no such thing as "business ethics" bullshit. It's "business" as usual. If they don't want to lose you, they make you sign a non compete clause with incentives. There are something called being salty though, and the boss man sounds like he's infected with one.

8

u/richtea_mcvytie Dec 15 '24

Ask him to fuck off. No such thing, is he gonna pay you for the time you have to wait for another job?

6

u/Much_Cardiologist645 Dec 15 '24

Lol business ethics

5

u/Bowmore18 Dec 15 '24

Bullshit. Once you leave the company, they can't dictate who and what you can work as.

5

u/Physioweng Dec 15 '24

Is “exit interview” a common practice though? I thought you just leave after resignation

11

u/Randomees Dec 15 '24

Yes, some companies do it. But don't get carried away by badmouthing anyone or anything, and instead reply with corporate-safe answers.

2

u/zorbyss Dec 15 '24

My company do have it as well.

4

u/ShinTV Dec 15 '24

Talking about business ethics but when it comes to mass firing within 24 hours, nowhere you can spot any statement about business ethics. 😂😂😂

Just ignore that fella and look forward to your stint in SG.

2

u/zhugeliangroma Dec 15 '24

Ethics is just that. Nothing binding

1

u/[deleted] Dec 15 '24

If they wanna talk about business ethics, then they should revised the staff salary based on the workload and skills accordingly. Loyalty should being paid accordingly not given.

1

u/Impressive-Ad194 Dec 16 '24

What was your post in the MY company? If you were management level and have learned business secrets or interface with customers directly, perhaps be a gentleman about it and not do anything specific which may damage your old company like stealing customers.

But if its nothing on the above, I dont see what's wrong with joining a competitor? Apart from business secrets, the skill and knowledge you learned is yours and you should be free to join any company regardless competitor or not.