How do you handle a boss/owner that is standing in the way of their own company's success? Everyone else knows it but is too afraid to confront them, including his business partner/co-owner. They are constantly derailing projects (to do non-billable work). We're stuck in an endless cycle of redoing our own site - the owner doesn't want to define a strategy so we can *actually* move forward. Dev team (me) is handed wireframes, I build it, then come review time he changes his mind all over again.

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You leave when you feel you’ve accomplished what is possible within the constraints you’re given. That tiger isn’t going to change its stripes.

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MM1 that's basically what mode I'm in now. This guy has burned me out but I'm trying not to let it get the best of me. I'm still young in my career and don't want to give up now.

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You don’t.

Sounds a lot like they’re not open to feedback, and chances are they never will. The fact that his business partner won’t confront him is a clear red-flag.

It’s not worth your time. Unless you have a personal interest in this business, leave and find a better place.

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To borrow from the serenity prayer: “God (universe, the Force…) grant me the ability to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can (like my employer) and the wisdom to know the difference”

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Don't...it won't work out in your favor...find a new job

helpful

Get every change they request - especially ones that change deadlines - in writing. Your job is too do your job. Worry about yourself. It sucks for the client's business and employees, but they are not in your locus of control.

smart

I have a similar issue. My boss hired me to get their business out in the public eye and be top of mind. But in order to do that we have to spend money on the right advertising, and he doesn’t like to spend money at all.

I think you should just wait til you can’t take it any more, then say something, or just go politely ask right now why he does what he does

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Boomers dude. Boomers.

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But for real this is everyone right now. You gotta give them case studies to show them what you’re doing and why, even though you shouldn’t have to. I find it to be very productive to give them case studies on why what they want sucks, and show the contrary benefits. Plus, power in numbers. Basically, show what you’re planning on doing and how it affects the bottom line ($$$)

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Seems all too familiar… our dev guy I think took his opinions out, raised his fees, and now just does whatever the boss wants and bills him for it. I genuinely think he was burnt out by the 3rd website re-do, and I feel like the relationship got strained a little.
Annoying, but you can either just do it and make the money, or decline working for them again.

I been in the situation like that with one of the side hustles. They will never listen and you can't break vicious cycle. Try to find some better place.

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