My Boss is Doing Shady Business (Should I Leave?)

Summary of My Boss is Doing Shady Business (Should I Leave?)

by Ramsey Network

8m•May 30, 2026
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Overview of My Boss is Doing Shady Business (Should I Leave?)

This episode centers on a career dilemma: a long-time employee in the restoration/cleaning industry is considering leaving his job after discovering ethically questionable business practices by his employer, including what appears to be a bribery scheme to win contracts. He also has been told for years that he may one day take over the company, but there is no written agreement, timeline, or contract. The hosts advise him to stop waiting on an empty promise and prepare to launch his own business.

Main Discussion

The caller’s situation

  • He has worked for the same company for nearly 13 years.
  • For years, he was told he would eventually take over the business.
  • There is no written contract, no timeline, and no clear ownership transition plan.
  • He has recently become uncomfortable with the company’s ethics and business practices.

The unethical business practice

  • The company reportedly paid a maintenance employee $7,000 to help approve more estimates/contracts.
  • The hosts identify this as essentially a bribe.
  • The caller explains this is becoming the norm in the industry, but he does not feel right about it.

The “takeover” promise

  • The hosts push back on the vague promise that he might inherit the business someday.
  • Their view: if there’s no written agreement, deadline, or formal arrangement, it’s not a real plan.
  • They compare it to a vague romantic commitment: if someone keeps saying “maybe someday,” they may simply be stringing you along.

Advice Given

Don’t stay out of hope alone

  • The hosts advise him not to keep waiting for a future ownership opportunity that may never happen.
  • They suggest the employer may be keeping him “warm” because he’s valuable as an employee and may already sense his dissatisfaction.

Leave for ethical reasons

  • The hosts strongly recommend he get out because:
    • The business is not being run ethically.
    • He is growing resentful.
    • Staying there is a “soul tax” that will wear him down over time.

Start his own business

  • The caller has already formed an LLC and says he can ethically do work on nights and weekends.
  • He has no non-compete, so there is no contractual barrier.
  • The hosts encourage him to move forward quickly with his own company.

Confidence in his market value

  • He says about 80% of the company’s business comes through his phone and contacts.
  • He believes he could bring in $25,000–$40,000 in project work within the first 30–60 days.
  • The hosts believe he may be able to replace his income faster than he expects.

Key Takeaways

  • A promise without paperwork is not a plan.
  • Ethical misalignment is a valid reason to leave a job.
  • If you already have the skills, contacts, and no non-compete, starting your own business can be the better move.
  • Don’t let resentment build while waiting on a maybe.

Notable Quotes / Phrases

  • “We got to do what we got to do to get work.”
  • “Clearly she’s not that into you” — used as an analogy for the vague takeover promise.
  • “The soul tax that you’re paying right now.”
  • “It’s a poison that you’re drinking every day you stay here.”

Suggested Next Steps

  • Stop relying on the verbal promise of ownership.
  • Keep building the LLC and prepare to launch independently.
  • Transition ethically and legally, since there’s no non-compete.
  • Use personal contacts and existing relationships to generate early business.
  • Leave the current company as soon as practical if the ethics remain unchanged.