Should I take over part of my boss’s business?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been a web developer at a local web design firm for two years. Our small team of five has faced financial ups and downs. On June 1st, my boss announced he couldn’t make the rent payment and proposed a company restructure to cut costs, including shifting to remote work, selling parts of the business, and giving me increased ownership of website development. This change prompted our other developer and intern to leave, leaving me as the sole developer, with plans to hire another.

Despite my initial shock, I agreed to the new role provided my salary covers my living expenses and the company remains profitable. My boss, who I have a close relationship with, reassured me with a promised salary, mentorship for my new responsibilities, and a severance package with job placement help if the plan fails.

Given his impulsive nature and mixed track record, I’m cautious but prepared, having applied for other jobs as a backup.

Should I trust this restructure, or prepare for it to potentially fail?

[Static_In_The_Attic]

If the going gets tough the tough get going & when it comes to a business that isn’t doing so good things will get worse before they get better however don’t have a funeral before there is a corpse. As for your company like a roller coaster it’s going to have its ups as well as downs & unfortunately people are losing their jobs & downs the road don’t be surprised if you lose your job as well. As for you being the sole developer it’s going to be a challenge. As for your boss what he plans & what he does are two different things & if your company doesn’t have enough to pay the rent he’s probably not going to hire another developer & if he does hire another developer you might be the one he replaces. A promise is like a wish you can wish in one hand & shit in the other & see which one fills up faster. A promised salary is just a promise not a guarantee. A severance package could be $1.00 for all you know & if your company goes belly up you are on your own & aren’t guaranteed dog shit.

I know you have a close relationship with your boss but if you have the opportunity to better yourself & your financial situation moving on is the way to go.

[MonopolyGuy]

It’s better to have written agreements with both signature on it if you live paychecks to paychecks.

[Asker]

Indeed, I plan to get it in writing.

[DreamLife7]

There's nothing in writing. He's just telling you what you want to Herr as far as I can see. He's looking for an easy target

[Asker]

An easy target for what? For dumping his failing business?

[DreamLife7]

It sounds like he's in financial trouble and needs a scape goat while he's on his way out. You sound eager so you're the perfect target

[DreamLife7]

So no I wouldn't take the position.

[Asker]

Well it’s either ride the wave with this or look for a new job. But I’m also considering the risks here

[DreamLife7]

From the way you described his track record I think you know what you need to do. I think the title and the money is what's making you think differently

[Asker]

Well, right now I’m still on regular payroll. And I haven’t signed anything. So my gut is telling me to explore other options with another company.

[DreamLife7]

Yeah I'd just start fresh somewhere else

[TommyMountainFigure]

We all know anything can happen in business, but the fact he can't make his rent payment is never a good sign.

[Sasquach]

Get it in writing and polish your resume. Treat it as a second job and look for a primary job that can pay your bills