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Comment by dgreensp | Hacker News Reader

The article's advice is specifically "be nice" and hold your tongue, which is silly. Say whatever you want. Obviously calling people assholes is unproductive whether it goes into a sealed file or to the company mailing list.

For example, say, "I'm tired of filling out TPS reports and I felt underpaid." No can argue with your emotions, and it's not like your aversion to unnecessary paperwork or need for a decent salary will get out and kill your career. If enough employees leave for precisely these reasons, that may eventually cause change.

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| If enough employees leave for precisely these reasons, that may eventually cause change.

What i'm saying is that it usually doesn't. Usually the feedback that you give is already known. The good companies would have changed it before the company left. Especially if it's a huge known problem.

Probably true at most places, but good companies can definitely drift into bad habits without being aware of it. Sometimes all it takes is a few managers recognizing the problem.

I don't see why you wouldn't tell them anyway. At the very least they'll know it's a big enough issue that people will quit over it.

If you're not going to answer their questions about why you're leaving you might as well save everybody's time and skip the exit interview.

I would have already spoken up about it and made it aware. I wouldn't wait until the absolute end to provide the feedback.

Say it now or forever hold your peace.

You will make a difference. Believe in yourself .

For example, say, "I'm tired of filling out TPS reports and I felt underpaid."

That's a good angle to take. And the choice of words and tone here is key -- it's not a rant, and it doesn't finger-point. It puts the emphasis on you, not them -- and it basically says "look, I'm disappointed and I'm suffering", thereby engendering empathy.

But if in fact they listen carefully, it also expresses criticism which can be quite damning. I like language that works like that.

The first bullet point refers to a Forbes article that I think puts the advice in context. It's not so much "be nice," as it is "don't be nasty."

It's quite possible to simultaneously be honest about a toxic work environment and to do so as a professional.

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