I am Whistleblowing my Own Employer
Work Whistleblowing: "Star" aka A Previous Employer
Work Whistleblowing #7
I'm about to share a work experience I’ve never discussed publicly. Honestly, I’ve avoided it because I feel a lot of shame and embarrassment about what unfolded over two years. I found myself working for free far too long, getting involved with a business that turned out to be a scam, and falling for the “built by women, for women” narrative. It’s a virtue that some mediocre businesses cling to when they lack a real offering. (And no, not all women-focused businesses are scams—I’ll explain.)
The hardest part is that I involved some of you in it. That’s the heaviest burden for me. I’m still learning to forgive myself and move on. Having a platform with hundreds of thousands of followers who trust me is a privilege I don’t take lightly. So yes, while hindsight makes it clear this was a scam, it’s tough to move past. It’s influenced my decisions and has definitely held back my momentum.
You might have noticed—though maybe you haven’t—that my content hasn’t been as viral or polarizing this year. I needed time and space, without constant interviews and media days, to heal from this experience. On the bright side, I’m finally starting to feel happier and more like myself.
I’m sharing this now because I’m officially “done” with the situation. I’ll explain what “done” means below…
But here’s the catch: We all make mistakes, and none of us are immune to the toxic, addictive nature of work. I got pulled into this mess while I had a platform—not as big as it is now, but still substantial enough. And the irony? My platform was all about anti-work, anti-exploitation, and demanding better working conditions.
A core part of what I do is helping people shed the shame of past toxic experiences. So many of us carry subconscious guilt from jobs that made us feel used or foolish, and that baggage drags down our momentum and career choices. I’m tired of the Stockholm syndrome and survivor’s guilt we quietly shoulder without addressing it openly. We deserve to heal.
This whole ordeal started before the “Lazy Girl Job” era and continued through my PR tour about Lazy Girl Jobs—it only ended last month. When I first made the decision to “work” there, I didn’t have much going for me. But I was already preaching my anti-work message, all while being exploited by an employer.
I didn’t even include this story in my book when we went over the content this summer because I was still too ashamed to talk about it. I wasn’t ready. So, here’s the exclusive: I’m sharing it now.
Because the truth is, we’re all susceptible to workplace exploitation. There’s always someone with the right charisma to match the puzzle piece we’re missing, that need for fulfillment we’re chasing.
Key Points
How I Got Duped by a Fake Private Equity Firm: It started as a dream opportunity, but $30,000 later. Not only did I work for this company for free, I gave them my own money. I found myself trapped in a deceptive web of “boss babe” charisma and broken promises. Discover the red flags I missed and how my pursuit of a quick win nearly cost me everything.
The Moment I Realized I’d Been Played: Picture this—while I anxiously waited for updates on my investment, I stumbled upon the very people who owed me thousands, flaunting their luxurious lives on social media. My shock turned to rage as I uncovered the truth behind their so-called empire.
The Fine Line Between Charisma and Manipulation: I learned the hard way how even the most analytical mind can fall for a charismatic scam. This story isn’t just about a bad investment and career decision; it’s a wake-up call on how easily we can all be deceived—and why critical thinking is our greatest defense.
Read below for the whole scoop ⬇️
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Disclaimer: The names of individuals and the business mentioned in this story have been changed to protect privacy. The events described are based on my personal experiences and reflect my own opinions and perceptions. This account is provided for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to harm the reputation of any individual or entity.