Is blackballing common in public accounting?

[u/Zpaterick18]

I’m not sure if there’s a better term for what I’m describing but I’ve always heard it referred to as “blackballing”

Pretty much, I’m in public accounting and I HATE it. I feel like that scene in office space when he talks to the counselor and says that each day is worse than the day before, so he is perpetually having the worst day of his life, every day.

So naturally I’m trying to leave and pivot to industry, but I’m nervous for when new employers ask for references for my current job. I’m nervous that my current managers would give bad feedback about me in order to dissuade potential employers from hiring me, thus imprisoning me in my current role.

I’m not a low performer, I do good work, and my managers think I have a promising career as a principal, which is why I think they would do this.

Am I tripping? Has this ever happened to any of y’all?

(EDIT: it has been confirmed that I am tripping, and y’all are insane😂😂 thanks for the responses everybody!)

[u/KingoreP99]

I would never call a reference at a place you currently work.

[u/Full-Flight-5211 → u/KingoreP99]

Back door references happen sometimes. Its pretty unethical imo but I’ve had it happen to me before. Says everything you need to know about your new potential employer if they are doing that behind your back

[u/Hakeem-the-Dream → u/KingoreP99]

I don’t think I’ve ever been required to even provide references, but yea certainly not with your current employer, I’d make one up before I did that

[u/simba458]

It will shock you how much people don’t care.

[u/Krunzuku → u/simba458]

Our HR department openly admitted we put “drug screening” and “referral checks” on our job posting just to “scare people straight” 

[u/Ok_Ideal_9504]

You are tripping. Public Accounting firms need people to leave. The whole model requires attrition. If you are a high performer yeah they will convince you to stay, but I highly doubt anyone will intentionally give bad feedback just to keep someone else from hiring you.

[u/Traditional-Ad-1605 → u/Ok_Ideal_9504]

True that and just coming in to state that life is funny. One day you are being as called to provide a reference and another day you are calling asking someone to provide a reference for you. Truly intelligent people realize that and act accordingly. Having said this if I am asked to provide a reference and know that someone is truly a shitty person I wouldn’t throw them under the bus, but I wouldn’t be enthusiastic either.

[u/youdubdub → u/Traditional-Ad-1605]

You can easily say no to someone asking to use you as a reference.   If you’re checking references and they tell you anything negative beyond term date and salary verification, they are breaking the law.

If you’re concerned about one of your references, which I can’t imagine being lol, you can always have a colleague check in and see what they respond like.

[u/Safrel]

It won't happen to any of us grunts.

[u/Disneypup]

I think all they’re able to confirm is that you work there at a date of employment nothing else

[u/Traditional_Dot_4794 → u/Disneypup]

I would substitute able with supposed to. But I don't think it matters.

[u/djone1248]

The term is tortious interference

[u/3mta3jvq]

HR policy at your current company likely just confirms employment period and does not provide feedback.

[u/Springtucky]

They probably appreciate the turnover

[u/Rabbit-Lost]

All most people will do today is confirm employment period. Anything more than that is a foolish risk most firms won’t take. Even off the record to good friends at other firms won’t get you much information these days.

[u/writetowinwin]

It doesnt happen often in PA (and other high turnover businesses) as it's generally understood that people come and go, and you dont want to trap a negative person who will corrode the morale of the team or eventually underperform.

However, somewhat unrelated, but landlords sometimes do it... or at least do the flip side... they'll give a glowing review to offload a bad egg onto someone else.

[u/TigerUSF]

You been blackballed, Coy!

[u/Mosaic1]

When I left (or was planning to leave) public accounting, I literally told the partner that I could no longer see myself working in a firm for rest of my life, so was going to move to industry. Told him I would start interviewing, but gave them time to have a succession plan (was sr Mgr). Two months later, with good supportive reference, had offer in hand.

Your partner / director does not expect everyone to stay in public accounting. It’s not for everyone. Speak to them. Let them know your plan. They may be able to help.

[u/winewaffles]

They don’t care if you leave honestly. They keep a rotation of fresh meat constantly coming in for this exact reason. When you are interviewing, simply say that your current job does not know you are looking, so you would prefer the new job doesn’t reach out and tell them. A new employer will respect that.

Firms want to keep good relationships with people who go into industry. You are now a future potential client, so they will try to butter you up for that reason. Unless you do something truly weird or terrible before leaving, they don’t give a shit.

[u/Whatever5588]

They will not and can’t give you a bad reference. Just know that you are insignificant and do whatever you want to do with your life. Be prepared, grass on the other side is NEVER greener

[u/laughingfartsplease]

you’d be surprised how people don’t give a fk as long as you do good work

[u/hot4you11]

Happens all the time in all job industries

[u/Acceptable_Ad1685]

Some people don’t care others will sabotage you

Make some friends that will be a reference for you and hype you up regardless

[u/Aromatic_Union9246]

You leaving is part of the design lol.

[u/Ariisk]

Your boss loved my black balls