BOSS JEALOUS OF STAFF WHO BOUGHT NEW CONDO & CAR WITH INHERITANCE, AIM HIM AT WORK

Boss discriminates against wealthy subordinate

My CEO started discriminating against my colleague after he received his inheritance from his late father, bought a condo and started driving a BMW to work.

In spite of his sterling performance, he was bypassed for promotion and given an average appraisal. I ask this because I received the proceeds from the en bloc sale of my centrally located condo, and am considering upgrading to a newer condo and a continental car.

However, I fear that it would affect my prospects of advancement in my company. Is it normal for bosses to discriminate against subordinates who own more expensive homes and cars than their superiors at work?

Netizens’ comments

1. It’s not normal to discriminate this way. It’s also difficult to prove a direct link between this knowledge of his new found wealth and said alleged discrimination.
   But it’s also unnecessary to let your coworkers know such details about your life – there’s absolutely no reason to tell anyone at work about your inheritance or how you afforded a new place or new car.
   • (OP) Thanks for your input. The CEO passed snide remarks during one Management Meeting about “people who live beyond their means”. This was after my colleague parked within sight of the boss that same morning. My colleague was a rising star in the company, but the CEO seems to have grown cold towards him for the past year. Others have noticed this as well.
2. Not normal but very human and SG like. People can’t stand to see others doing better than them especially when it’s your boss and supposedly should have a “better” life than you in every measurable aspect hence the sour grape behaviour.
3. That’s why they call it stealth wealth.
   Better to be stealthy than risk envy.
   Sounds like an unprofessional boss, I would say you and colleague should look elsewhere.
   • (OP) My colleague is still able to move to greener pastures as he is in his late 30s. I just turned 50 so I have less options. I can quietly use my en bloc money to purchase a new condo (nobody at my company needs to know where I live), but I am considering buying a Continental car as the COE on my current SUV is winding down.