7 answers
Angy
Student
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
23
Questions
Asked
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What if my CEO doesn’t like me ?
Hello, I got a good remote business, I am self employed and I’ll work for one company specifically. I’ll have a manager and I passed well the interview round. Then I communicated that I wanted to move after one month of work in the US to live there(with a ESTA and then a green card, don’t worry I got that part figured out with a lawyer) he said he didn’t know that and that he remained a bit surprised by my decision. Then ill have to do a onboarding now in September, and I was saying that I could use maybe half of September(just as a suggestion, as I thought they were always free). He said that he was the one who decided and that he found funny that I continued on imposing things to others. He also said that at first he seemed like i was going great but now he was starting to think that I really didn’t want to work there. First with the America thing then with this things. I apologised and said that all of that wasn’t really intentional and that we just had some misunderstandings. I really want this thing to work, the collaboration is remote and well paid. It’s great in my opinion but I fear that I might get fired or anything like that. He is the CEO, not my manager, and he seems to like me a bit more, anyways I apologised and the CEO said that it was alright. Now I wanna even go to university online after one month of working there, and I don’t wanna tell them since it would be a problem for them probably and I really want the job while also having a income and going to university. Can I go on without telling them. They said on the contract that I had 100% full autonomy on my work(since I am not even a employee). Can I just get my degree(data science and statistics) and move to the US(to do acting classes) while working this job(i think I’ll require about 1-3 hours a day of work). I really wanna make this work, and even if I didn’t tell my parents yet, I don’t think they would approve me opening my own company at 18 since they’d think that I wouldn’t be able to do so and that I’d run into some scams.
Thanks for the advice
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6 answers
Lirio Delgado
14
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
It’s okay to feel worried, but it sounds like things are still on track. You apologized and the CEO said it was alright, so just focus on doing great work and showing that you’re reliable. Since you’re self-employed and have full autonomy, you don’t need to tell them about university or moving as long as your work gets done well and on time. Just be careful not to sound like you’re making decisions for the company, and keep communication respectful. You’ve got big goals, and you can definitely make this work if you stay focused and professional.
Lisa Taleghani Bonaiuto
Vocational Case Management
6
Answers
Winter Garden, Florida
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
That sounds like a tricky situation, especially since your work relies on building good relationships. When a CEO seems not to like you, it can feel personal, but it’s often more about fit, expectations, or communication styles. Here are some steps you can try:
1. Look at the Situation Clearly
- Figure out if the issue is about your personality, your work, or different expectations.
- See if this is a one-time thing or if it has happened before.
2. Ask for Feedback Carefully
- If it feels right, get feedback through a neutral person or channel. You could say:
"I want to make sure I'm supporting your goals. Is there anything I could do differently?"
3. Change Your Approach
- CEOs often have specific ways they like to communicate and make decisions. Try to:
- Match their communication style, whether brief or detailed, formal or casual.
- Focus on results and value.
- Be proactive and anticipate their needs.
4. Show Your Worth
- Gently remind them of the results you've achieved.
- Share ideas that align with their goals.
5. Know When to Move On
- Sometimes, no matter what you do, it just doesn’t work. That’s okay. It’s better to focus on clients who appreciate your skills and style.
1. Look at the Situation Clearly
- Figure out if the issue is about your personality, your work, or different expectations.
- See if this is a one-time thing or if it has happened before.
2. Ask for Feedback Carefully
- If it feels right, get feedback through a neutral person or channel. You could say:
"I want to make sure I'm supporting your goals. Is there anything I could do differently?"
3. Change Your Approach
- CEOs often have specific ways they like to communicate and make decisions. Try to:
- Match their communication style, whether brief or detailed, formal or casual.
- Focus on results and value.
- Be proactive and anticipate their needs.
4. Show Your Worth
- Gently remind them of the results you've achieved.
- Share ideas that align with their goals.
5. Know When to Move On
- Sometimes, no matter what you do, it just doesn’t work. That’s okay. It’s better to focus on clients who appreciate your skills and style.
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
54
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Angy,
I have extensive experience in this area, having reported directly to CEO’s for the majority of my career.
It’s understandable to feel uneasy when it seems like a CEO may not like you, especially when you’re in the early stages of building a new professional relationship. I am pretty sure what you’re experiencing is more about a mismatch in communication styles and expectations than personal dislike. CEOs often operate with a high need for control and structure, so when you brought up relocating and modifying onboarding plans, it likely felt to him like you were making executive decisions rather than suggestions. But your follow-up, apologizing, clarifying your intentions, and acknowledging the misunderstanding most certainly was the right move. Now, your best strategy is to consistently deliver excellent work, communicate with clarity and respect, and allow your actions to rebuild trust. Remember, you’re not just an employee; you’re a business providing a service. So as long as you produce high quality results and stay aligned with the team’s goals, that professional relationship can recover and thrive. I almost guarantee it.
As for pursuing your university education and moving to the U.S., both are completely feasible given your setup. You’re self-employed with full autonomy, which typically means they care about results, not how or when you get them done. Taking online university courses and acting classes while working a job that requires only a few hours per day is perfectly manageable as long as you stay disciplined and don’t let your side activities interfere with your output. That said, there’s no real need to proactively tell the company about your studies or classes unless they start affecting your responsiveness or reliability. You’re not hiding anything unethical, you’re just managing your time efficiently. In fact, proving that you can handle multiple responsibilities and still deliver on your commitments could work in your favor long term, if and when that context ever does come up.
Regarding your parents’ likely disapproval, this is a very common hurdle for young entrepreneurs and independent thinkers. This is something I’ve experienced firsthand with my own family, as a first-generation college graduate who worked my way up the corporate ladder. It’s not that my family doesn’t care, they simply don’t share the same experiences and can’t fully relate to my journey through higher education and a corporate career. I don’t hold that against them; it’s not their fault that my path feels unfamiliar or even uncomfortable to them, it’s just a reflection of how different our experiences have been. At 18, launching a company, managing a professional contract, considering relocation, and planning your education all at once is ambitious, and most parents worry because they haven’t seen many people pull it off at that age. But that doesn’t mean you’re making the wrong call. If you act responsibly, take legal and financial steps seriously (as you are with your visa and lawyer), and consistently earn and save money, you’ll prove them wrong through results, not arguments. You don’t need to rush into a confrontation with them. Focus on execution, keep your work strong, your income stable, and your decisions thoughtful. Over time, even the most skeptical people come around when they see consistent proof that you’re capable and grounded in your actions.
If you need assistance further crafting a strategy, always feel free to reach out to me. I can especially work with you to improve your relationship with the CEO and potentially framing a conversation to make your parents feel more open to discussion about your plans.
Best wishes to you and your exciting journey.
Wyatt
I have extensive experience in this area, having reported directly to CEO’s for the majority of my career.
It’s understandable to feel uneasy when it seems like a CEO may not like you, especially when you’re in the early stages of building a new professional relationship. I am pretty sure what you’re experiencing is more about a mismatch in communication styles and expectations than personal dislike. CEOs often operate with a high need for control and structure, so when you brought up relocating and modifying onboarding plans, it likely felt to him like you were making executive decisions rather than suggestions. But your follow-up, apologizing, clarifying your intentions, and acknowledging the misunderstanding most certainly was the right move. Now, your best strategy is to consistently deliver excellent work, communicate with clarity and respect, and allow your actions to rebuild trust. Remember, you’re not just an employee; you’re a business providing a service. So as long as you produce high quality results and stay aligned with the team’s goals, that professional relationship can recover and thrive. I almost guarantee it.
As for pursuing your university education and moving to the U.S., both are completely feasible given your setup. You’re self-employed with full autonomy, which typically means they care about results, not how or when you get them done. Taking online university courses and acting classes while working a job that requires only a few hours per day is perfectly manageable as long as you stay disciplined and don’t let your side activities interfere with your output. That said, there’s no real need to proactively tell the company about your studies or classes unless they start affecting your responsiveness or reliability. You’re not hiding anything unethical, you’re just managing your time efficiently. In fact, proving that you can handle multiple responsibilities and still deliver on your commitments could work in your favor long term, if and when that context ever does come up.
Regarding your parents’ likely disapproval, this is a very common hurdle for young entrepreneurs and independent thinkers. This is something I’ve experienced firsthand with my own family, as a first-generation college graduate who worked my way up the corporate ladder. It’s not that my family doesn’t care, they simply don’t share the same experiences and can’t fully relate to my journey through higher education and a corporate career. I don’t hold that against them; it’s not their fault that my path feels unfamiliar or even uncomfortable to them, it’s just a reflection of how different our experiences have been. At 18, launching a company, managing a professional contract, considering relocation, and planning your education all at once is ambitious, and most parents worry because they haven’t seen many people pull it off at that age. But that doesn’t mean you’re making the wrong call. If you act responsibly, take legal and financial steps seriously (as you are with your visa and lawyer), and consistently earn and save money, you’ll prove them wrong through results, not arguments. You don’t need to rush into a confrontation with them. Focus on execution, keep your work strong, your income stable, and your decisions thoughtful. Over time, even the most skeptical people come around when they see consistent proof that you’re capable and grounded in your actions.
If you need assistance further crafting a strategy, always feel free to reach out to me. I can especially work with you to improve your relationship with the CEO and potentially framing a conversation to make your parents feel more open to discussion about your plans.
Best wishes to you and your exciting journey.
Wyatt
Alex Brown
Manager
7
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Sounds like you're navigating a lot at once — remote work, a big move, future studies, and your own business. That’s impressive, especially at 18. Honestly, the CEO’s reaction might be more about timing and communication than anything personal. When you’re remote, little miscommunications can feel bigger because there’s no casual office time to smooth things over.
Since you’re self-employed and have autonomy in your contract, you’re technically within your rights to pursue studies or relocate — as long as it doesn’t affect the quality or consistency of your work. But from a relationship standpoint, it might help to focus on showing reliability and transparency moving forward.
You don’t have to share every future plan (like university), but making sure they feel confident in your commitment will go a long way. At the end of the day, results speak louder than anything else. If you consistently deliver great work, people stop worrying about the rest.
You’ve got ambition — just be sure to balance it with communication.
Since you’re self-employed and have autonomy in your contract, you’re technically within your rights to pursue studies or relocate — as long as it doesn’t affect the quality or consistency of your work. But from a relationship standpoint, it might help to focus on showing reliability and transparency moving forward.
You don’t have to share every future plan (like university), but making sure they feel confident in your commitment will go a long way. At the end of the day, results speak louder than anything else. If you consistently deliver great work, people stop worrying about the rest.
You’ve got ambition — just be sure to balance it with communication.
Dr Fisch
Flight Attendant
79
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Angy, you only need to report work-related info to the CEO. Any personal info he does not need to know. Unless you need the CEO to do something about whatever it is, don't involve him. You're relationship with the CEO should strictly be only about the work. It doesn't matter or shouldn't concern you if he likes or doesn't like you. All you can do is provide quality work. Try to provide a better result than the CEO expects, nicer, quicker, smarter, etc. If the CEO is a good one, that should be all you need to do to impress the person & to stabilize & secure your working relationship. Even if the CEO doesn't like you, even hates you, the person won't fire you if you're providing such great results!
Dream big, but only tell your friends about it. If you have an opportunity to do something that will benefit you without putting anyone else out, then go for it or else you'll regret it in the future for not trying & you'll always wonder what if you did.
Dream big, but only tell your friends about it. If you have an opportunity to do something that will benefit you without putting anyone else out, then go for it or else you'll regret it in the future for not trying & you'll always wonder what if you did.
Well I guess it’s all useless now since the CEO is now firing me
Angy
Paul Marcel-Rene
Property Manager
20
Answers
Akron, Ohio
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You are absolutely under no obligation to share your personal plans—whether educational or geographical—with the company you are contracting with, especially since your role is fully remote and you are not an employee. Unless the work legally requires that you be in a specific country or time zone, your physical location is your private business. The same applies to your choice to pursue an online degree. As long as you fulfill your responsibilities, meet deadlines, and perform your work to expectations, the company has no reason or right to know about your university studies or your location, particularly when the contract gives you full autonomy.
You’ve already apologized for any confusion, which was the right thing to do. From this point forward, keep your interactions professional and focused solely on work. Let your results speak for themselves. You are 18, ambitious, and setting up a foundation for a future filled with options. That is not something to be ashamed of or to hide from anyone—not your employer and not your parents. You’re building a life on your own terms, and as long as you deliver what you’ve committed to, you’re well within your rights to pursue your education and relocate as you see fit.
You’ve already apologized for any confusion, which was the right thing to do. From this point forward, keep your interactions professional and focused solely on work. Let your results speak for themselves. You are 18, ambitious, and setting up a foundation for a future filled with options. That is not something to be ashamed of or to hide from anyone—not your employer and not your parents. You’re building a life on your own terms, and as long as you deliver what you’ve committed to, you’re well within your rights to pursue your education and relocate as you see fit.