Should I leave this start-up? I will not promote
I was hired on to a start-up where I ended up doing work that I felt was unsafe. I raised it as an issue, was dropped to a contractor on a part-time basis, and feel more micromanaged now. Need advice on what to do.
During the interview process, they didn't go into depth on what the field work would be, but did specify I would be doing it. Field work would be taking up about 10% of my time. The other 90% is office work. After going on 3 trips with another person, I went on 3 more trips on my own before realizing I needed to listen to my intuition.
Some examples of what I felt was uncomfortable was spending 16 hours in field on my own, being in unsafe conditions without cell service in rural areas, having to lift and push 100+lbs, working at unsafe heights over 20ft drops with no PPE, climb 10 foot ladders, having to carry around 50lbs, etc. All solo. The drive to the field is 3 hours one way, so combined 6 hours on the road. For reference, I am a short (less than 5 feet) female while everyone else is 6ft+ and a man. None of this work was described to me in the interview process and by the time I realized I felt that I couldn't do it anymore, I was already 6 months in.
When I initially flagged these issues, they asked me what I would need to purchase to make me feel safe. But given the type of work, this stuff definitely needs another person to accompany, which I did flag.
The stress of this part of the role impacted my mental health severely, in addition to other family commitments. When sharing this to the team, as well as my concerns of the above, it was agreed on that I'd be moved to a part-time contract role, without any chance of receiving equity.
I'm am now feeling micromanaged, and unmotivated with the work. While also being stressed out by the company's pace.
I'm wanting to leave but worried about burning bridges and being without income. What should I do?