diff --git a/main.js b/main.js
index 2d4d572..e4e288b 100644
--- a/main.js
+++ b/main.js
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ module.exports = class RibbonClasp extends Plugin {
     this.debouncedEnforce = debounce(() => this.enforceOrder(), 200, true);
 
     this.app.workspace.onLayoutReady(() => {
+      // not tied to our lifecycle; still fires if we were disabled during boot
+      if (this.unloaded) return;
       this.patchRibbon();
       this.enforceOrder();
       this.observeRibbon();
@@ -16,6 +18,7 @@ module.exports = class RibbonClasp extends Plugin {
   }
 
   onunload() {
+    this.unloaded = true;
     this.observer?.disconnect();
     // disconnect doesn't stop an already-scheduled call
     this.debouncedEnforce?.cancel();