Stress Center Peer Support

I don't know where to begin. I was feeling harassed at work. I was being let go with 10 other people do to budget cuts. I know this was a bad choice because I have many skills that could have been used in addition to what I already do so very well. But I don't lie or throw others under the bus like those staying.

I stayed out a few days because a woman coworker who I thought was my friend has made it a hostile work environment. She became a bully. In short, she believes the best defense is a good offense. When she doesn't understand something she attacks making you feel you're wrong. When I came back to work this morning I was told I can take the next week off. It turns out that another coworker felt harassed and went to HR to complain. But she didn't only go to protect herself, she used me as a pawn. She said "they were taunting me to having meltdowns by bringing up religion" and since I was not there they were taunting her!

So who knows what else was said when these sleaze bags were called into the bosses office after this occurred. All I know, is, I was never once called into his office to answer for myself or defend myself' not once out of my entire time there!

I am frustrated and angered. I contacted a lawyer but am not sure I will do anything about it. The talk in that office was very destructive and it was hostile. I have been verbally attacked and the liars are keeping their jobs.

I wanted to leave on a positive note even though I was experiencing hostility, however this other works dragged me into the mess.

I feel your pain. And I admire you for not throwing others under the bus or lying even though these are desperate economic times. It is too bad that you have seen this side of your coworkers; it's hard to lose that trust. But I'm glad you know who/what you're dealing with. Were you given the week off because they felt you were also a victim? I don't understand why you were a pawn; was she accusing you of something, or was she saying that by being there, you usually shelter her. It can get ugly when people know job loss is ahead, probably more so in economically uncertain times. Know that you are a strong and moral survivor, and think about what armor to put on when you have to go back in. My thoughts are with you. I know you'll get through it, even if it's hard.

Thanks. I am seriously considering filing work harassment charges. I hear it can be career suicide. If that's the case them maybe a scare will do.

This is what I did today. I might have been a mistake:

went in to hand in my keys and ID.
PERSON 1was there, as was PERSON 2, , PERSON 4 and PERSON 5. I had to say something before I left.
I told PERSON 1 I had something to say and if I could talk to her and PERSON 2. Then I said you might as well all hear it.
This in a nutshell is what I said:

"You know, I have been working here for 2.5 years and I have given it my all. I brought everything I had to the table and tried to do my best. Whether you think I did a good job is your opinion.
I wanted to talk to BOSS today and he is not here. Whenever a person had an issue with me BOSS always heard their side of the story. He would bring PERSON B to his office or SLEEZY PERSON to his office, but never once did he ever bring me to his office and hear my side of any issue; never once!
And I think that is not fair. Things have been said about me to BOSS about "meltdowns" and such, and I never got to defend myself. PERSONB went to HR and complained about the hostile work environment, but I was going to leave it alone and leave peacefully. Instead she used me as a pawn. SLEEZY PERSON comes to this job and has no skills at all, but because he can charm people he has a job. It won't be long before you see that he is incompetent! He has thrown me under the bus to BOSSwhile he smiles to my face. My civil rights have been violated in that room and I did contact a lawyer. I don't know what I will do yet. BOSS could have had the best of two worlds with me'; he could have had an artist and a tech guy but instead he kep the guy with the smile. It's only a matter of time before you see how incompetent SLEEZY PERSON is!"

I said this with 4 people in the room.

Heck, they only give out rank and serial number. I already have several great references from this place that I am going to use. I have ample reason to sue already. They won't mess with me.

You go!!! You got it all out!!! I have had a boss like that. He would always hire these very flirty young girls that didnt know anything. It was a pain for me. I feel ya

I was at my last job for 3 years and 3 women called HR on him for sexual harrassment all 3 women were transferred and nothing ever happened to him NOTHING!! I guess if you know the right people you can do whatever you want.