Today I Feel Free
 

Some of you may know, but for those who don't, I have been the subject of bullying for the past 5 months at work. Although I can't necessarily prove it, I feel that it stemmed from jealousy. You see... I am passionate about the field I work in (Healthcare) and I love helping people. This tends to get me to go above and beyond what is called for to help another in need. This also leads me to get various awards and acclimation's from time to time. However, recently I have been getting more and is why I have been receiving the brunt of passive-aggressive behavior and jealousy from a few co-workers.

Today I was fired. The bullies won. Although, I should be down and out (which may come later) I am actually 'ok' with it and relieved to be out of a hostile work environment. The downside is that I have been at this company for 5 years and cannot use them as a reference or receive unemployment. Healthcare is what I am in school for and I am sure it will present it's challenges in the future when I re-enter the workplace. I graduate in 8 months. All of my experience and various skills are from this company that I can no longer use as a reference.

Still, I am relieved. Relieved to be out of a hostile work environment, dredging going to work. To be free from the micro-management of haters watching your every move and able to do more of the things I never had time for because work/school/sleep was all I had time for.

I am glad I have been saving every penny and will not have a financial burden for a long time. I have been planning and pre-planning every move from now up to a year after I graduate. For the most part nothing has changes but, my house payment will have to wait. I also brought in the New Year with Over-time so, I'm way ahead. I am in a union so, for once maybe they will do something and set me up with another job somewhere.

Anyway, just venting, but finally... I have the time to devote to my Yorkie. So, I may be getting one sooner than later. It's funny how things work out sometimes. :)

I can't say I'm sorry that you lost your job in this economy because it sounds like you are finally free!!! Take away from that job and situation what you can, try to forget the ugly part and grow and get on with your life. Really passionate people often aren't understood by everyone but I'll bet soon that passion, kindness, hard work and good ideas will get you great rewards at just the right place with the right boss. So enjoy your newfound freedom and that Yorkie of yours and keep up the idea of helping others.

You sound like you have a great attitude! How did the girl with awards get fired though and the bullies get to keep their jobs?? Arrrggg sounds like another case of "the squeaky wheel gets the oil." Its not fair that you were not rewarded by your hard work and dedication and they obviously were rewarded for being jerks. :( But I am soooo glad you are free of that negative place and looking forward to your bright future. I can tell by your positive attitude that you ARE going to have a bright future too! :)

It just means you will find something much better
When one door closes another opens

I am glad you are free. But PLEASE talk to the union and sit down right now and document everything that happen! I would not sue or anything but protect your good name as best as you can.

I worked in a very bulling school for several years... the bully was my principal. It was like living in the times of Hitler or Cuba (of course on a much smaller scale) it really was hard. She was transferred this year... now my work is a much happier place:) So I do understand

Thanks everyone. I will be talking with the union. I am not sure what they can do if anything. I just wonder what to say to future perspective employers because I really shouldn't act as if I have NEVER worked for this place. I will need to list them on my resume and explain why I was terminated.

Sorry to hear about your job loss but understand the feeling free. I was "downsized" 7 years ago after 33 years and for similar reasons. The relief was immense to be out of a micromanaged, bullying environment. I would apply for unemployment just in case you are eligible. Also, technically all a former employer can verify is the dates you worked there and if they would rehire you. In this work economy, many people have lost jobs and I think employers are used to seeing terminations on resumes. I am glad you are financially able to make it for awhile with out the stressful job.

I am so sorry that you were let go. It is sad what you went through. Former employers can only verify that you worked there. They can not say you were fired or why. What might be better is if you can get a letter of reference. Then you can just give it to the next place you apply to . Then usually they do not even call

Wow, you have a very positive attitude! I was in a similar situation at one time. I walked out after talking to my boss about the situation. To make a long story short, the aggressor was fired! I returned to work but it was still uncomfortable as her cohorts were still there. I eventually found another position that I loved until I quit to tend to my grandchildren. I wish you the best of luck in the future!

I have to... I can't feel any other way. I was being tortured, but tried to hang in there. It didn't work out. It's sad that I can't use it as a reference though.

Been there done that...it is a freeing feeling is it not?? From my experience...be up front and honest about the firing w prospective employers..even why you feel you were fired. They key is to let the prospective employer know what you learned from the situation and/or what you would do different...I was offered three different jobs by being open and upfront about the firing...they all said it was because I learned and grew from a bad situation.

Oh and you maybe can't use your employer as a reference but you may have some co workers or other professionals you worked with that you could use as a reference...again that is what I did.

Yes I certainly plan on being open and honest with any potential employers. I am currently working on some fellow employee references. have pretty strong references and a few are government officials, but I don't have and in my field because I never needed any. So that is what I am going to work on now.

It's funny because all of my friends and co-workers that I spoke with all say they are not worried for me. They know what I am about and I will be just fine and truly positive things. This is without me even telling them i'm 'ok' with it. My bullies need to watch out because a lot of people are not happy with them. I wouldn't be surprised that we end up on the same unemployment line.

Sounds bittersweet... Glad you are away from the nasty people, but sorry you lost your job. You do sound organized and prepared and bet something great is going to come your way after you finish with your classes.

Thank you. I sure hope something good is coming and soon enough! :) Your is ADORABLE.