On a Serious Note...

It is sad that in today's culture there is no protection for non-unionized workers against workplace bullying. I feel like I am a pretty strong natured person and I have a pretty thick hide.  It takes a LOT to really get to me.  I've complained about my job in the past but it was always trivial "boo hoo I didn't get promoted" or "this new policy sucks" stuff.  Not the case this time.  I've never really experienced panic attacks and stress induced nausea until recently.  My GM has literally made me terrified and uncomfortable to go to work.  And this is never okay.

Though my former GM and I had our moments where we did not see eye to eye, under no circumstances did he ever falsify my job performance, spread rumors about my alleged resignation or attempt to intimidate me into quitting.  My new GM has decided to act to the contrary.  All because he heard I applied for a job elsewhere.

Am I pissed I was passed up again for a promotion?  Of course.  However, I solved it by reflecting on what I wanted in life.  I decided my current job was never going to make me happy promoted or not.  I decided on a different profession entirely that would require a little more schooling.  Did I decide to apply to other companies? You betcha! But my job performance has not decreased one bit.  Every other manager in the store seems to admire my performance.

However, my GM apparently did not see it this way.  He decided to sit me down in our conference room to tell me that the department I work in is imploding and it is essentially my fault.  Interesting how a measly line level employee can be responsible for the follies of an ENTIRE department.  Why not go to the supervisor? Oh, because he left just in the nick of time.  Right before the department where he would actively try to pit one employee against the other imploded.  But, I'm seeking other employment so it must be my fault.

In addition, he attempted to rewrite history and tell me I was not a good employee.  Really?  Interesting considering I make all of my stupid little goals you have and do as I'm expected.  But, per his instruction, it isn't good enough to do your job.  I'm fairly certain that excelling in your current position and not trying to exceed expectations is not grounds for disciplinary action.

It's funny that a week ago I had been called the reason for the improvement in the department.

So, I contacted my HR department.  I'm not sure what I had hoped to accomplish by this, they rarely speak English and frequently ignore employee complaints.  As I suspected, I called and got someone who sounded as though he had recently learned the basics of English.  After I gave my statement, which I had carefully prepared immediately after the initial bullying incident, all he took from this was that I "did not like my GM."  Look, I don't like a lot of people, but why would I waste my time contacting HR for this?  If this guy understood English, maybe he would have grasped the key concept - that I feel I am being bullied into resigning.

So why be a Debbie Downer in my blog?  Well, sometimes when I'm stressed and feeling overwhelmed it helps to get it out - publicly.  Also, I want any leaders out there to really think about how their tendencies to gossip and their tactics to get someone to quit really impact the psyche of that employee.  Especially an employee who has given exemplarily service for 6 years.  And finally, if I have any legally minded friends who can help me understand my rights and options, that would be awesome.  I honestly don't think I can take another day.....