Breaking Free from Toxic Workplaces
A Traumatic Tale of Sexual Harassment
When sharing a harrowing experience, it’s often difficult to know where to begin. Do you start at the beginning, when innocence was lost, or towards the end, when the damage was done? For me, it began with a seemingly comfortable job at a non-profit organization that helped homeless people get back on their feet.
The Comfort Zone
I was in my early twenties, and this job was all I knew. I had saved enough to attend college, but I continued working full-time while pursuing my degree. The job was easy, but unfulfilling – I spent my days sorting used clothing items and tagging them for distribution. The pay was decent, with medical benefits and paid vacation days. My boss and his wife were in charge, but her lack of effort and constant vacation planning made the job stressful.
The Game-Changer
Things took a turn for the worse when a new employee was hired to help with donations. He was an older man, fit, and confident, and the older women in the department swooned over him. At first, his comments about my hair and body seemed harmless, but soon, they became inappropriate and uncomfortable. He would get too close, breathe on my neck, and make suggestive remarks. I felt trapped and sick to my stomach.
Nightmares and Fear
The nightmares started, filled with feelings of being trapped and too afraid to move. I finally confided in my mom and reported him to our boss. But instead of taking action, they blamed me, saying I provoked him with my dress and hairstyle. I was young, unmarried, and therefore, responsible for the harassment.
Escape and Redemption
I started looking for other jobs, desperate to escape the toxic environment. I finally landed a part-time job with a telemarketing company, despite the lack of benefits. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a way out. I didn’t bother with a two-week notice; I just left. Since then, I’ve had various jobs in retail and have worked as a freelance writer. I’ve learned to recognize the signs of a toxic workplace and to quit before it’s too late.
Celebrating Freedom
It’s been seven years since I left that horrible job, and I celebrate my Quitting Anniversary every year. I’ve learned that it’s better to work anywhere else than a place that doesn’t value your safety or treat you like a person. Today, I work part-time jobs on the side, but I’ve found freedom and confidence in my writing career.
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