Posted on 11/28/2006 by Liberated in Indiana
Viewed: 345 times
I am writing to see if I have any solid foundation to stand on. I quit my 8 year long job last Tuesday after years of working under my boss's wife, who holds the title of "Office Manager" for a Dental Office in Indiana. I, as well as my other co-workers have endured countless times of verbal, mental and even "minor" physical abuse. She is very hot-tempered and not a "people person". she is constantly blowing up and biting our heads off and then 2 minutes or 2 days later, coming back to say how sorry she is. She feels and actually has stated that she can do anything she wants because "she owns the place". Her physical abuse consists of a jab in the arm or the back of the head if you make a mistake or just plain do something she doesn't like. A truly painful example of her inability to deal with employees occurred last January when my Father committed suicide. I got the call at work and one afternoon and in my state of shock, still thought to call our 2nd office to let my boss or her know that I had to leave immediately. (We have 2 offices that the Doctor would split his time between. On the days he is there, some of us stay at the other office to do office work, etc.) When I called, my co-worker and good friend informed me that she (my Office Mgr.) was at an appointment but not to worry, that she would track her down and let her know what had happened. She was just concerned for me (my friend, of course). So I left the office to face what would be one of the most difficult times in my life. Before I even got home, my cell phone rang and it was my Boss's wife. She proceeded to let me know the "chain of command" for requesting time off and that by telling my co-worker, instead of her that I needed to leave, I was technically "abandoning my job" and not acceptable and that she could let me go for that, but she was going to excuse it this time. At that time, I had been on the job for about 7 years. I had definately "payed my dues". Then, 2 days after my Father's service (less than 1 full week of time off) she called me at home to see if I would come back to work earlier than I had originally requested off!! (I only took 2 weeks off to deal with this trauma!!)
Her tantrums continued as usual...pen throwing, door slamming, threatening us with our paychecks...too much to keep mentioning.
PLEASE!!!!!SOMEONE TELL ME I AM JUSTIFIED AND THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO ENDURE THIS TYPR OF TREATMENT IN THE WORKPLACE!!!
POST A COMMENTavid reader(11/29/2006)
Oh my lord you are absolutely positively most certainly 1000 percent entitled to feel that way. What an insensitive cruel woman you have tolerated! Fortuantely you have been blessed with humane and understanding coworkers. But really...you need some distance from this severely toxic person. She is going to suck you dry. Please consider a new job for your own health. I am so sorry these things were a part of your life. =( Know that you have at least one person's support and that I am thinking of you in this small world we call the internet. =)
Dharmadee(11/29/2006)
I am truly sorry that you had to endure this treatment. YES, you are justified in leaving there, you probably stood it for much longer than most people could have. It sounds to me like you are a very nice person, who tends to be forgiving and look for the best in people. Although my experience has been bad at times, too -I know there are good people out there, and I hope that you will find a better work-place environment. You did the right thing...you deserve better than this.
SouthernProgrammer(11/30/2006)
Of course there is no way you should have to be treated like that! You are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress brought on by your fathers suicide and the inhumane way you have been treated at work! The very thought of this person calling you on your cell phone to BERATE you right after you get word of your fathers action shows what a twisted self-serving individual she is. "Oh forget about the trauma in your life! You did not contact ME ME ME!" You mention physical abuse by this person, that alone is terms for a lawsuit as the situation would be a worker getting abused by a manager. You are much better off without being there but you may be entitled for some compensation for counseling due to the PTS. You may want to talk to a lawyer. Good for you for quitting. Sometimes that is the hardest step for people to take (myself included). I think this is due to the fact most people hope the situation will improve. But as long as these "Toxic Annies" are in our work place...it won't and sometimes the sane ones have to leave.
WalkingInMyOwnShoes(11/30/2006)
If possible google the laws in your state, then decide if talking to a lawyer is the right thing to do. I found out that anything construed as "bumping" and it's consequences is legal where I am at. There was a lot of so called physical "bumping" and resulting work injury aggravated by even more 'bumping' going on.
Victoria(12/14/2006)
Gracious yes. - I would find out right away - you can call a lawyer and get free feedback/counseling prior to retaining one, r/t process for filing against this woman/organization that fosters her. You sound like you qualify for PTD and related-damage and need to begin NOW to think back and document in your PC or a journal, related events. - For instance, I was injured and keep a daily journal of injury-related pain. Otherwise, the days will slip by you and become a blur. You need to be as specific as you can and let your lawyer know about dates. Also, if you need to see doctor/therapist, etc. Document! - Anyway, I believe a good lawyer will sense that an honest lawsuit lies in your future. Take courage. I just quit my job and am busy, each day making a list and fulfilling it, scaling down my lifestyle financially, etcetera. If you take spiritual solace and trust that you were guided to this wise decision you will rightfully feel the pride you should in yourself. - I am proud of you and I don't even know you! You are in my prayers. Your's in Christmas. Victoria
In Defense of Fair Play(12/23/2006)
Under Indiana Labor Laws that consitutes a "hostile work environment" and is TOTALLY illegal. If you have kept a diary of dates and times and if others are willing to collaborate these offenses then you should report them to your local Labor Board or contact an attorney that deals in these matters. Remember, there are solutions to these problems and if you aren't part of the solution then you become part of the problem. To often tyrants like these are left to continue their birrage of abuse because people are afraid to stand for what is right. Let me know if I can help in the legal process should you choose to go that route.
twiz (11/28/2006)
I probably would have left A LOT sooner than you did! At least from my experience, the typical workplace is NOT like that. Hope your job hunting is going well!
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