Just Quit My Job... At 4:47 am EST

[lucky_bunni]

I just made a big move. I've been in the most terrible job for the last two months and the moment has been coming. I received another job offer today and couldn't sleep tonight thinking that I had to go back in tomorrow, much less one more week. I'm a little concerned financially because my new job won't start for another week. I had to do it though, that job it making me the most miserable I've ever been. The people are aweful, unprofessional, sexist, and crude - including my boss. Literally everyone in the company minus 2-3 people are complete uneducated white trash. They constantly made gay jokes, boss included, right out in the open. I have heard the "f" word for gays multiple times in the past two months. Being gay, I just couldn't deal with it one more day. I had typed my resignation out for next week, but I just sent it via e-mail. I didn't have any other option... sit up all night only to go to work from 9-6 tomorrow?? I hope I've made the right decision to do it now.

 

[N.Bailey]

It sounds like a good sexual harassment case to me. I'm not sure you want to push it, but I'm pretty sure you'd have a good case. If you don't go that route, I'm 100% certain you made the right decision by separating yourself from that crap. That behavior by your co-workers is absolutely appalling an no one should have to tolerate it!

Good luck to you!

 

[Gaspode]

Good for you!

I hope the new job turns out to be the one you deserve - much, much better!

No one should have to put up with all that c**p


Gaspode

 

[lucky_bunni]

Thanks for your support. I thought about the sexual harassment thing, but didn't know if I could take it anywhere because it's a gay thing. Do gays really have rights like that? It's only been two months, but after being in that environment my mind is so mixed up.

 

[N.Bailey]

Oh my yes. Why would you think you're not covered because you're gay? I don't know what an attorney might say and what type of evidence he'd want, if any, but it definitely sounds like harassment to me!

 

[mickeyfan1]

Everyone has the right to work in an atmosphere that is free of harassment. Even if you were not gay, that type of behaviour can be considered harassment. You can contact the EEOC and file a complaint and they should look into it. Even if you don't want anything, the employer needs to know that his behavoir and that of the other employees in illegal.

Good luck at the upcoming job.

 

[Gaspode]

Hiya

I agree with NBailey. Definitely harrasment and I can't see why you wouldn't have a case if you wanted to go that route. IMHO though, considering how stressful you've found it all, you might not want to take that route, but if you do, more good wishes for that too!

Take care,
Gaspode

 

[lucky_bunni]

I just don't understand, how could everyone have been in on the harassment in this company. I mean, obviously what goes on their doesn't bother anyone else enough to quit. It wasn't just gay targeted, it was targeted to the women also. The men constantly said suggestive things to most of the women working there.

Who would I contact to file a complaint and how involved would it be? Would it involve ever having contact with the company again? Now that you guys have said somethings I almost feel obligated to do something for the sake of something else who might be or will work there.

 

[stemikger]

I work for a large law firm in New York (I'm not a lawyer). But my point is the firm i work for actually gives classes about what is and what is not appropriate to say in the office. The reason they do this is because of law suits. They are not doing it for any other reason, so therefore, it is not o.k. to be harassed directly or indirectly, straight or gay.

Good luck whether you pursue it or not. And remember people like that create their own karma.

 

[mickeyfan1]

A lot of people are afraid to file a compliant for fear of being fired. And a lot of bosses at small companies realize it and are crude and rude because they think nothing will happen. You need to document if possible.

 

[lucky_bunni]

Originally posted by mickeyfan1
A lot of people are afraid to file a compliant for fear of being fired. And a lot of bosses at small companies realize it and are crude and rude because they think nothing will happen. You need to document if possible.

Document, as in try to recall the specific instances. Or should I have been document things all along?

Some background. I came over to this company from 4 years and Gap. Gap was absoluately non-tolerent of anything inappropriate in the workplace. So it has been the most shocking 2 months of my career being with this company. It makes me sad because the company, I'll just say it's name - Specialized Bicycle -, is well know for it's high end bikes. It's not a huge company, but it's not "mom and pop" either.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Since you already quit, you will need good memories. But this brings up an important fact. Anytime you are working and feel that you are being harassed, and this is ALL of you, go to a supervisor and report it. If you don't feel comfortable with that, go to HR, or someone higher. A company should know that if they fire someone for complianing, it makes them look even worse when the person goes to a lawyer or the EEOC or both. If you do report it, document when and to whom, and what was discussed. It will always be he said/she said, so the more information and facts that can be provided, the better.

Don't count on anyone in the company to help you out at this point, either. They may feel too intimidated and fearful. But do find someone who will look into it for you, a lawyer or the EEOC. EEOC complaints are taken very seriously. And I believe that you don't need legal representation to file.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Having been in a situation where going into work every day for 6 months was torture, I understand how awful you must have felt. I was lucky, I new it was temporary.

Please don't feel this is somehow your fault OR your fight.

Start a collection of memories in a word document or even on paper. Then even if you don't file a lawsuit, if you are stressed in 6 months and wondering if you made the right decision reread your notes and you'll feel better.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just wishing you good wishes ahead, lucky_bunni, and sorry you had this past experience, a bummer for sure. My best.

 

[Pooh67_68]

No advice, just

 

[jimmytammy]

I hope things work out for you and you can move past this and move on with your life. Maybe look at the coming week as an opportunity to meditate and reflect. It may provide some positive opportunities for you. Good luck in your new job!

 

[Grog]

I just don't understand, how could everyone have been in on the harassment in this company.

I wish I could remember the details, but I saw something on TV, maybe a couple of years ago, about a gay stockbroker who was harrased constantly where he worked by a lot of the employees. His boss feigned sympathy, but it turned out that his boss was in on it too. The people there even went so far as to paint derogatory comments on his car. From what you have said, you probably did the right thing in getting out of there, even if it is only a week earlier than planned. Good luck with whatever you decide to do

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by N.Bailey
It sounds like a good sexual harassment case to me. I'm not sure you want to push it, but I'm pretty sure you'd have a good case. If you don't go that route, I'm 100% certain you made the right decision by separating yourself from that crap. That behavior by your co-workers is absolutely appalling an no one should have to tolerate it!

Good luck to you!

ITA You should not have to put up with that at work. I personally think you should go after them for harrassment.

 

[Serena]

I wish the best with your new job.

 

[Disneymomma]

Good Luck to you! My brother just moved to Ohio this year and has been really shocked at some of the attitudes and behavior he has encountered there. I am sorry you had to go through this, it will get better for you!