I need some good energy to come my way PLLLLEEEAAASSSSEEEE

[oceanspirit]

I don't know how much more I can take. I need help from all of you to send some positive energy my way. I had an extremely rough day at work today. Again I had it out with my boss. We (about five of us) were in a meeting, regarding a publication I typeset. It was a brand new design and a bunch of us had a post mortum of how we thought it went. Everything seemed to be going so so, when the bitch editor decided that I should do a procedure that was totally against how I do my work. I told her no I was not going to do it that way, that it didn't make sense, and that it was a dangerous way to handle that type of publication. She kept arguing with me about it, and I held my ground that I would not do it HER way. My boss, yelled at me to calm down calm down. I wasn't really out of line (so I thought) but he made me angry, and I told him I was trying to make a point when everyone kept talking over me, (which they do often, see I'm the lowest on the totem pole there and my opinion doesn't matter) UNTIL, the head designer told my boss, she's right, she can't do it that way, it's suicide. blah blah blah. My boss immediately sided with the head designer (who happens to be a guy. (See, where I work, is a hierarchy of chauvinistic men). So when said designer said, She's right (me) he shut the hell up.
The play list consisted of, the d**khead boss, the head designer, the photographer, the editor (a woman) and a temp guy they've got until his job is ready in another department, and myself (typesetter).
The photographer, had to leave for a photo shoot, he excused himself (BTW, is one hell of a sweet guy), and left. When he left the room, the usual suspects all started trashing him big time, as they usually do. (what these idiots don't know is they all actually talk behind each others backs and rip each other apart) So anyways, photographer left, they started trashing him, I then spoke up, and said, you know, you guys are always trashing him behind his back, and it's not fair. You have no idea how overworked he is, how overstressed he is, and he was out sick yesterday and the day before yesterday with the stomach flu, and was Summonded to the VP's office today along with his supervisor to ream him out for being out sick for two days, when he had so much work to do. Now he has asked and asked for an assistant, NOPE, they'd rather keep hiring more and more writers, which we DON'T need. Anyways, as I was sticking up for R, (photographer), my lovely boss, tells me to SHUT UP, he kept yelling at me SHUT UP, D, shut up, you don't know what your talking about, you don't know anything, You think you know R, but you don't know anything, so SHUT UP. I screamed back to him, Steve, this conversation is over with, I don't want you to speak to me again today, I'm done with you. Well, now I will suffer the consequences of this tomorrow I'm sure. Today I worked a half a day, and had to go home, and clean and clean to get my anger out. (This is what I do to get frustration out) I called MorningGlow to see what was now happening there, while I was gone. Only to find out that they're (the suspects from the meeting) drafting a letter to our VP, suggesting that I be taken off one of my biggest jobs because I'm unstable. (I've mentioned before I'm bipolar) My editor is apparently afraid of anyone classified with a "mental Illness". I don't know what her phobia is about it, but apparently it's pretty big. She had done this on many other occasions. Wrote to my boss, suggesting that I'm not stable enough to do my job. (bitch) The negativity is just pouring out of that damn place, and it's toxicity is just oozing all over the place.
MorningGlow is the only smart one among us there. She's out of there in a week. I can not afford to quit my job, nor will I be forced out because of these assholes.
I'm in desperate need of some good energy to come my way. If any of you out there have any 'connections" please please send some my way. I feel like I'm drowning.
I appreciate anything you have to offer and to help me.
Thank you all very much
O8)

[MorningGlow]

1. She's right, y'all

Today was probably one of the worst days in the history of that place--it's imploding. And you know, in a weird way, it's fascinating to watch. The negativity is just feeding on itself--and I think the result will actually be a black hole!

:rofl:

Seriously, though, for the sensitives among us--me, OceanSpirit, the photographer, and one or two others--it's deadly, because we are so heavily affected by it all and we internalize so much of it, plus we "don't play that way"--our very natures reject behaving the way the other folks at work do, and that creates major amounts of conflict, which isn't healthy.

OceanSpirit and I had a long talk this afternoon and I recommended that she appeal to the board for help manifesting whatever she wants, because this crowd is so good at it! However, she's not sure what she wants yet. She "knows" with her head that she should manifest a better job so she can leave, but she still wants to stay and fight, if only to drive the management bonkers. I know how she feels; I went through that phase. It will pass--as it should, because it's not worth our health (mental, physical, spiritual)--they will not change, and we should not sacrifice ourselves, throwing ourselves against such an inpenetrable brick wall.

So I'm sending white light and love to OceanSpirit, to support her in this difficult time, and bring her whatever she needs for the good of all and the free will of all.

So Mote It Be!

[BlueIris]

2. Okay, I will think positive thoughts.

Cassiepriam sometimes tells people to ask their guides for support during times like these. That's been helping me lately. You might want to do that, even if you don't feel like you're in touch with them.

[lildreamer316]

3. I will send light that the best

for all concerned happens...and surround you in light.
Breathe; and breathe some more. In the quiet the answers will come...........:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

4. First off, oceanspirit, a BIG (((HUG))) to you!

Lordy, I've worked in some bad places, but yours beats anything I've had by a mile. (Another BIG (((HUG))).

One thing I learned to do, which helped me enormously, is to encase myself in white light. I am, fortunately, not faced with a bunch of negative people right now, but when I have been, I would do a short meditation before I had to be with them, imagining myself surrounded by protective white light that would keep the negativity from getting to me and harming my spirit. You might want to give that a try.

And, to add to the fortification, I am sending you lots of protective and healing white light, and thoughts for a more positive situation (however that plays out) to come your way very soon.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Why Syzygy]

5. First of all ..

isn't it illegal to discriminate due to mental illness?
There's a little thing called 'Americans with Disabilities Act'. I'm not real familiar with the ins and outs, but if they deny you work simply due to "unstable", which supposedly is due to bipolar, they are outside the law. > http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

What I have done with mean spirited people is envision them in a bubble or flame. Change the color around until it feels right, or try all the colors. In my experience, this neutralizes the negative effects they have on you. Some grounding work (or talk to a Capricorn) can help also. Stella posts her lovely Energy 8 exercise, which is grounding and uplifting at the same time. You don't have to sink to their level. I was recently in a situation in which I got wrapped up in a little drama action, thought I was right at the time, but upon reflection realize I reacted to someone else's irrational behavior rather than taking a step back and taking a calmer approach. Choose your battles. The work they are trying to deny you certainly sounds like a valid battle.

I thank Spirit that you are above the fray, that you have the courage to stand up for yourself and that you have joined our spiritual group to advance your spiritual growth. I ask that the situation be wrapped in harmony and gentleness. I ask that you receive wisdom on the best course of action to serve your highest good and that of all involved. And so it is.

edit: And watching this won't hurt >
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=245&topic_id=35436&mesg_id=35436

[rumpel]

6. there seem to be an awful lot of huge egos

and powertrips to deal with...Certainly none of which are productive in a creative environment. It seems a true leader is needed and the wrong person is given that task.
..and all that negative energy will be visible in the end product.

I will send you light and good vibes for a solution and the best outcome you envision...

[Why Syzygy]

7. You might also be

feeling a lot of uncertainty since MG will be leaving. :grouphug:
Everything will be okay.

[LaurenG]

8. You deserve better.

I hope you realize that wherever you go, you do deserve better. I had to leave a job for similar reasons, I ended up working at McDonald's for a couple of weeks while I was looking for another job.

I hope you do what you have to to protect yourself. I hope you can take the attitude that they are not coming from a good place and the "leader" is teaching them all how to behave.

I am sending you love and light. :hug:

[oceanspirit]

9. Oh my Gosh

You guys are sooooo wonderful. The responses I got were wonderful. I'm taking each one of them and going to put them to good use. With your help and my determination, I know I will get through this rough spot. votesomemore, you could be right about MG. I am nervous about her leaving here. I KNOW in my heart she'll be better off. But gosh I'm going to miss her something awful. You don't know how many times we have these bitch sessions or these spiritual talks between the two of us. One is having a really rotten day, and the other helps to pick the other one up. I'm losing that support system. I am now doing this on my own as of next Wed, when MG leaves for good.
Don't get me wrong, she's doing the right thing. This place is a toxic waste hole, with nothing but negativity. I think I better bring up my shield and reflect the damn negativity coming my way in the coming weeks. The white light you're all sending me will certainly help as well.

Thank you to all. I love you all :love ya:

[I Have A Dream]

10. We need to manifest a wonderful new job for you, oceanspirit. You deserve to be...

appreciated, and you deserve (actually need) to work in a non-toxic environment, especially given your health issues. Stress is just about the worse possible thing that you can be exposed to with a bad back.

I will be sending you protective light and energy to help you to get through this.

:hug:

[Bluestar]

11. The legalities of this situation have not been discussed

Why not? If this "boss" yells at you and calls you stupid, he is guilty of harassment in the workplace. On the other hand, if you yelled back at him, it wouldn't really put a star in your corner if you go to court. My advice (30 years as a manager/executive)is to contact an attorney who specializes in workplace issues and fight back. You must be very honest about your actions as well as that of your boss.

The attorney can tell you if you have a case to sue these people. If it is a large company with employee and management policies in place, you have an excellent chance of getting a settlement which would allow you the time to find another job. These things are usually settled out of court because the complainant (you) can't afford to sit and wait until it goes to trial. Most companies reprimand the offending manager and offer to place you elsewhere in a comparable job. If that doesn't work, you would get enough of a severance package so you could find another job. Face it, he's not going to change so unless you want to continue in this manner you will have to leave. It is possible that if you start this process, the company would do something about the boss and fire him. Unfortunately, that is unlikely.

If it is a small company, there probably isn't a lawyer who would take the case as they work on contingency fees. Small companies get away with a lot that is illegal and are usually the worst offenders of employee abuse.

I realize the tone of this reply may sound blunt, but I'm just trying to be objective. It seems to me this is a better approach than continuing to be a victim to his bullying. Over my 30 years in business, I put up with a lot of illegal behavior from numerous bosses (male) and was too afraid to do anything. If it were today I wouldn't hesitate to sue. You shouldn't have to live with this.

Sending you love and light,
Bluestar

[oceanspirit]

18. Bluestar, without naming the company

it is a large place where I work. I've tried all the correct ways to fight back, but only makes me look more like an idiot. So for now, I sit back, shut my mouth, and pray and wait for something better to come along.

Last night my son, found a possible place for me to work. It's in the field I've been working for over 30 years. I'm going to send them my resume, and pray that I get a response from them. There are a couple of issues I do have with this place though. One. it's over an hour away from my home. 2. Its extremely intimidating. I can get over those if I just have a chance to meet with them and go through the plant.

I thank you for your advise. It is helpful, but unfortunely the way my present employer works, is not really playing by the rules or the laws. I do feel they are trying to find a way to dissolve my position there, and force me out that way. Oh well, if it's meant to be, then I have no control over it.

Thank you all

Oceanspirit

[Rock_Garden]

12. You now have good energy and good solutions - yeah!

You do a wonderful work in a wonderful way,
And receive for your efforts much wonderful pay.

That one always does the trick for me.

[I Have A Dream]

13. Very nice. That's one worth remembering!

:)

[Name removed]

14. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Why Syzygy]

15. I'm not a lawyer, but

I'm not sure you should write that letter. You might write one indicating you are willing to work in a professional team environment and fulfill your duties in your usual professional style, but no way would I call mea culpa. That's their out. Just doesn't sit well with me. Tell her you'll need to seek the advice of an attorney before you admit any culpability. imo

[I Have A Dream]

16. I was just going to say the same thing. Man, is her HR woman ever wicked!

It really seems to me that she's setting oceanspirit up so that they have something in writing to which she's admitted fault. Copy the VP?!! :rofl:

Be really careful here, oceanspirit! :(

:hug:

[hvn_nbr_2]

17. I totally agree.

As I read what the HR person wanted her to do, I was thinking, "She's advising OceanSpirit to inoculate the company against any potential lawsuit by admitting in writing that it's all her fault."