Workplace Culture

Greetings everyone,

I hope you are all well today. I have probably mentioned this before in other discussions. I have worked in some capacity since the age of 13 in various industries. I work incredibly hard, as I put my all into everything I do. I am also someone who would do anything for anyone. The longest job I have worked at is my current one, which is 13 and a half years. While I have moved around to other offices and units during that time, I have been in my current position for nearly nine months. For the most part, I love my job. It is the best role I ever had. I am also doing something in my field, which is even better.

I am a firm believer that everything in life has good and bad qualities. This role is no different. A majority of the people I work with are great, especially those whom I work closest with. However, there are some individuals who are difficult to work with. One person in particular is unpleasant and has been so in my entire time at this office. My interactions with this person are so extreme that anytime I have to contact them, it turns into an issue. I have mentioned the situation to my superiors, but there is no improvement. Others have expressed similar sentiments about this person.

This person, a male speaks to me in a manner in which I am beneath him. I will work with anyone, however, the issues between me and this person heightened this past week after he did not like the way I responded to an email. He called me yelling, and trying to bait me into an argument. He tried to assert his so-called authority, which he has none over me. He was hostile, trying to threaten and he tried to scold me like a child. At this point, Houston, we have a major problem. I take a lot from people, and I go out of my way to keep the peace, especially at work. See, my grandmother always told me “not to react, let God handle it.” I try to live by that.

Sadly, this is not my first rodeo with bullying or a toxic work culture, and I am sure it won’t be the last. I can tell I have grown as a person, because of the difference in how I handle it. I speak up for myself and advocate in ways I never did before. I know that I have my issues and flaws, but everything I do is pretty calculated. Many people don’t agree with the way I handle things, and that is fine. I am not everyone’s cup of tea, and I am okay with that. I am unapologetically me. I will not change to suit anyone or back down.

I am often told about how beautiful my spirit is. I am people-oriented and empathic. No matter what, I try to do right by people. I treat everyone the way I want to be treated. I try to be what I wish people were to me. I promise you I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and make it work. I am a team player, and I firmly believe in the mission of the organization plus the populations we serve. However, when I am fed up, my attitude and demeanor change. I am told that when I am angry, I am scary. Let me be clear, it takes a lot to make me angry. I try hard not to get to that point.

The whole situation I am currently facing in my role makes me sad because I have been saying the same thing for months. I hate drama with a passion. I rather spend my time focusing on work instead of foolishness. I hate trivial matters. I believe in productivity. I am so quiet that people never know when I am working or not. I want to keep it that way. I do not want to cause problems for anyone. However, when it calls for it, I will react. I am more calm and tame than I used to be. Due to my kind, easy-going nature, people see me as an easy target. People think I am weak, which I am not. I have experienced so much in the time I have been in the workforce. I can tell you various stories.

Working so much, I have experienced my share of horrible jobs. It is my dream to become an entrepreneur. One of those ventures will be a Human Resources consulting firm. I had horrible, unqualified bosses too. I have seen lots of nepotism in the workplace too. I have had other conflicts with co-workers in the past. I have been lied on. One woman in a past role used to complain about how I typed. One of the best blessings I ever received was the ability to telework, which I love. In my opinion, it decreases the office politics.

The point of this topic is simple: there will always be people who you don’t mesh with, especially at work. Work is challenging for a number of reasons. It is all about how you deal with it. Stay true to yourself and always do your best. Rise above adversity. Keep growing. I hope this story touched you today. Do not be intimidated or back down. Work hard and focus on the task at hand. Do fall victim to bullying. Stay professional and display decorum. Lastly, handle things accordingly. Document everything. Know the policies and regulations of workplace bullying.

Stay strong. Peace and blessings. I love you all.

❤ Rayne Elise ❤