This past week, I was reprimanded at work—verbally, of course. They never put anything in writing.
No, I didn’t do anything outrageous. I sent an email about IT problems in the office. Since the IT guy was scheduled to stop by, I wrote that I needed something fixed.
The horror. Apparently, writing “I need” instead of “we need” is a big enough deal to warrant a call from my boss.
To clarify: the IT problems were specific to me. I was the one whose internet wasn’t working. I was the one using my personal hotspot and personal cell phone to get work done.
Still, my boss looked me in the eye and told me it was inappropriate to write “I.” I asked if she was serious. She was.
But wait—there’s more.
Last month, I got pulled aside because “someone” heard me say I had maxed out my vacation days and needed to start using them. That was apparently gossip-worthy.
This is a pattern. I keep getting spoken to—always verbally, never formally—about things “someone” heard me say.
What’s strange is that this is not a terrible place to work. Most people are kind, helpful, and just trying to do their jobs. But management? That’s another story.
Ironically, my annual review was glowing, and my bonus was great. So, clearly, I’m doing something right. Right?
We even did harassment training earlier this year. It had a section on bullying and toxic behavior. I guess some folks in management skipped that part.
Let me be clear:
- Is this nitpicking? Yes.
- Is it creating a culture of fear and second-guessing? Absolutely.
- Is it starting to feel toxic? More and more.
- Am I being targeted? It really feels like it.
- Why? I honestly have no idea.
This is a private, family-owned company. I’m not a threat. I’m not gunning for anyone’s job. I just want to do my work, collect my paycheck, and go home to my dog.
When my boss called me about the email, I said what I’ve been thinking: “This feels like harassment.” I asked that future complaints be formal and in writing.
Not holding my breath on that one.
So now I’m wondering:
Do I just show up this week and wait for whatever “someone” says next?
Do I say nothing?
Do I start documenting everything and protect myself?
I don’t know the answer yet. But I do know this: I’m not crazy. And I’m not alone.
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