I was let go - in serious need of advice

[Faye]

Has anyone ever tried so hard at their job that the outcome wasn't what was planned? I was a good customer service representative. I had always upselled, my attitude was upbeat and I always kept busy. The matter was that I didn't appreciate the managers for how they managed. I never let them know this, but they could see how I felt after I did not enjoy how one of the managers put my signed note on the board in our office, explaining that one of the nightly chores were not done from the night before. (I was told to write a note, after noticing my ice bins were not filled at ALL, the morning after people were supposed to.) I took my note down; I did not want it up there. I would have rather a manager take the issue into his/her hands; my manager told me that if the note is taken down, she's going to forget about the complaint. I told her if that was her choice, fine. The message I got was: "Stop complaining. I have no time for this." I told my assistant managers that this would only cause hate between other staff members or wouldn't help anyone to do a better job (because no one would commit to pointing the finger, as we were all friends) - either way, not a good work environment.

So now, favouritism is totally gone. They are looking at a way to fire me. Perfect. A misunderstanding happens between co-workers. This brings the two asst-managers to speak with me in their office. They've already made up theirs minds that I was in the wrong, without asking "So what happened, between you and her?" They say that my attitude isn't what it used to be like. They create these lies, telling me that you did this, this, this and this, (one 'this' being that I told a customer to make up his/her mind), without giving me dates as to when this happened. HAD it happened, that is bad managing on their part for not talking to me about the misconduct the day of. I was extremely hurt. This came out of nowhere. I wasn't even given a written complaint. It felt like grade school all over again. Extreme bullying, I tell you.

So after the long weekend, I get back into town but I am an hour late on the Sunday that passed (I figured I wasn't in trouble, as I called to warn them that there was major traffic on the highway and they let people who are supposed to be done at 6 leave at 5 anyway when another person arrives (for the shift at 5pm). Boy was I wrong. My boyfriend, who was the one driving, keeps saying that he is partly to blame. I just keep telling him that I'd rather have him than them.

Has anyone, here, ever been treated unfairly? It was like I tried too hard and they could see it, so they let me go.

How do I get a job now? I've had my past job for 2 years. What do I tell my potential employer?

[jerseygirl]

I'm sorry, Faye. I would just tell any potential employer you're looking for more advancement, or you felt your skills weren't growing there, or something like that. Employers do not as a rule give bad references anymore, they usually are bound by company ploicies to just say that you worked there and no longer do. Best of luck to you - maybe you will find there was a reason this happened.

[Faye]

I can't stop these nightmares. I thought a few days away would help. It did, until I got home last night. This morning I woke up from a dream, where this certain co-worker with more seniority was being paid for exercising to a video, while I was cleaning the floors. I feel so abused and the only one to blame is myself for putting up with it; the managers were very unprofessional. I should have quit.

I hope to find something else, soon. Thanks jerseygirl.

[someoneoutthere]

Faye, I don't have anything to say. I am just so sorry to hear you are going through this crap. I hope it gets better for you soon, and that you find the most amazing job you have ever had.

[Faye]

Thank you, someoneoutthere. I'm looking forward to some changes. I have my parents bashing the job, saying that I am above it (with my degree in English Lit). I don't know if that's helping or hurting my esteem - or just plain rude, as there are a lot of people who would be happy to have the minimum-wage job. I certainly was content. Unemployment is high, where I live.

I have learned that I should NEVER argue or say that I don't agree with a manager. If I don't like how things swing, get out ASAP.