I admit that even now, when I have flashbacks of the moments experienced in this company, I feel disgust.
There was no real work to do, so I was given various tasks related to internal organization, just to keep me busy.
At the beginning, they seemed friendly, with broad smiles, ready to listen. I projected positive things onto them, while they were simply strategic with me.
I let my guard down and spoke in detail about what I was going through because of the leader’s behavior.
The woman in management who listened to me, with tears in her eyes, encouraged me to write a report and even gave me some guidance on how to make it as effective as possible, since the company does not tolerate bullying, harassment, or retaliation.
So I submitted the report, believing that the manager was trustworthy and true to her word.
A few hours later, the same manager called me into her office and, instead of protecting me and initiating an official investigation, she fired me—adding another layer of humiliation.
And if the whole scene wasn’t already surreal enough, at the end, after leaving me without a job, she said: “I hope you’re not upset with us.”
Later on, this manager also made a point of emphasizing that the leader had not been hired through connections, even though I had not raised that question.
What remains for me from this entire experience is a strong contrast between what is communicated and what actually happens in this company.
The experience was even more frustrating because there had been warning signs from the very beginning. An important aspect discussed during the offer interview changed on the very day the contract was signed.
It was an agreement that made a difference in my decision to accept the offer, because for me the person I work with is as important as the salary. I was not asked beforehand whether I was comfortable with this change. Instead of an experienced leader, as discussed, I ended up with a newly hired one who ridiculed me from the very first days.
The feeling I was left with is not one of learning or growth. It is simply disgust.
