“I was the Comptroller and Human Resource Manager at a company where I worked for 12 years. The bullying began almost immediately. In my first week, a senior employee — now a local legislator — sent me inappropriate messages commenting on my appearance. This behavior was common; many women had a “do-not-wear” pile of clothing to avoid unwanted comments. Although the owners would sometimes call him out, they laughed it off and ignored the ongoing harassment.
Throughout my time there, I experienced discrimination and gender bias. Women were paid less than men, even in similar roles, and were expected to earn their value over time. Men were paid market value immediately. Women were burdened with extra, often demeaning, responsibilities like planning parties, cleaning up after male coworkers, or handling calls — while men socialized, hunted, or dined together and called it “work.” Women were excluded from important conversations and treated as afterthoughts.
Women were paid less than men, even in similar roles, and were expected to earn their value over time. Men were paid market value immediately. Women were burdened with extra, often demeaning, responsibilities like planning parties, cleaning up after male coworkers, or handling calls — while men socialized, hunted, or dined together and called it “work.”
In my final month, the situation escalated dramatically. I was harassed and assaulted seven times. One employee repeatedly showed up at my house and made inappropriate comments in front of my children. Another coworker slapped me on the backside at a company golf outing. When I brought this behavior to the CEO’s attention, he dismissed it — stating he’d only act if the incidents occurred on company property. He later lied to the Department of Human Rights, claiming he had handled the situation immediately, when in fact, the harassment continued even after my complaints.
Despite a spotless 12-year record with no write-ups, I was eventually terminated — accused of being “too sensitive” and “defiant” for finally standing up for myself. Discrimination and retaliation were clear, but when I filed complaints with the Department of Human Rights and the EEOC, the company’s lawyer steamrolled the process. I had no legal representation, and my concerns were dismissed.
As a white woman in my 40s with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, the impact was devastating. I drained my 401k to survive. I cried constantly, lost trust in everyone, and still live in fear of losing my current job. My children have suffered financially and emotionally as well.
When I filed complaints with the Department of Human Rights and the EEOC, the company’s lawyer steamrolled the process. I had no legal representation, and my concerns were dismissed.
I’m now in counseling and on multiple medications to manage the trauma. I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts, but I’m still here. I want to see real legislation passed to protect employees like me — laws that actually hold companies accountable for abuse and harassment. That would bring a sense of justice and healing not only for me but for countless others.
To anyone experiencing workplace bullying: don’t give up. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is rest and let others carry the fight for a while. When you’re ready, stand up again and give what you can. Together, we can help protect future generations from the same pain.”