Is it even worth fighting?

[Anonymous]

Kind of a long story, but I'll try to summarize best I can. I've worked at my current job for 6 years and things were pretty great. Until a year ago when they hired a new manager. He didn't know how to do anything, really, so I spent a couple of months showing him how to do the work. (Not a great start when you're teaching your boss how to do their job.)

That was all fine until he makes a mistake that costs the business a couple hundred dollars. Not all that big a deal in the grand scheme of things and it was an honest mistake. But I'm not his boss, so I don't want to be the one to confront him about it. So I go to another manager, explain the situation, and say "Hey, you may need to let him know how this is supposed to be done."

So the new manager calls me a liar, removes the records of it (even though multiple people had already seen it), and from that point on really has it out for me. Over the course of the year, he's cut my hours and given them to his friend who was part-time. He's specifically told me to do something and then written me up for following his instructions. He's changed my schedule last-minute without informing of the change and then written me up for not showing up on the days I had no idea bout. I've gotten a write-up for bs every couple of months since this event, when I had no issues for 5 years before.

I was thinking about filing a harassment or retaliation complaint with HR, but I'm not sure it's worth it. I mean, it's not based on race, gender, religion, or anything like that. Do you think it's even worth going to HR or would it just be shrugged off?

[Account]

It was absolutely none of your business.
Stay out of people's shit even if they mess up.

[Asker]

Well, it is, because lost revenue comes out of our bonus, so his mistake cost me money. But that's also not the question I asked. Regardless of his personal feelings, violating company policy, as well as state and federal laws is not an appropriate way to handle it. I can file a valid complaint with HR, and if I wanted to, I could hire an employment lawyer and sue.

The question was whether or not it was worth the effort.

[Account]

The answer is that it is not worth the effort. He is possibly acting this way because you snitched him and it makes sense because hostility and cutthroat behavior breeds more cutthroat behavior by the others.

[Asker]

I was also leaning toward it not being worth the effort. I was just tired and wanted to move on. But honestly, you have encouraged me. I've just filed the HR complaint. I'll start seeking consultation with an employment lawyer, as well. I do hate when people abuse their authority and in the long run, I'd probably feel bad about shying away. Thank you for reminding me that pieces of shit need to be knocked down a peg.

[SweetJoyGirl]

File the dang complaint. 😡
He sounds obnoxious.

[Asker]

He is. I've even heard his boss complaining about him, but for whatever reason no one is doing anything about it... Not just as it relates to me, but other things like he doesn't really work. He kind of pretends to work for a few hours and then plays with toys or takes personal phone calls the rest of the time. (I'm not kidding. His office is full of superhero toys that he plays with.)

The only reason I haven't gone to HR yet is because 1.) Will they also do nothing, making me waste my time? 2.) Is it just going to get me fired anyway?

[SweetJoyGirl]

Dang ;-;
Try anyways.
You never know. 💜

[AI Opinion]

It sounds like you’re facing a challenging situation. Based on your description, it certainly seems like you’re dealing with workplace harassment and retaliation. Document each instance meticulously, with dates and details. Take your concerns to HR with this evidence. They have a responsibility to address such issues, even if they don’t involve discrimination. It may also be worthwhile to start exploring other job opportunities as a backup plan. Your well-being is important, and a toxic work environment can take a significant toll.

[Anonymous]

Change companies

[Asker]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. More trouble than it's worth. Though I did really enjoy working there for years.