Been away------Back with BIG problem!! LONG!

[LadyV]

First, hi guys!!! My life has been a real roller coaster the last few months, without connection for a bit and hubby in the hospital for a while! I have tried to keep up with most of the happenings going on through the e-mails though. I have one big problem and I am really in need of help! I started a new job several months ago. I pretty much kept my religious views to myself (they are all "heavy duty" Catholics, until one of the girls (15 of us working there) "asked" me is I was "Wiccan", I said, "well, I am a Witch, there is a bit of a difference" and she said she just knew it cause one of her brother-in-laws is also and she just knew I was....well, sense that day, things at work have gone to $&#@! For the most part, everyone "tries" to understand and keep cool, but I am the one that is picked on, written up when the others aren't for the same offenses, my work is scrutinized (I am the most experienced and fastest groomer they have, I have no complaints on my work and the other do get a few)...one of the younger girls there is constantly trying to undermine me, make me look bad and in generally trying to aggravate me on a daily basis by drowning insect in front of me, talking about killing rats (I have pet rats), to the point where the owners had to actually tell her to "lay off me" you get the idea. They do not like my religion, BUT..I have been grooming for 16 years, I can handle aggressive animals, handle their owners and can groom circles around the others and the owners know it!! I like my job there, I am pullking in some great money finally, but I work with a bunch of double digit idiots for the most part! I AM SICK of it. I have been researching trying to find a spell to keep me calm, and keep them away from me........I have been doing the protection rituals and "mirror reverse spells", which are scaring me because the girl that is always trying to bother me, has had 2 car accidents in 3 weeks! I don't want any harm to come to anyone, I just want to be left alone! Does anyone have any ideas...I need help!

thank you all so much for the time, I know this has been a long one!

[Phoenix Blue]

**Ponders** Ouch. Religion in the workplace is a toughy. Is this a family-owned business? And do they operate under EEOC guidelines?

I'd be half-tempted to play this one under the "Don't fsck with me" banner. Tell the chick, "You've had two accidents in three weeks. If you want more of the same, just keep up your little act." In the short-term, this would probably put an end to her troublemaking. . . but in the long term, the hostility generated by the gossip she'd spread probably wouldn't be worth it.

Your best option, I think, would be to let the owners know everything that's going on. Let them know what you are and what your faith is about (or at least let them know what it isn't). Then let them know that you're being harassed. If they don't do anything about it, look up your local anti-discrimination regulations and/or contact a lawyer about your options.

[LadyV]

Yes, this is a family run business. I have talked to the owners and they always say, "I'll take care of it" They have as far as tearing up write ups and such...one of the problem I forgot to mention is that my direct supervisor is the "mother" to the girl that is giving me the most grief...as to telling them what I am, I have had long talks with everyone about how we are not Satan Worshipers or people that go around killing babies for rituals, which is exactly what some of them thought!!! My actions and my special way with the animals is what is beginning to change their minds enough to talk to me about what a Witch really is, but there are those die hards that just know it all!!!!!

[Phoenix Blue]

**Smiles** Sounds like you've taken steps toward taking care of it already. All I can suggest is, stay the course. :) And remind yourself that the envy and distrust of the small-minded is a natural consequence of being a good person.

[flar7]

Sounds like showing them the "true" you is the best course. As
for the boss's kid, well thats been a problem since time began.
No elegant way out. I wouldnt try to scare her though, thats
been making the news lately and could really backfire in a bad way.

Hang in there, and use the positive energy. Give it, accept it when
ya get it, and thank the few who are nice. I hope things go
well for you. Please keep us informed how it turns out.:)

[StormChaser]

Just realize that shes obviously doing this to yank you around. She's ill educated and closed minded. Simply don't put up with it. Tell her it's childish and that she needs to lay off and grow up.
Honestly, she's the freshman, you're the senior, don't let her intimidate you. It's childish stuff and your past that by years. After having talked with her directly, ignore her like you would a child having a temper tantrum, and with equal disapproval. And of course continue showing the good person you are to everyone else. Let her continue to make an arse of herself till she gets fired for harassing the best employee they've got.

~Storm