Long tead I do apologise but i need to rant! I have just left a toxic workplace after nearly a decade, I loved my job but it was becoming untenable and the pay was an absolute joke. I really didn't want to leave and it was one of the hardest decisions I have made in a long time. I initially took a second part time job on supply- thinking that the extra money might ease some of the stress. It did slightly, however the 1st job and workplace just kept getting worse.
The second job seemed good. Similar field but a complete opposite role to what I have done in the past. V. Good money (well to what I had been getting and what other placed pay for the same role). Got on well with the staff, was told I fitted in to the team nicely, had good knowledge etc. They opened up 3 new full time positions and offered me one and I accepted.
I knew from being there part time that a couple of the people were related/school friends and were quite cliquey, however I had not seen anthing to concern me. Oh boy do i now think i was wrong!
The manager is related to 3 people who work there. Husband/step child/sibling. Then there's the best friend and the old family friend. We work in 3 teams. Each family member is on A different team. Best friend is part time. Old family friend works with the husband (he started a week after i went full time) . We are expected to pick up shifts on different teams to cover annual leave etc. Thats fine, however due the the dynamics certain people cannot work with others. So it is given that certain cover/overtime can only be worked by certain staff. I picked up a few shifts last month as no one else was available/allowed. I worked with the husband. What a toxic man child he is. Hid in the staff area all shift. Made comments like "man to man" or "womans work". Did no actual work unless it was to stamp his supposed 'authority' and used outdated and disproven information.
I then worked a different shift with the old family friend, this person had known the manger since they were in nappies (she is quite young to have the role she does, but she is very knowledgeable and respected). Another toxic man child, has never worked in this industry or anything similar. He thinks the sun shines out of the husbands backside, his word is gospel. He knows EVERONE in the local area, has been there done that, brags about money and will generally chat absolute shit about every topic even when clearly he knows nothing about it. These shifts make me cry. It is a very close working environment so your together for very long periods of time, very little chance of respite from them.
Anyway the shift I did with Family friend was 2 weeks ago. I found out yesterday that he put a complaint in about me! I am mortified. My crime? Having an opposing view. We were out in the local area which hosts events. He stated "look at all these people, its so good for the local economy, this event brings so much to the town......." i told him I disagree and he asked why so I explained that have worked these events in a past life and know from experience that whilst they look good on paper they cause alot more harm than good. They cost the tax payer thousands. Crime rises, inc Assault, criminal damage to property theft and general drunk and disorderly. i have known people put out of business due to the effects of these events. Myself and an old colleague have spent a night in A&E due to the chaos that can happen at these events. And as a resident of the town I've seen the devastation and aftermath. (he lives 2 towns over). He informed me his previous company made thousands from such events (big corporate firm). And the conversation was left there.
What the fuck did i do wrong? Manager hasn't pulled me but did make a backhanded comment about how he hadn't enjoyed his shift with me and other team member. Then the whole team got a dressing down about how conversation should be kept professional. I was then told yesterday by another colleague (not a related one) that he had bitched to everyone about us and put a complaint in to management.
I've stepped in to another toxic place haven't i? I don't want to go back but I'm bloody stuck!