I am leaving my job in 3 weeks to start a new one. I've always been happy working where I do and always got on with everyone, even the managers.
Last week I cracked a joke with one of the managers, she laughed, I laughed and I didn't think anything of it. The next day, I got a bollocking from my manager for the joke, was told how unprofessional and inappropriate it was etc. Now they have form for treating us like children, but I was pretty shocked. The manager who I had shared the joke with had not said anything, let alone acted offended.
Anyway, then another member of staff has been telling me that these managers have been slagging me off, saying I was aggressive with my joke (?!) and inappropriate etc etc. I thought my telling off was over, but according to this woman it sounds far from over.
I haven't slept for 48 hours or eaten. I feel sick with stress and anxiety and am not sure I can face going back to work for my final 3 weeks. I feel like I can't go in and show my face as I feel mortified and frightened that this joke could potentially ruin my career!
I feel like I want to take these final few weeks off sick and start my new job afresh, learning from the experience to never make an even vaguely inappropriate joke with anyone in an office again.
I have checked my contract and am entitled to full pay etc, but I am worried my work will go back on their (excellent) reference they gave me for my new job, and that then the new job will stop me starting with them.
Please help me, I feel in such a state. I'm so angry with myself, so confused and almost feel like I'm being bullied because I am leaving.
The lady who said that I've been slagged off can definitely be a bit of a stirrer but there has to be some truth to it!!