They are planning to reopen the office and I am dreading it. Working with the women I do is hell and I remember being in the interview and thinking it must be hell working with these women. it was evident that they were cliquey and petty. When I was offered the job I had to take it for financial reasons.
2 weeks after joining, my suspicions were absolutely correct. Grown women bullying others through ostracisation. Unless you pandered to the queen bees (which so many do) you are practically ignored. If you do not toe the line and know your place in it all, if you do not "fit in" you are punished. never involved in group conversations (social or work) and if you involve yourself, they practically pause, turn and look at you, return their focus on the last person speaking and continue the conversation. Just so rude.
I am then left to feel that my views and opinions do not matter. to deal with this day in and day out in the office was draining and resulted in me complaining to manager who did what she could to make me feel better; introducing me to others in other teams. Noting changes
Working from home has been a dream. Although the cliquey behaviour continues online and on Whatsapp, my comments, suggestions and questions are ignored by most, apart from those who are being polite because of the deadening awkward radio silence.
The weird thing is, one on one, many of my colleagues all seem so lovely; we laugh, support each other by sharing information, some even call me when they need help. But as soon as it is a group situation, it's almost as if there is secret memo not to be seen engaging with me or encouraging me to engage.
I am so lucky to be able to still do a full days work at home and online and still have a job, but really hate the fact that the job that I need so much causes me to be distressed because of pack mentality. not the best time to look for another job.
knowing that we may just have to return to work and dealing with this again for 35-40 hours a week is filling me with dread 