When Big-People Bully… (written for Exposure Magazine ©2020)

Who would’ve thought at this age I’d deal with adult bullying at work? Yes… Adult bullying. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering how on Earth is that possible? Or, maybe not. I could ask the same of police corruption and postal workers gone rogue. Sadly, it occurred.

Targets Are Non-Confrontational or Vulnerable.

This past year, I experienced harassment by peers, subordinates and management.

As the ongoing abuse gave rise to health issues, devoid advocacy, staying wasn’t

an option. I remained on-leave-without-pay until Covid-19 hit forcing a mandated transition to an online platform. Before returning to online facilitation, I received a call from a colleague who warned the activity I 'd been entangled with was bullying. Incredulously, I thought, “Bullying? Isn’t that reserved for children?” With a Google search, "adult bullying at work," I yielded the following articles.

6 Reasons Why People Are Bullied at Work

https://www.verywellmind.com/reasons-why-workplace-bullies-target-people-460783

A few points ranging from physical make-up, popularity, productivity to prudence stood out

while perusing this article. However, what resonated mostly was reason number four, Targets Are Non-Confrontational or Vulnerable. Wow! That was a kicker. Being a new employee untenured, I definitely played things low-key.

Workplace Bullying Institute

https://workplacebullying.org/

The above link provides readers with in-depth research on workplace bullying and the abuse victims face. Additional surveys help bolster the site’s claims regarding the phenomena

presenting a 9 part video series listed on this well-developed website.

How to Deal with Workplace Bullies

https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-deal-with-workplace-bullies

Had I accessed these articles, during the trauma... I probably wouldn’t have taken-off two months from work. Although, I garnered some peace-of-mind, as well as distance from my abusers, it wasn't enough as my pay was readily affected. Notwithstanding, pivoting to a virtual platform didn't totally abate the abuse, either. Working-from-home served well, but their virtual footprints were irrefutable and irreversible. Circumventing overt behaviors like humiliation and mobbing, they found ways to execute isolation.

Last thought: With major concern focused towards children victims of bullying, who’s

advocating for the adults mistreated by their colleagues?

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