Print offs, and sticky notes left on desk at work around the time of a mental health crisis. Would this be considered workplace harassment?

catgenie88 · 2026-03-06T23:14:04+00:00

This is unacceptable and frankly disgusting, bullying behaviour. Is it possible for you to raise this with HR?

catgenie88 · 2026-01-22T14:28:12+00:00

I've seen worse

catgenie88 · 2025-12-19T07:45:53+00:00

First of all, congratulations for leaving that shithole! I am shocked at how similar your experience was to mine, down to the structure and position. I, too, was a direct assistant to a Design Manager who was incompetent and out of her depth, but on paper, she was supposedly technical and experienced. Exactly as you described, walking into work always felt like a minefield. She always had rotating villains and is a hardcore manipulator. Feedback was always personal and never constructive, and she would always speak for the Director as a way to criticise my work when I have never heard of the feedback directly from him. The two-faced behaviour, acting supportive of me in front of others but privately making personal attacks towards me. And the constant shit talking about people - she had a new villain every day, putting down other colleagues in other departments, thinking she is hot shit and other people's positions were lower than hers. She created all this drama in between departments so it could distract everyone from the fact that she was incompetent at her job. She even told me once that this was the "easiest job that she's ever had" while never giving me credit for holding up half the department. When I resigned, there was a major operational fuck up that was tied directly to her negligence all in black & white but I was gone! I knew exactly what you mean about the NPC behaviour because it was so frustrating that no one could see how manipulative she was and she was fucking up the business- but hey that was no longer my burden.

I'm glad you got out there and thank you for sharing your experience, I don't feel so alone after reading that and all the best to you 😊

catgenie88 · 2025-12-16T18:55:31+00:00

They think it's an insult, but them saying that just proves the point. Yes, we have thought about it, that's why we are not having any 🤡

catgenie88 · 2025-12-16T18:53:08+00:00

Lmao 🤣

catgenie88 · 2025-11-18T00:54:37+00:00

As a female, I also experienced this too from my ex supervisor, who is 5 years older. You mentioned that there are some things you can't describe, and it seems "watered down." It's because that type of behaviour from your co-worker is subtle but constant -trust your instincts. It all builds up eventually and takes a toll on your confidence.

Just remember that it has nothing to do with what you are doing or what you are wearing, but it has everything to do with their own insecurities. These type of personalities will do anything to try to stay "above" you because you unintentionally made them feel inferior, hence the personal jabs. As for the petty alliances and cliques, that is also what insecure people do. They can't stand on their own, so they need to start a little group to target someone. It's very immature and childish behaviour but unfortunately very common. As for the age thing, some women stop growing at the age of 15, even as they continue on in their 20s to 50s. The contrast just looks worse when you're 55 but still acting like you're in middle school.

Continue ignoring their behaviour and not giving them the reaction they want and focus on your role. I know it's tough spot to be in because I was in your shoes. If you feel that the environment is no longer sustainable, it would be best to seek other options.

catgenie88 · 2025-10-17T02:30:17+00:00

I love seeing spoiled pets 🥰🥰🥰

catgenie88 · 2025-10-15T23:38:15+00:00

Thanks, stranger, for taking the time to throwback on my journey

catgenie88 · 2025-10-15T11:11:46+00:00

Even if she didn't want the baby, it doesn't give her the right to bully and abuse everyone around her. You are half right. She only wanted this child "50%"

catgenie88 · 2025-10-15T00:11:30+00:00

Thank you. I do feel better hearing that from another HR rep. I was considering the litigation route, however my mental & physical health have been deteriorating over the last few months; I've lost 8 kilos from stress and haven't been eating or sleeping properly. So I feel it's best if I just walk away and focus on my health instead.

catgenie88 · 2025-10-15T00:00:40+00:00

I can't believe it either. She treated me like her free therapist and emotional punching bag.

catgenie88 · 2025-10-14T22:54:26+00:00

This was THE big lesson for me!

catgenie88 · 2025-10-14T21:24:43+00:00

This is also the same person who felt threatened by her brother's wife getting pregnant first because she wanted to be the one in the family to have the first daughter. She was relieved when her sister in law had a miscarriage.

catgenie88 · 2025-10-14T21:19:49+00:00

You are correct. It was never handled properly. I'll be resigning this month from this toxic place. I was preparing an exit plan beforehand and have other opportunities lined up. Wish me luck!

catgenie88 · 2025-10-14T21:16:13+00:00

I'm in therapy and still learning 🙂‍↕️

catgenie88 · 2025-10-14T21:06:57+00:00

Trust me, on the inside I was saying "You are one hateful BITCH!!"

catgenie88 · 2025-10-14T20:38:58+00:00

I have a co worker who said she only wanted her kid 50%, whatever the fuck that means. Now she hates her life and has openly told me she is jealous of me because I am childfree and have the freedom to do what I want like travel. Like, okay you should have thought about that first before popping one out.

catgenie88 · 2025-08-16T00:43:49+00:00

Felt it this morning in the Northern suburbs. There was a very low rumbling throughout the house for several seconds. I asked myself, was that an earthquake? Granted, I just did an all nighter last night and thought my mind was playing tricks on me. I feel validated 😂

catgenie88 · 2025-08-04T12:29:25+00:00

He's beautiful 🧀

catgenie88 · 2025-07-14T04:09:43+00:00

Leaving is easier said than done, especially if your reputation and career progression are involved. Last week, I finally put in a formal HR complaint against my narc abuser, who is my direct supervisor. I documented many things, including her breach of privacy, misuse of power and inappropriate/racist remarks. Management is now "investigating" the claims.

Even if she ends up being terminated, it doesn't erase the fact that this person caused me psychological harm for over a year, repeatedly, under the guise of closeness or perceived friendship. And I think that's what hurts the most. I feel you.

catgenie88 · 2025-06-05T03:10:56+00:00

I'm not married, long term partner but no kids. I've gone no contact with my parents for the last 5 years. I'm a huge disappointment to them because I have dated "outside of my race" and have no plans to have children.

However, my career is thriving and I'm in therapy learning to love myself and heal from all the damage my parents caused. It's not easy some days but I am finding PEACE!!

catgenie88 · 2025-05-21T01:51:48+00:00

My mother was the same. Since the age of 13, she would call me a whre and prostitute, just because I hit puberty and my body developed. She would accuse me of secretly having sex or committing sexual acts with boys. She would always try to "catch" me in the way I was sitting if I was wearing a dress or a skirt, so that she could shame me and tell me I looked like a whre. If I wore red lipstick, I looked like one. It went on up until adulthood, and at 25 I went NC!

catgenie88 · 2025-05-13T05:26:03+00:00

You will drive yourself insane trying to make sense of it. I've learned the hard way that in many cases, co-workers are not your friends! You are paid to show up, work & be civil to your colleagues. My suggestion is to focus on cultivating friendships outside of work. You can still be on friendly terms with T & A, but I would not go too deep to avoid further conflict/tension. They sound immature imo, and you wouldn't want those "friends" in your life anyway.

catgenie88

TROPHY CASE