I'm 30 years old, I have been working since I was 16. I'm a poor kid who fought their way into middle class, and the culture is so isolating and toxic.
Most jobs I have had, including my current one, I have done a great job, imperially. My reportable metrics have always been great. My clients like me. I'm in nonprofit work and I get where they are coming from.
But I'm “too loud”, “too direct”, etc. I don't laugh along with shitty jokes, I don't act afraid of people who have been to jail or smoke pot. And yeah, I avoid people at work who condescend to others.
Then I get iced out. I start to feel like I'm making everyone uncomfortable, and I am told, “it's great that you're such an advocate, but can you tone it down?”
Posting because I'm depressed. I got into this work because I wanted to help people like me, but people like me aren't accepted in professional settings. Idk what else to do for work, and I have to make money. Thinking of trying to get a computer certificate (on top of my bachelor's degree in human services) so I can try to find a job where I don't have to interact with other people.