Ok, this was about two months ago. I was working for a small Indigenous Australian Design company. The boss and I were the only two Indigenous staff members. Before me, there were two Indigenous employees my now ex-boss also fired.
In full transparency, I had a mental breakdown affecting my work and every other aspect of my life. After I explained to my boss and HR that I was sexually assaulted as a child, they made me tell them what medications I was on and the side effects, etc., etc. and I was made to go back on a six-month probation. I thought this was fair. But now, looking back, I realise how fucked up it was.
Three months everything was going well until I eventually had a day where I was either going to kill myself or finally admit myself into the psych ward. Thankfully I chose the latter, but first, I got a medical certificate from the GP to give to my employer.
I then went to the hospital, and everything went well. I sent HR my medical clearance letter ASAP as I was eager to get back to work. I didn’t hear anything back all day until 5 pm when I was then emailed my termination letter.
Now, I come from extreme poverty and have a big family to look after. I have no safety net, and I am the only member of my family to graduate high school and attend university. I am the safety net for everyone else.
Naturally, I started spiralling again and ended up back in the psych ward after I attempted suicide that evening. HR hounded me for weeks about returning the keys even after I told them I was back in the hospital.
Thankfully I am doing somewhat better now, I still have the keys, and I’m honestly just going to Chuck them in the harbour.