So some context: I work as an analyst for a non profit, I previously was a bartender so I generally use profanity in everyday language and it’s sort of baked in into my vernacular. It’s not like super bad, but I do say “shit” and “fuck” quite often. I also have very distinct opinions about things and am not afraid of talking about them. I’m not socially inept though and can read a room.
So my company went to a work trip in Las Vegas. It was really nice and the first time I’ve ever been to a conference. My boss was there, and my boss’ boss was there as well. My boss’ boss is a married, mid 40s woman, and was very kind and welcoming to me. We had a little back and forth but nothing substantial. I knew that since this was a work trip I was not to make a fool of myself, but alas I made a fool of myself in a way I didn’t foresee.
There was a meeting about how to prevent burnout in employees and I was interested in how management looks at this issue, half way through though, a ceo lady from a different company spoke up about how this generation isn’t as resilient as the last generation. There’s more complaints and more burn out than her generation. I spoke up and told her that maybe the reason she feels that way is that 1. A minimum wage job back then can get you to college and you could have enough money to buy a home. 2. Mental health was not diagnosed back then as it is now because the issue was so taboo. So maybe that’s why you see an uptick in neurodivergence. 3. The contrast of cost of living to stagnent wages that are making my generation more anxious and depressed. Anyways, the room sort of got quiet and it was towards the end so it ended a few minutes early.
Well it’s a couple weeks after now and my boss talked to their boss about the event. She brought up how unprofessional I was with my profanity and how I spoke to other attendees. However, I wasn’t never drunk or acting crazy. And during the drinking events, I would have one drink and be more casual in conversation. I feel like this is where the biggest mistake was. I was there for work, so I shouldn’t have been so open and casual during the drinking events. My boss said this reflected negatively on him and I feel really bad. Though, I’m going through what I said and did and I really don’t think I was that crazy. I think it’s a combination of a lot of small things. I do my job well but I lack in professionalism I am coming to find out. Light profanity is not as socially acceptable as I thought.
I don’t know why I wrote all this. Just venting I guess.