Backstory:
This year has been so difficult. Dealt with a lot of family issues, my physical and mental health deteriorated. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. I was severely depressed for all most of January, February and March. Went to the doctor and got prescribed some heavy medication for my anxiety and depression.. the side affects we’re awful.
A result of me not eating, sleeping, or generally functioning meant I started losing my hair.
I was super self conscious about this. I work as a virtual intern for a pretty big bank in America. Early on I asked my manager if me having my camera off was a problem. He said no.
Fast forward to two weeks from this, my hairline is basically non existent and it looks like I’m balding (I am a woman). The week prior, I took two days off (Wednesday, Thursday) as that’s when i started the medication and was throwing up for an hour as a result. I had a meeting with my manager on Friday and he told me to log my sick days “when I am back” and to log-off after the meeting which was about 3 hours from the end of day.
Fast forward to Monday morning, I log my sick days and start my work. My manager immediately berates me for not doing this on Friday. Obviously I’m extremely confused. I explain that I am deeply sorry but was confused by their last request. My manager ever since then has been extremely rude to me- as an intern I’m just happy to get this experience in my resume and tolerate the passive aggressive jabs at my intelligence, my work, and my self.
The breaking point was a meeting where he was attacking me for not having my camera on. I explained that I had previously asked if this was an issue and was told no. He proceeded to tell me that it is now a requirement and continued to throw these rude comments my way. At this point, I’m going through so much and do not need an additional factor in my distress. I want to explain the reasons, and let him know I was planning on changing my hair over the weekend anyways so next week I would have had it on. I start off by saying “I’ve been a bit sick and I’ve been suffering a lot of hair loss” my manager then cuts me off to tell me
“If you were working in person that would not be our business or concern” before asking me to take a course on etiquette and time. I was stunned.
Ever since the sick days incident they have hated me. I have taken videos (so I can follow instructions closely) of the tasks I am assigned. I follow the instructions and still get berated for doing the exact work that he showed me. He messaged me at 9pm and attacks me for not responding then and there. He abuses in front of the director for not doing work he either hasn’t assigned or is meant to be done later in the week. He has attacked me so much I am now questioning myself more than I ever have. But this one incident hurt the most. I said that if it a matter of not believing me , I can provide any evidence I need to to resolve this dislike. He said no. It sucks