This seems like the perfect place to let out some frustration I've been carrying over these years. For some context, I was a contractor and had a great relationship with the project lead before they left due to low wage. It took 6 months to find a replacement who would take the wage, and when we did…
- “You need to plan your medical emergencies around your work schedule.”
- “Yes, if someone on my team calls in and says they need to work from home that day because they feel sick, I have a problem with that.”
- “Please deduct your bathroom visits from your timesheet.”
- “No, your contract doesn't say you have to work in the office. But it's at the project manager's discretion.”
- (Department-Wide Email) “The team lost a day of productivity today because you decided to take a day off over unfounded bedbug rumors. You may be surprised to learn everyone's life is just as important as yours. But they come in to the office to work everyday, on time.”
- (I asked to work from home but had to take off without pay. A department-wide email later CONFIRMED there were bedbugs right near my desk and they were treating for it.)
- “[REDACTED] and I are alone here, you were born in this country. You have it too easy.”
- (the [redacted] was completely unqualified for their job but got to stick around for sponsorship)
- (The irony is I'm actually alone in this country, as I lost my family)
- *During one of the worst blizzards that ever hit our city* “You keep telling me your train is not running and you need to work from home, but it looks like that line is still running. Which station are you using…. in case anyone else is going to have issues??”
- (Arguing with me for 3 hours until I flat out told him he's interrupting my work.)
- “[REDACTED]! Where were you!? We had a meeting scheduled and we couldn't wait for you anymore.” – at the top of his lungs, as a director walked by. There was no meeting scheduled.
- “We much prefer the way things are now. Tell me: doesn't it feel like you're at a job?” – the director when I complained about the new manager. This was a mistake on my part.
This can go on for pages. It got to a point where I literally had to stop by the washroom everyday before the office to let out some steam. I started applying for new jobs, as he gradually reduced my workload by abusing full-timers' unpaid OT. I accepted a new job, and one day he called me into the board room with a smug look on his face. The director was there.
They told me they were ending my contract effective immediately due to “budget concerns.” I told them I knew this would happen and already accepted another job. They looked surprised, and also still expected me to work for two weeks.
I ignored every single email they sent, even with their veiled threats of “If you don't answer this email we won't issue your paycheck!” Worth it.