Right now, I work two jobs. From Mon. thru. Wed., I work part time doing in home elderly care. Thurs. thru Sun. I work at a local truck stop.
I thoroughly enjoy both of my jobs... but recently I've had a few issues arise at the truck stop.

One of the other waitresses that work there doesn't particularly like me. From the day I started, she and I haven't gotten along. This hasn't been an issue for me, because I know everywhere you work, there's those certain people you just don't get along with. Last week I was told, "Lynn (that's the lady I don't get along with) wants you to lose your job". I asked why, of course... and what I expected least to hear was, "Because she doesn't feel that an ex-felon should be working here." This really caught me off guard because it's been years since someone has protested my job because of my past.
To make matter worse, I missed a day last week because of personal issues. Well, the next day I worked, my wonderful co-worker Lynn, nicely told everyone that I had "went back to jail".

Why am I posting this? Well, because for those that have done time... I believe your past will always stick with you. I am not embarassed or regretful for any of my life. I have gotten to the point that I can speak frankly about my crime and the time I did. My point is, no matter what, there will always be someone who wants to throw your criminal history up in your face. There will always be people who want to judge you because of your past.... no matter how long ago it was. It's taken me some time... but these people aren't important to me. They teach me, actually! They help me realize how small minded so many people can be, they keep me reminded that I am not the 'norm' that society expects, and they help me realize the type of person I don't want to be. Judgement will always be there on us.... as will it be on our loved ones when they get out.
I guess what I want to say is... you have to be prepared for the judgement you'll receive.... and you'll have to be strong enough to deal with it respectfully.

Anywho... Just felt like babbling a little, I guess! :)
And for the record.... my whole ordeal at work has been resolved!

Jodygirl

Jody,
I am sorry that she was so simple minded. Some people just don't get it I think or either they haven't been taught about unconditional judgement. I hope some how she gets the idea that isn't about judging others that gets us where we need to be it is about being who we are whether we have been to prison or not. I hope I had made sense. But you go girl you have come along way!!!!

cherrie from tx

JODY SORRY SHE IS ACTING LIKE THAT BUT THANK GOD YOUR PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED.....STAY STRONG

Jody you are a stronger woman than me. I am glad you took it in stride. I miss seeing your posts and this one just reminded me how much i miss them.

Glad you're above that and didn't allow someone that's so judgemental etc... to get you to lower yourself to her level. Hang in there. You're a strong person....

Deb

You are the better person...Stay strong!

Jody, it sounds to me as though you've taken this incident in stride & I want to tell you that I really admire you for doing so. There was book out in the 80's with the title, "What you think about me is none of my business". Can't remember the name of the author, but the ideas in that book have stayed with me & the title has become my motto. And the truth of the matter is this person who is trying to sabotage you doesn't really have an issue w/you at all…it's all about herself. Not that she's likely to ever have the insight to realize it. But that's ok; you just keep on keepin' on.

Sending positive thoughts & white light your way…

Adrienne

Buck up honey I love you and if she gives you anymore trouble tell her I will be out there to kick her lazy a-- for her. Now do you feel better I know I do, I don't like people like that even if it is just because they are dumb. Tell her you are going to bring a note from your friends pinned to your shirt telling everyone what a great gal we think you are. Then tell her to just get bent. Well I feel much better now how about you :) Love Barbara

lol @ bss. id like one of those notes! lol jk :D

but it does suck she is so closed minded.

one thing that i always remember when people start talking crap about me or people in general...: "you spot it you got it"

so clearly she is insecure w/the fact that a loved one or friend has been incarcerated. i bet ya $10 thats the case! lol im kidding

:dance:

Jody,

Thank you for the strength and wisdom that you bring to PTO! It is so great to read about this kind of situation and that you handle it the way that you do! Keep on doing what you are doing and you will end up on top! It is the small minded folk that will lose in the end... It is always more difficult to keep someone down when thier determination is strong - never lose that!

In France we say: "The toad's spit can't reach the white dove"

You're the white dove.

(((((((HUGS))))))))

Phil xoxo

Thanks for the kind words everyone.....
I was just trying to point out that as an ex-con, wether it be weeks, months or years... there will always be those that will judge us!
You are all very great!

Hey barbara... I'll be waiting for that note....LOL :)

What everyone else said and you just keep your chin up at those times, Jody. You did your time and you have nothing to be ashamed of. We all know what a wonderful person you are, you're like a pot of gold... and narrow-minded people like that co-worker are a dime a dozen. **{hugs}}

Jodygirl:

I have to say that you just warm my heart with your strength and wisdom! I would hate to think what all of us would look like if we had to wear signs stating our faults and wrong doings in life! I guess your co-worker would be the only one walking around because I'm sure the rest of us honest people would have to stay home as our signs would be too heavy to carry! So very glad you are on our "sign carrying" side! Your strength makes the rest of us look good!

Stay your wonderful self!

Right now, I work two jobs. From Mon. thru. Wed., I work part time doing in home elderly care. Thurs. thru Sun. I work at a local truck stop.
I thoroughly enjoy both of my jobs... but recently I've had a few issues arise at the truck stop.

One of the other waitresses that work there doesn't particularly like me. From the day I started, she and I haven't gotten along. This hasn't been an issue for me, because I know everywhere you work, there's those certain people you just don't get along with. Last week I was told, "Lynn (that's the lady I don't get along with) wants you to lose your job". I asked why, of course... and what I expected least to hear was, "Because she doesn't feel that an ex-felon should be working here." This really caught me off guard because it's been years since someone has protested my job because of my past.
To make matter worse, I missed a day last week because of personal issues. Well, the next day I worked, my wonderful co-worker Lynn, nicely told everyone that I had "went back to jail".

Why am I posting this? Well, because for those that have done time... I believe your past will always stick with you. I am not embarassed or regretful for any of my life. I have gotten to the point that I can speak frankly about my crime and the time I did. My point is, no matter what, there will always be someone who wants to throw your criminal history up in your face. There will always be people who want to judge you because of your past.... no matter how long ago it was. It's taken me some time... but these people aren't important to me. They teach me, actually! They help me realize how small minded so many people can be, they keep me reminded that I am not the 'norm' that society expects, and they help me realize the type of person I don't want to be. Judgement will always be there on us.... as will it be on our loved ones when they get out.
I guess what I want to say is... you have to be prepared for the judgement you'll receive.... and you'll have to be strong enough to deal with it respectfully.

Anywho... Just felt like babbling a little, I guess! :)
And for the record.... my whole ordeal at work has been resolved!

JodygirlJodygirl,
I am glad that everything is okay for you again at work...You are right people are small minded and forget that it could be them or someone in the family.....I have found that after getting out that people don't want to rent to ex-felons so you have to keep on searching and never give up trying....For every door that closes a new one will open...... Computerbug1 :)

As far as I'm concerned once you walk out the gate you've paid your debt to society in full.

I really hope you approached the management with this persons behavior, the words "Hostile Work Environment" get an amazing reaction from managers because if they don't take corrective action it will be thier job and lots of company money on the line!

Document document document or CYA (cover your a$$!), you have to get a paper trail going on problem people through the management, that way when the sh** really does hit the fan you can fall back showing they having a history causing problems with you.

I feel for you and as an ex-felon myself have known similar experiences up close and personal. I know that on the outside I am strong, stand straight, and act like nothing that anyone can do or say bothers me; on the inside it is not always like that.

You did your time and deal with what you have done. The price has been paid! Those without any sin, cast the first stone!

Hugs, prayers, and positive energy to you!

I accepted years ago that there is NO such thing as an "ex" felon. We will always be felons.

ajap, that is an excellent point, sad, but so very true!

I believe your past will always stick with you.
My point is, no matter what, there will always be someone who wants to throw your criminal history up in your face. There will always be people who want to judge you because of your past.... no matter how long ago it was.

Jody, You are so right your past always sticks with you and there will always be someone who will throw it in your face and use it against you.
How well I do know Jody.
My ole' saying is let's clean the cob webs out of their closets or open their closet door you would see their skeltons falling out.
Talk is cheap and cheaper for those who spread it.
People make mistakes and learn from them or most do.
We must remain strong for we are better people now so let them talk their cheap talk.
Hold your head high Jody.