Tuesday, April 12, 2005

My Bookmark Cost Me My Job

In my previous post I said my next novel would be the title that I chose for this particular post. Creating an entire novel on this wouldn't be fiction, which is more my forte, so I'll place my non-fiction pieces here.

Yes, it came to pass. I wouldn't say the ax fell, being that I'm still intact physically and mentally, nor will I say the other shoe has dropped. I love shoes and allowing them to hit the floor without a soft place to land isn't up my alley. I, Wanda D. Hudson, one the most competent, hardworking and knowledgeable individuals you may ever meet, was fired from my job on Monday, April 11th, 2005. What a way to start the week off.

This is how the event unfolded, or shall I say, exploded. Well, I really don't know what took place. I wasn't priviledged to attend any kind of conference or meeting or even speak on my behalf. My previous post ended with the decision to terminate me being postponed. This should have happened on Friday, April 8th, 2005. As a result of this I had to work my regular scheduled shift, the twelve midnight to the eight a.m. shift, Saturday and Sunday night. First question. If what I did was such an offense and a violation of policy, why was I allowed back on the organizations property AND paid to be there? Why didn't the powers that define what is righteous suspend me, without pay, until the matter was resolved? What level of stress do you believe I suffered? Oh, the mental anguish this has caused me! Mental anguish is a condition you hear in what type of setting? I may need a few of you to refresh my memory.

Well, I left work that Monday morning with a seriously diminished hope of returning that night. I mean, I didn't even get to say an apology. With that information my job search began the day I was told I may be fired. Everything else about my world continued with normalcy. Using the health insurance I had just became priviledge to I took my daughter to a doctors appointment, and would find out my verdict when I returned home.

My answering machine revealed it all. Actually, the message was only half there and I had to call my immediate supervisor to hear the words I waited stressfully to hear. Basically, there was nothing that could be done on my behalf. The decision came early and was made before Monday morning even arrived. Turn your uniforms in at this particular location, I wish you the best and yow-sah, yow-sah, yow-sah....

I think I got fired for promoting pornography. No, I believe it was the image and words on my bookmark. Wait a minute, could it be I was let go because of one persons perception of what pornography is? If you're unmarried and having sex is that correct? If you have children out of wedlock is that holy? If you're married and choose a few positions that are, well, uh...anyway, is that disgusting? The itty bitty school girls skirts that are worn as part of a uniform, what exactly is that promoting? Not the study of any English language found in Webster's. Remember these are MY thoughts. Please don't criticize or downgrade them. You can, however, feel free to voice yours.

I'm really not complaing. I'm doing what the blog demands from us. Write it down, get it out and maybe someone will read it. I know that I wasn't supposed to be employed there. So many people say when a door closes...The sad thing is that I'm not the only person that has ever gone through this. How many people have been viewed strangely because they choose to do what is their passion? It doesn't matter if it's erotic writing, science fiction, children's books, photography or a masseuse. The plain fact is someone will ALWAYS have a different opinion from yours. That I can deal with. If your opinion offends the masses do you have to change your stance or will an apology suffice? Should you get a second chance on probation, or, does probation mean tip-toe, kiss butt and breathe?

I've moved on. The passing out of my bookmark cost me my job but it will never, ever interfere with my career.

3 comments:

GLBT Promo said...

Hey Wanda,

Right now I work in a restaurant where everyone is cool, but I may be starting a new job in June, and that means I have to be quiet about what I do. I'll be doing the "Corporate America" thing.

I keep my erotica to myself around people I don't trust and/or know.

I hope you find a new job soon!

Nandi Yaa said...

What happened to you was terrible. It speaks to the narrow-minded of those who falsely believe your life is in their hands.

As writers we have the ability to write their lives. I say they have no idea our power. Like you said, keep movin'. What's really yours is waiting on you. And like you, until the breath leaves my body, I will NEVAH stop writing.

Yolanda
www.juswritinlife.com

MsJayy said...

Wanda,
I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. We may not realize it in the moment but it's there. Keep your head up - your talent can't be confined to someone's 9-to-5. Hone your craft Sista! See you on the top of the bestsellers list...all of them!