Today is International Women’s Day, a day we #PressforProgress. As I read stories of inspiring women who are trailblazers an hold a variety of positions as successful business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs– as well as a host of other responsibilities–I am inspired by our progress and potential, and yet eerily reminded of my untimely termination back in December which landed me smack dab in the middle of the #MeToo movement–something I never saw coming. I can’t explain why my termination still bothers me, but it does.
Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m a mother of six daughters and the lessons I’ve tried to instill in them blare loudly within my own ears:
If it doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t right.
Stand up for yourself.
Speak your truth.
I thought those were all good things to teach them, until I practiced those same principles and was terminated.
It probably wouldn’t bother me as much if I hadn’t had a trusted confidante, another woman who also worked at the same company and knew full well what was happening, that told me she’d stand by my side through the ordeal, only to abandon me in my darkest moment.
I don’t even like telling this story. I don’t even like these painful reminders. The reality is while on the one hand as we celebrate the accomplishments of women and our collective power and influence, there are times when, if the money is right, the morals are gone.
It’s a dog eat dog world, I guess, and we know the name of those cold-hearted dogs.
I know I will heal from this. I’ve been through worse and prevailed. But that doesn’t mean it hurts any less. This is a day when you’re supposed to celebrate and recognize the inspiring achievements of women, but for me, all I recognize is the wound in my back from a woman I thought was my friend.
As for the prick who’s responsible for this division which all took place while trying to build his brand, I won’t rest until I have my moment in court to share my truth, and this is not for vengeance, for that falls within the realm of the Universe to deal its cosmic, karmic blow as it always does. No, I’m going for my daughters. I won’t rest because what I told them is true. I want them to see their mother live out the advice she’s given, knowing that in the end, the justice of my cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Filed under: News, News: Opinion, Workplace
