How do I cope in this office? I work with people who TEASE -- they're fiends and demons!?

Question

I can't leave my job at the moment. But how do I survive and thrive in a toxic environment??

I've been a victim of BAD office politics. I've been marred and my name has been blackened because I wanted clarification of my job, which, at one time, had been very threatened (they tried to get rid of me in a deceitful way), but which I had held again more securely because I had a talk with a new person who came on board in upper management, and who has, consequently, and seemingly, been putting the screws on those many coworkers.

Now, because I innocently "exposed" the truth, I inadvertently made their jobs non-secure. So, while it wasn't a conscious thing to "get them back," I seemingly did so, and they're mad as h**l with me. I can't blame them or myself over what has happened. I never received details on the job (particularly one task) and ended up looking like a fool in front of about 30 peers while trying to muddle through it. But there was a lot of other cumulative stuff building too. So I was honest and asked for clarification yet again and when my manager didn't respond effectively, I went to new management to get a grasp on the situation -- and find resolve. (which then got them in trouble, although that was a product of my talk -- not the purpose for my talk).

Now, my coworkers call me "rat" in so many words. Because they have to watch how they talk to me now that upper management is watching them carefully, they changed their tactics: They still want to break me, but are now coy and fake being sweet to me. But worse is that they try to tease me at every waking second we're together. Their game is divide and conquer -- and it worked! I have no friends, no confidantes. And although I have piece of mind to have upper management know the truth and all the "corruptness" that I endured, it is still, by no account, a good and productive way to work.

But, I have to re-ask my question -- how do I survive in a toxic setting (at least until I find a new position) -- which may, would be in a few months?

Thank you

Answer 1

You have two problems.  One, you think the work place is a social setting.  It is not.  Ignore the teasing and don't laugh about it, nor get mad.  Two, you talk too much.  Learn to restrict your talking to work related topics.  You might find that the work place is not as hostile as you think it is.

Answer 2

you can sue them for that  

Answer 3

When you go to work, pretend that you work all by yourself.  No one else is there.  Speak to the others only when the job requires it.  Say good morning and good night and that's it.  Take your break by yourself, do everything by yourself.  If they come to talk to you, pretend to listen, just say yeah, yeah, yeah until they leave again.  

Answer 4

Are you aware that you have legal recourse?  The law says that you don't have to remain in a hostile work environment - and "hostile" is defined by the law in your favor - if you FEEL it's hostile, it's hostile.  

The good news is that you have twice gone to your higher ups.  You need to do that by law, as a preliminary.  Then, the situation should be corrected and there should be NO RETALIATION to you.  Since there has been, you are in the right.  

Please do talk to a lawyer.  At the least, they can serve a letter upon your employers to make certain that the 'teasing' and harassment cease immediately.  If it doesn't, your employer will be forced to start firing people - and at that point, it can't legally be you.   Also, please sit down and document about when everything occurred, what specifically was said or done, and by whom, etc.  Remember dates the best you can, and all the detail you can.  In the event you have to defend yourself legally, it will be enormously helpful that you have made the effort to document it all.

Above all, don't just take it.  Because after you are gone to another job, you will still feel bad about yourself and deeply wounded, because you didn't try to do more to help yourself.  To the extent you can defend yourself and demand respectful treatment, you will keep your self-esteem for the future.  

Answer 5

first off, who cares if these people like you? You are there to to a job, not to make friends. I would say concentrate on doing your job, and pay less attention to the idiots you encounter daily while doing your job. Just focus on the job and the purpose that your there only to make money. Save your social time and friends for after work. Why are you looking for a new job? I wouldn't let anybody run me away from makeing my money or a job I enjoy. If you enjoy athe job, I'd say stand firm against them.If you don't like the job go look for another one, and stay cool until you do so.

Answer 6

Hang in there until you find a new position. They are the ones with the problems. You did nothing wrong and it sounds like they need to do a housecleaning at your place of employment. Don't let them push you out the door unless your ready of course. Just do your job and try to ignore them. Whatever you do, don't befriend them or say anything negative in front of them at this point or they will look for a reason to get you out the door.