Hello, it’s me. Yes, it’s been a long time. International Women’s Day felt like the right day to reintroduce myself. I’ve had a lot of time to contemplate things, and my thoughts are best summarized by this quote:
“Sometimes the future changes quickly and completely, and we’re left with only the choice of what to do next. We can choose to be afraid of it. Just stand there trembling, not moving. Assuming the worst that can happen. Or we step forward into the unknown and assume it will be brilliant.”
Sandra Oh
Back in December, my life was turned upside down. I was stuck in a job I didn’t love, but the pay was decent and I loved most of my coworkers. Everything changed when the GM hired a racist misogynist for my office.
After being treated horribly, I brought my concerns to HR and upper management. I quoted him word for word, multiple times to multiple people. I let upper management, the GM, and HR know that he made me feel unsafe and uncomfortable. I was initially told that it would be taken care of, and he was moved out of my office. Later that week I was told that I would still have to work closely with him. We were a team, and I just had to suck it up.
I suppose being a woman of color in the car industry in the South, I shouldn’t be surprised that they took a white male’s side over mine. He had years in the industry to support him, even though my product knowledge and customer service skills surpassed his.
I couldn’t allow myself to stay in such a toxic environment. On my next day in the office, I went to work in my best mourning outfit, emailed my resignation to management and HR, said goodbye to my friends, and walked out. I walked out to an uncertain future.
Two and a half months later, I am working with a growing company that aligns with my beliefs and morals. I am in the process of starting my own business. I am spending so much time with my mom, and we’re closer than we’ve ever been before. I’m learning to love myself again.
Two and a half months ago, I wouldn’t have had it in me to compete to be the next Inked Magazine Cover Girl. Leaving that terrible place behind has made me confident enough to put myself out there, and to hopefully inspire other women who have lost themselves.
Voting for the top 5 ends tomorrow! Did you vote yet? If you haven’t, click here!
Have a wonderful International Women’s Day!