On the Job

The first day, the first week, the first months, the first year... Welcome to the job. Fresh and smiling, ready to face the challenges and ready to bring new ideas and a new prospective to the workforce. 

Thrilled to dress the part, thrilled to have your ideas listened to, thrilled to be a part of the team, a part of the organisation.Then when one least expect, it happens. The encouraging jestures, the smiles, the check ins, the pat on the shoulder, the lunches..were all part of a well orchestrated plan. 

A plan to get something that was not on the agenda, that was not a part of the job description. Everything changes. Uneasiness sets in, discomfort becomes the norm. Trust has been lost never to be regained again. 

What to do? Who to tell? Doubts are the reality of the day. "Is this just me overreacting?" .... "Am I being unfair?" ... "What did I do to garner this much attention?" The questions continue to circulate, the pressure mounts. Something has to be done and it must be done now. 

Does any of this sounds familiar? It's the sound of sexual harassment at the workplace. It doesn't take much to end up here. 

As youths within the workforce, one must be mindful of the environment. Not only is there a state of vulnerability but fear and intimidation rains supreme. Yet one must not be afraid to speak up, one must stand up and bellow to the world and not be forced to play the "Silence" game.

Hell to the NO!!!!!!!!!

Sustang D Fergus