There are certain words in the English language that one can rarely find a use for. Personally, I've always wanted to find a really good excuse to use the word Vindicated.
Dictionary.com defines Vindicated as: to clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like.
My last post, over a month ago (yeah I jacked up my 4/month goal.....i'll write 8 this month to make up for it), mentioned how I lost my job. I want to go a bit more into detail on the specifics of what happened, and how unfair it was; nevertheless, at this point, I am beginning to see it more as a blessing.
So Ricky Martin came out of the closet, big deal right? Well not really, I'm sure as he was losing popularity, he came out to cause a stir and be recognized again. Pop Stars, Famous People, the Media, the paparazzi, Whatever; I could care less. I was at work when one of my friends messaged me to tell me to check out a fellow co-worker/friends FB status. His status was simply "OMG RICKY MARTIN!!!!" or something to that effect. After seeing a few of the comments on the status, I decided to join in on the conversation. There was no bashing, (that I recall) and everyone commenting back and forth, the majority of which are members of the LDS church and share common beliefs, were just stating their opinions on the subject. So after work, I go home and think nothing of this. A month later (April 28th), I wake up to a text from the same friend who informed me of the conversation happening. This friend told me that everyone in her department, Distributor Support, had all been suspended for this conversation. Even those that withdrew their comments. I was informed that while asking about me, the HR rep that suspended them, told them that I would be disciplined as well. I go into work that day expecting to be suspended. I hadn't had any problems being tardy and what-not for almost a year. I was prepared to take it like a man, be apologetic, humble, and accept the consequences.
I was there for 2 hours, and get an IM from Tina. Tina isn't my manager, but basically the head of the call center. I'm thinking: This is weird......why wouldn't it be with my manager? I go in, and the HR person, with whom I haven't ever had a good relationship with, is there. I told them I knew what it was all about, and I understood what was going on. They had me sit down then proceeded to tell me why it was wrong, blah blah blah, etc. I was expecting that to be it, but then she informed me she had gone back into my chat history to see if there were any other things they could find (WTF? What cause?) and found a conversation i had had with another friend, regarding my manager and a team leader in the call center. This conversation wasn't vulgar, even though later I heard they found it to be "embarrassing and offensive." BS. But it was just about them possibly having an affair or something since they seemed to be spending a LOT of time together, in the managers office with the door closed. Then HR proceeded to tell me I had been put on a Language Action Plan (AGAIN, WTF!!! I was told EVERYONE had to do it and it wasn't just me or just the gringos......EVERYONE, was I lied to?)(This was also like the day before....) They felt, they being this specific HR person, that with all these things combined, It was enough for dismissal.
I went to the CEO, Truman Hunt, since he's my parents ward Bishop, and told him how I felt and my side of the story. He had been informed with an extremely exaggerated story, with sketchy details, and inconsistencies up the wazu. He told me he'd look into it all, and see what he could find out. I didn't expect my job back, and to be honest I doubt I'd want it back after that crap. I never heard back from him.
Unbelievable. Completely unjust and unfair. Not right. Not rectified. I could go on, but that was that.
Honestly, It was time for a change. I have been feeling stale for the past year, 2 years, maybe longer. I've lived in this house for 3 years, of which I have no regrets. My roommates are some of my best friends. But change needed to happen.
I informed my parents, of course, and then went from there. I applied for unemployment and started searching for jobs. About 3 weeks later, after being unsuccessful and even being turned down from one place because of why I was fired, I received a call from the unemployment office. She called to clear up a few things regarding my vacation pay I was paid out, and some details on what happened. She informed me what she had been told, and then asked for my side and rebuttal. Nuskin had told them/her the only reason I was fired was from the Facebook Conversation. They didn't include anything else, like tardies, or the "Language probation," or anything. Why? Because it WASN'T RELEVANT!! They also didn't mention the fact that 7 other people were involved, I know of at least 2 of which had had past disciplinary actions, and they weren't fired. Just suspended. With these inconsistencies, and crucial details, she told me she needed to talk to them again to clear some things up, and would get back to me. It wasn't even 2 days later (I think...) that I noticed an unemployment payment in my bank account!
The relieve and stress lifted from me, there is no description except one word: Vindicated. I feel completely vindicated from what happened. To make things even better, I got a letter from the unemployment office saying the following:
"Based upon the information presented to this Department, it is determined that you were not at fault in your discharge from work."
The words "You were not at fault" made me the happiest I've been in a LONG time. Something so simple, but something I knew that really made everything that had happened, feel it had happened for a reason. I'm a firm believer in that, things happen for a reason and you need to learn from whatever it is that has taken place, and go with it and take the changes with your head held high and a good attitude. Sure I was really really depressed for the first couple days after I was discharged, but looking back I know it was meant to be. I've needed to change my life around, in many areas, and I can honestly say I know this was a push from God. Some would say that's far fetched, and unlikely, but after all that has happened, I know differently.
I am currently in process of moving back home; it's not something I really want to do, but I haven't felt better about a decision in the last 3 years, as I have with this. It'll be temporary, especially after I find a job. Who knows what will happen; perhaps I will transfer to the U (totally theoretical at this point), perhaps I'll find a job that can lead into a career and take that for a while, really anything can, and i'm going to take it as it comes.
I'd like to leave you with some words. The song Vindicated by Dashboard confessional. Even though the song is really about him parting ways with a girl, or something along those lines, the part I have noted down, relates to me perfectly.
Hope dangles on a string
Like slow spinning redemption
Winding in and winding out
The shine of it has caught my eye
And roped me in
So mesmerizing, so hypnotizing
I am captivated
[Chorus]
I am Vindicated
I am selfish
I am wrong
I am right
I swear I'm right
I swear I knew it all along
And I am flawed
But I am cleaning up so well
Sorry this post has no pictures, no anything, and might be kinda boring. I promise to write more this month and to be more exciting. I just felt this story needed to be told, and hopefully someone can gain hope or inspiration from what I have gone through.
