I’m being bullied at work
I’m being bullied at work by my colleagues and it’s making it very difficult for me to continue. It’s now at the stage where other (more junior) members of the team have visibly noticed the way I am treated and it’s even more embarrassing and heartbreaking.
I’ve never struggled to make friends and have always been a sociable person (albeit a bit quirky). I’ve been working at this company for almost 3 years now and the first year and a half was fine: I got on well with the team, did my work and formed good relationships. The last year, however, has been so awful. I was essentially pushed out for reasons beyond my control (some good old nepotism at work) and faced unemployment after working my butt off for years to get here.
I managed to find a job in a team that I had never interacted with before. It’s been horrible. From the first day, people have been icing me out, cold and downright rude in some instances. I’ve been put down, shouted at and routinely excluded from conversations by my colleagues even when I am literally sat right there. When I try to chime in to the conversation, I’m ignored or the entire conversation will grind to a halt. I’ve never felt so small and useless and stupid in my life.
I had some time off recently and felt so much better being away. Since I’ve been back, however, the same stuff has been happening again. I try to act like I don’t care but it’s hurtful being outcast routinely when I’ve literally done nothing mean to these people. I’ve tried being friendly and chatty (I even baked cookies one day, but no one ate any of them even after I sent an email around saying I had baked goods). I want to leave but due to my financial circumstances and the job market that’s just not an option. I just hate life right now
Btw I also have a long history of anxiety and depression. The way I’ve been treated has only confirmed all the bad things I feel and think on a daily basis which makes it all worse.