I work in a medical office in California. The office manager does not like me. She is abusive and demeaning toward me. It has bothered me, but I have been able to deal with it because my pay is good, it is close to home, good hours, and I really like what I do. I contend with her. I have brought to the attention of the owners of the company, the things she has said and done. He told me that it is her style of managing and that I must deal with it. So I have no one to go to when she flares up.

Yesterday, the owner of the company came to meet with me regarding a project I am working on. It was going well and he asked me about a document that I am supposed to have. I told him that I no longer get those documents. The office manager stopped giving them to me a few months ago because she said I did not need them, I told her I did, then she told me I was not using them, and I told her I did. She then told me that she was saving money on photocopies. I did not tell him these things, but when he asked why I was not getting them, he asked why, and I told him I was not sure. He called her there and asked her why she stopped giving them to me and she said that I refused to use them. She has been trying to give them to me but I will not use them. I said nothing. I did not know what to say. After the meeting, I thought the company owner left. I was so furious that she had lied about me, in front of me to the owner of the company. I felt the nerve to finally say something to her and I approached her in the front office in front of coworkers. No patients were there. I asked her quietly but firmly, "Why did you tell him that?" She responded that she did not know what I was talking about. Then I saw the owner of the company standing right there. I said "You do know what I am talking about." Then I just shut down, I told the owner of the company that I was sorry and that I did not know he was there. I said that I would have to leave for the afternoon. When I reached home, there was a message from the manager, saying that my outburst was not acceptable, that she had no idea what my problem was. I sent her an e-mail explaining what I was talking about. I sent the owner of the company an e-mail and a copy of my letter. This morning I went to work and was there for about an hour and she came in and told me I had to go home without pay for today and I would not get paid for the 5 hours I was there yesterday. She said that it was insubordination and that she is the manager, I have crossed her and she can do whatever she wants to me. I did get from the conversation that she was mad because I told him I was not getting the documents. I did not tell him why.

Now I am able to look at this from many sides. I believe my writing above sounds like I believe I am a poor picked-on individual. I am not so. I am very quiet and I take a lot. But I am an excellent worker, highly effective, and make my points known. This person, the office manager, has some sort of complex, I believe. She does choose me to harrass. It is obvious in the office among the coworkers. I know that because I am quiet and soft spoken, people believe that am easily pushed around. I guess in this particular case I have allowed it a bit. I must say that I am used to a more professional environment where my mannerisms and skills have been appreciated.

She has suspended me for today. I do not know how I can go back tomorrow and hold my head up. Just more humiliation from her. I have worked there for over three years and created a new database we are working on utilizing for all of our offices. I have created a new system for our historians to cut their work by more than half. I don't want to leave because of these things. I enjoy what I do.

I have sent the owner of the company an e-mail and he has not responded yet. I do not know if she can not pay me for yesterday. I was there for 5 hours. I came in this morning and was there for an hour and she sent me home with no pay for today. Is this right? I don't believe she can take my wages away like that.

This just happened today, and I have a tendency to write a great deal, and sometimes wander, so Reader, thank you for the time you are taking to read this.

I appreciate any input. My story is a bit jumbled and incomplete on this page, but can clarify if there is interest.

Thank you

Other than paying you the time worked, it is perfectly legal for her to not like you and or suspend you. No law requires her or the owner to be fair. If you don't get paid for the time you worked, file a claim with the DOL.

Thank you for your response. I do realize and did realize that no one is required to like me or to be fair to me. I also realize that she has the right to suspend me. It is difficult, however, to be in a position where a person who is in a position of power is abusive of that power and directs it to me for reasons unknown to me. I am concerned about my pay, as well as other issues for which it appears I have no recourse.

Sorry, but I'm going to be frank here.

As ElleMD said, you DO have recourse if you are not paid in accordance with the law. You file a claim with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Your recourse as regards an uncomfortable, but not illegal, working environment is to find another job.

Honestly, you go back to work and hold your head high because you are a dignified person and you don't stoop to the level of such a supervisor.