In this life it is already difficult being a working woman with lower wages and smaller tips. Not only do women have to deal with struggling to keep up with men, we also have to worry about the men themselves.
Being a young woman in the working industry comes with many inevitable challenges. I have been a waitress for a few years now and I have had my fair share of creepy, flirtatious, and suspicious customers. The only positive thing about these customers are that they leave after their meal (usually). At my current job unfortunately I cannot get away from a man who demeans and belittles me.
An older man at work began harassing me online when I was 19 years old. I never talked to him much at work but since I knew him I figured I would accept his friend request without any second thought. He knew some people in my family so I never thought he would become such a nuisance. His wife also works at this restaurant with us so I never imagined he would be so disgusting. He began continuously messaging me on Facebook asking inappropriate questions. The questions were derogatory and made me feel uncomfortable in my own skin.
After a little while I decided to tell my boss because I was uncomfortable being around this man at work. He would sometimes be a manager when we needed it and I did not want to even talk to me. I had proof of the harassment and showed my boss while other people admitted they have been harassed as well. He liked this man so he told me there was not enough proof to do anything about the man harassing me (which did not make sense since I had written proof.) I told him that I did not necessarily way him fired, but to please just not scheduled us together. He said he will “have a talk” with him and make sure he stops harassing people. I just told him that was fine because I was uncomfortable with the situation and I would be happy if I just did not see him.
Months later we got a new boss and once again I was forced to bring up the situation. Once again, nothing was done, in fact it got worse. The new boss scheduled me to work with this man frequently and even putting this man as a manager on my shift. Another coworker asked me if I was okay with this. I told him NO but what am I supposed to do?
I feel uncomfortable at my own job. If I need anything I have to ask one of my coworkers to ask him for me. I am frightened to go in the freezer or anywhere he can catch me alone.
When is enough, enough? Do I have to wait for him to physically molest me for something to be done about it? Do I have to go all the way to corporate just to feel safe at my job?
Being a young woman is hard. It is not fair that we can be harassed, stalked, or dehumanized and have to sit around and take it. Something needs to change. Women need more equality in the work place, but not just with money, we need treated better as well.
