DEAR JANE: I got my colleague FIRED after reporting his disgusting behavior – now the whole office has turned against me for ‘snitching’

Dear Jane,

I’ve been working in the same job for about six years now, and until a few months ago I’d always been fortunate to be blessed with what I considered to be great colleagues.

But in September a new member of the team joined us and he quickly established himself as the ‘hunk’ in the office, earning himself many fans – both among the women, who find him handsome, and among the men, with whom he builds a bond. with football and drinks.

But out of everyone, I was the one who had to work most closely with him, and I quickly realized that he had a much crueler side than he let most people see.

I heard him on the phone making horrible and cruel comments to people from other companies and making disgusting, offensive jokes about some women in the office behind their backs… all of which was horrible, but I did my best to ignore it and just continue with my own work.

Gradually, however, his behavior began to become more erratic – ending with him shouting at some poor woman on the phone for no reason.

I went to his desk to ask what was going on and saw that there was very obvious drug paraphernalia near his computer.

He tried to cover it up with his keyboard, but I know exactly what I saw and decided I had to report him to HR. What I did. I made a full report of everything I had seen and heard, and in the end, much to my relief, they decided it would be best to terminate his contract.

The thing is, no one else in the office was really aware of what was going on, and they all seem to have now taken the view that I’m some kind of traitor who was out to get him from the start . It feels like they’ve all turned against me and I’m getting so tired of the snide comments and cutting whispers that going to the office has become miserable.

International bestselling author Jane Green offers sage advice on DailyMail.com readers’ most burning issues in her column Dear Jane agony aunt

I don’t want to risk raising this situation with my boss because I don’t want them to have any more “proof” that I’m a pushover, but this whole situation is making my work life unbearable. I know there is more to life than a job, but the idea of ​​leaving this great position because of this jerk’s behavior is so frustrating!

Any ideas how to make them stop?

By,

Water cooler cruelty

Dear Water Cooler Cruelty,

It’s hard to be the only fighter for justice, but please know that you did absolutely the right thing, even though you may regret it now.

Most people don’t do the right thing. They turn their heads hoping that the bad behavior will stop, or that someone else will deal with it instead.

It takes real courage to report, especially when you risk alienating others, and again, I applaud your courage.

My first piece of advice is to get your colleagues together, or maybe have a drink after work, and explain why you reported him.

Tell them that you stand by your decision because no one deserves to be talked about behind their backs or treated poorly. Explain that you have been very happy in your job and that you have always felt blessed to have such great colleagues.

If they decide to punish you for reporting your colleague, that’s a shame, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Afterwards, Water Cooler, you can continue your daily activities as usual.

If they choose to continue whispering and making comments, ignore them. If they continue, know that it has nothing to do with you, but they are fueled by drama and gossip in some way.

Keep your head high and this will undoubtedly blow over.