Problems at Work (this is long)

cf1126

So I work as a paralegal and it is a very high stress job but, I have been working in this line of work for about 6 years and have a year of law school under my belt. Ive always been able to handle it. I now work at a small firm with two other older women and a ditzy receptionist (also older) and of course the atty.
I told them I was pregnant when I started and they were fine with it. About a month ago however, one of the older ladies approached me at the end of the day and asked for my key stating that I was being let go. I got emotional bc I was genuinely hurt and explained that I didnt understand why, that I work very hard, document my files very well, meet deadlines, etc...
Over the wknd she called to say they really needed me and that I needed to just be nicer to the clients. Then my boss/the atty said that they are not my mngrs and the only person I needed to listen to was him.
Okay just this past Friday, I left work thinking everything is fine and low and behold I get a call from the same B. saying to not come back Monday and she is mailing me my check. I am SO frusterated right now.... These two Bs come in late every freaking day, take hour long smoke breaks, and basically do whatever the heck they want bc they have worked there forever. But Im the one with the education! They are terrible witches...and the receptionist, she constantly is working om her resume at the front desk and talks openly about not wanting to stay there/this is only temporary doesnt even take any interest in the legal field...what the heck? To me this is SO unprofessional! I feel like they are testing me at my most vulnerable. I emailed the atty this wknd with documentation supporting my stance but no response.
Im already 6mos pregnant.... finding another job would be so hard right now. What do I do?

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Bigboneded

It sounds like you are doing everything right. Working hard, being on time. You have an email documentation. But I would keep your own somewhere accessible of dates and events... she sounds abusive, creating a toxic work environment for you. During your pregnancy is so not cool. Talk to the boss, let him know you like the job and appreciate working there and ask how to handle future events. Maybe ask if you are getting this treatment because you are pregnant? (Since that is soooo illegal) In reality, I am sure the problem is you are making the other two look bad..... they dont care about the temp- she's leaving. But you working hard, points out they are not. However, she is still harassing- so document, document, document.... GL

cf1126

I ended up talking to him this morning and he is giving me a paid week off while he decides what to do.

cf1126

Halsing, thx for the support. You would think people would look at a pregnant woman and automatically try and help or accomodate.

yvanehtnioj

are you sure this paid week off isn't for him to decide what to do about YOU? i'd brushing up resume or working out a one income budget if i were you. sorry if that sounds harsh but in my experience, getting sent home is not good.

eta: fixed a word

absolutelymaybe

Something just doesn't seem to add up here. I can't quite put my finger on it...

ETA: I know difficult situations at work. They suck! I've worked for a truly awful person before. I'm serious when I say the boss did things that clearly pointed to a mental health issue, and I got the hell out of there. I just think it's weird that that it seems like your entire office is against you and the boss isn't really doing anything to prevent it. 

If you're let go, will you at least qualify for unemployment? That will help in the time off before LO comes. 

amedbery

I'm a (non-practicing) lawyer and I totally get the bizarre, co-dependent relationship between lawyers and their long-time paralegals/support staff. He may be worried about drama with them VS lawsuit from you or something. Is it possible that clients complained about your treatment of them? Otherwise, these ladies just don't want you around. I would see if he won't keep you on for a few more months and then you can find something else after the baby is born. I'm sorry you are going through this and having to deal with those bitches. I promise I get it.

jac409

I agree with others, I would start looking for a new place to work. Like another PP, I am non-practicing attorney, but I have worked in my share of law firms, both as a law clerk and as a lawyer over the years. Law firms can be seriously disfunctional places to work. Lawyers, in general, are not usually good business people or managers, so dealing with personnel is not always their strong suit. If these ladies are as nasty as you say, it isn't likely to get better. Good luck!

cf1126

By accomodate, I only meant physically. Like not carrying heavy files. I'm not trying to sue him or anything--I live in TX, an employment at will state.

cf1126

And yes, law firms are disfunctional sometimes and lawyers dont always have the best people skills. I have never experienced it this bad though. Im not going back. I have a supportive boyfriend and I think Im just getting ahead of myself and trying to have a position secured for after law school when I need to be focused on the present...