Depression and cycling

[pkq]

In December I realized I was happy until I began thinking about work. In January I quit my job of 15+ years. The director of engineering, a man, said to me last year, "You need to learn how to make being a woman work for you." During two conversations with the HR director about workplace issues, I noted he didn't record the worst offenses. Managers stick together and are part of the problem.

Any of you ladies know how a woman is to make her gender work for her?

[Irulan]

In December I realized I was happy until I began thinking about work. In January I quit my job of 15+ years. The director of engineering, a man, said to me last year, "You need to learn how to make being a woman work for you." During two conversations with the HR director about workplace issues, I noted he didn't record the worst offenses. Managers stick together and are part of the problem.

Any of you ladies know how a woman is to make her gender work for her?

As joke, I think he'd mean, play the coquette game. You know, bat your eyes, unbutton your blouse, let them talk innuenedo.... Seriously, sounds like your HR dept is very screwed up. Record the worst offenses yourself and talk to a lawyer.

irulan

[pkq]

Thanks for the response Irulan. A lot of stuff is involved but whistle blowers never win so it's best to let it die and move on. Many employees are depressed because of their jobs, which is unfortunate because it consumes so much time and energy. People really don't want improvements they just claim to want them.

[Geonz]

Thanks for the response Irulan. A lot of stuff is involved but whistle blowers never win so it's best to let it die and move on. Many employees are depressed because of their jobs, which is unfortunate because it consumes so much time and energy.

People really don't want improvements they just claim to want them.

the last sentence seems to contradict the first ones. You say it's best to let it die and move on - then you say people don't really want improvements, they just claim to want them. (The things that you'd blow a whistle about probably wouldn't be seen as "improvements" by the blowees, right?)

[Irulan]

I don't understand staying in a job that would mess with your head so bad.There is always something else out there, why sacrifice your sense of self, self worth and sanity?

Irulan

[pkq]

Geonz, when the CEO advances a diversity program, you'd think one of the charter statements would be to improve the working conditions of minorities and other categories of people. So a whistle blower on sexual harrassment should be viewed as making an improvement. But when management sweeps sexual harrassment under the carpet despite a diversity program, they really don't want any note given to that issue. I'd call that lip service. Female managers took the same position on these issues, which was mildly surprising.

Irulan, many feel trapped due to debt and family. I stayed because I didn't have the "grass is greener syndrome" but now I'm filled with hope for greener pastures. I have already turned down one plant interview because the work environment was what I just left. And you get used to having 4 weeks vacation and all the other stuff that goes with longevity with a company. A lot of words to say I ain't too smart.

[Dogmama]

In my case, I have 4.5 years to go to retirement, so leaving would be really stupid. Fortunately, I work at a major University, so when things get really bad, I look for a job in another department. It is like getting a different job but keeping your benefits. Still have the government, bureaucracy B.S., but nothing is perfect.

We're building a new building and I'm desperately trying to convince the "powers that be" that we need a shower for bike commuters. So far, they laugh and make comments about, "how about a masseuse, manicurist, etc." and these are from women (who - truth be told - couldn't ride a bike around the block - certainly not MINE!!!)

So much for progress. Bleech!

[latelatebloomer]

To back up to the question of nutrition and depression, what has worked for my partner and me is to eat animal protein, to eat it every meal, and to make sure we are getting enough good fats in our diet (fish, nuts, olive oil, safflower oil.) I know this is going to be controversal or even offensive for some people. The nutrition guy we have seen specializes in helping people with life-threatening illnesses through diet - my partner was definitely having life-threatening depression and was not tolerating any antidepressents well. A lot of the nutritionist's practices go against current modes of thinking. His argument is that the brain requires protein and fat to function properly and that when people started to focus on low-fat diets, there was a great rise in depression in our society. Everyone is an individual in these regards, and there are a lot of good arguments against meat. I loved being vegetarian and looking all my animal friends in the eyes without guilt. I give thanks to the animal, and have even had a discussion with our butcher about his attitude toward and means of killing. It wasn't an easy choice for us.

I offer this in case it can alleviate someone's suffering. If nothing else is working, it may be an important key.