The Story They Didn’t Want Told
Every post is a piece of the puzzle — how a “supportive” workplace unraveled into gaslighting, retaliation, and the fight that followed. I’m not naming names. I’m naming patterns.
They Thought Denying My Unemployment Would Keep Me Quiet
After everything — the FMLA hurdles, the invasive questions, the silent firing — I thought maybe that was the end. Maybe I could breathe.
I filed for unemployment. I didn’t think it would be a fight.
I was wrong. Again.
They contested it.
They claimed I was let go due to “misconduct.” That’s the magic word, isn’t it? It’s vague. It sounds serious. And in the world of unemployment law, it’s the difference between getting support and getting nothing.
Misconduct? For what — a dinner order? A missing graphic?
Let’s be clear: I wasn’t fired for misconduct.
I was fired for being inconvenient. For asking questions. For needing accommodations. For not suffering in silence.
And the state knew it too.
With the help of my attorney, we pulled together evidence — emails, timelines, statements. I didn’t have support from HR. I didn’t have support from my boss. But I had proof. And I had my voice.
The hearing came.
I told the truth.
And I won.
They didn’t show up.
They submitted documentation and walked away, thinking that would be enough. But the judge ruled in my favor. Because when the facts are on your side, silence from the other party can speak volumes.
I cried when I got that approval letter. Not because of the money. But because finally, someone believed me.
It wasn’t about the paycheck.
It was about the principle.
And the fight wasn’t over yet.