The views expressed in this section are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of PACTS, International.
TI TIPS FOR MAINTAINING EMPLOYMENT
My name is Nancy and I am a Targeted individual. My targeting began in 2010 after I filed a whistle blower complaint with the Office of the Attorney General in Washington, DC. I was employed with the District of Columbia Government for several years until I filed the complaint. Prior to being a Whistle Blower, I had never been terminated from my job or asked to resign, and after filing the complaint I held a series of jobs that all seemed to involve workplace mobbing, followed by termination. I was suddenly thrust into a new reality where it appeared that good was bad, and bad was good. This new reality was difficult to navigate and I shed many tears in the process and had many sleepless nights.
I was relieved to learn that I wasn't going crazy, and that I was simply being stalked and harassed, but there was nothing simple about it. It was skillfully and masterfully crafted and I needed to figure out how to survive. More important, I had two minor children to support and I needed to work to ensure their survival. I concluded, if this program is engineered then its a game, and I needed to figure out how to play. So, I set out to discover how other TI's were able to maintain employment and this is what I came up with.
Spirituality is the foundation. Whatever your spiritual base is, I encourage you to strengthen the foundation because you are going to need it.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
"May God Bless you and keep you and make his light to shine upon you, and bring you peace .'
In the world of work attitude is everything. This is the basis of what I am about to share
Maya Angelou: "If you don't like something change it, if you can't change it, change your attitude towards it."
John C. Maxwell "People may hear your words but, they feel your attitude."
Become an Introvert at work: Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. For the first six months on a new job the less your seen, and the less your heard the better for a targeted individual. If possible, take a job working nights because fewer people work nights. Less drama, and "out of sight, out of mind." You also avoid the office politics that take place during day. Become an Introvert at work: One of the greatest advantages that introverts have in the work place is their ability to listen. Introverts tend to feel more comfortable listening than talking. They tend to think before they speak and are mindful of what they say.
1) Never under any circumstances talk about your targeting with your coworkers!! Repeat this to yourself on a daily basis. The day you discuss your targeting with your coworkers you can kiss that job good-bye.
2)Get along with your coworkers and always be willing to help. While at work, you must remain neutral about everything and don't get pulled into gossip. If you are in ear-shot of a conversation do not comment. Remember, as a TI they're always looking for a reason to blame you for anything and get rid of you. Resolve yourself not to give them a reason to terminate you.
3) Do your job to the best of your ability. Make this your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd goal. Never, make them regret hiring you. Show them you are the best person for the job by being on time everyday; avoiding drama and always always have a positive attitude. Empower yourself by reading everything about your position. Make yourself valuable. Don't talk about it, be about it. Become an Introvert at work: Introverts won't need excessive supervision to get a task done. They are used to relying on themselves and their skills to accomplish a goal. Very often they will work hard to figure out a solution before going to someone to talk about it.
4) Be Punctual, be accountable, and always, always, always be at your desk working. Never allow people to wonder where you are. Its imperative you arrive to work early or at least on time everyday. If not, you probably won't make it past 90-days. If you must take time off work request it ahead of time, (if possible) through proper channels. Always follow procedures when requesting time off. Make emergency's far and few.
5) Maintain a good attendance record: remember the expectation is that you will be there everyday or at least every time you're scheduled.
6) Be irreplaceable: Know your job better than your coworkers. Read everything pertaining to your job. Learn to be quiet; mind your business; never have a negative word to say about anybody. When they gossip about you and treat you unfairly, don't say anything to defend yourself, ignore them. Remember, your goal is to keep your job and their goal is to get you fired. Never get angry. If you react to their stupidity they will continue to aggravate you until you quit or get fired.
7) Become an Introvert at work: Introverts may exhibit higher IQ's due to their calculated and analytical nature, because they are more prone to think through things rather than being impulsive. Keep your head down and do your work. Soak into the paint, and no one will notice you and you will keep your job. Be a joy to have around just because you are quiet and mind your business. This is easier said then done, and it can be a very difficult if you are naturally an extrovert. It will require you to suck-up your personal feelings to keep your job and blend in at work.
You cannot complain about anything and you must never allow yourself to get involved in office politics or get into a dispute with a co-worker because you will catch the brunt of all that is coming. You will be blamed and the perps will unleash the fury of hell to run you out. Fight them quietly, by refusing to react to their antics and attempts to sabotage you. Keep a positive attitude.
Introverts have the most down-to-earth relationships because of their loyal natures... Being an introvert is naturally attractive because others trust them with their secrets and vulnerabilities. The type of confidence people have in introverts makes them stand out in a crowd.
As a targeted individual our reality is not the same as mainstream folk and when it comes to work and the ability to support ourselves, we are faced with challenges that many are unable to relate to.
If you are in a meeting at work stay quiet. Do not ask questions or answer questions if you can help it, unless you are called upon directly to answer a question. Keep your responses short and brief. Never bring attention to yourself if you can avoid it.
Nancy Dunigan, MSW duniganallen@comcast.net
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