Weight Discrimination in the Workplace
Just wanted to share a "weight discrimination" story that has a happy ending.
I have worked at the same place for 20 years - very unusual these days. Worked for 3 companies, but same physical location. When you get bought out it is like starting over since you get all new management.
A couple of years ago I was real unhappy and decided to see what was "out there". I interviewed with another chemical plant and was not offered a job. I have very good credentials on paper and interview well, but I know it was my size that kept me from getting an offer. It hurt my ego a bit, but I just shrugged and was thankful I didn't need the job since I was still employed and figured everything happens for a reason.
Well, the company ended up being bought out by the Dutch (my company was bought by the Dutch in 2002 and it was NOT an improvement) so I was glad I stayed put and kept my 4 weeks vacation and seniority. It wasn't long after that the company I interviewed with declared bankruptcy, closed the plant down and LAID EVERYBODY IN THE PLANT OFF.
I would have been out of work. I am SO GLAD I didn't get that job offer !!!! Now that I have the weight off I don't worry about having to interview if something happens - it was a huge concern a year ago.
I know I will never forget where I came from. The last time I was in a position to do hiring, I hired a pretty big guy in maintenance!
He has worked out well!
I have worked at the same place for 20 years - very unusual these days. Worked for 3 companies, but same physical location. When you get bought out it is like starting over since you get all new management.
A couple of years ago I was real unhappy and decided to see what was "out there". I interviewed with another chemical plant and was not offered a job. I have very good credentials on paper and interview well, but I know it was my size that kept me from getting an offer. It hurt my ego a bit, but I just shrugged and was thankful I didn't need the job since I was still employed and figured everything happens for a reason.
Well, the company ended up being bought out by the Dutch (my company was bought by the Dutch in 2002 and it was NOT an improvement) so I was glad I stayed put and kept my 4 weeks vacation and seniority. It wasn't long after that the company I interviewed with declared bankruptcy, closed the plant down and LAID EVERYBODY IN THE PLANT OFF.
I would have been out of work. I am SO GLAD I didn't get that job offer !!!! Now that I have the weight off I don't worry about having to interview if something happens - it was a huge concern a year ago.
I know I will never forget where I came from. The last time I was in a position to do hiring, I hired a pretty big guy in maintenance!
He has worked out well!
Some years back, I interviewed with Overhead Door company for an admin position and during the interview was informed that they had many after work sponsored events such as softball which I would be expected to participate in. I'm 5'1" tall and weighed over 250 at the time... Needless to say, the HR person's attitude was very condesending and even though I responded positively to what she said, she looked me up and down like I was a bug....
Afterwards, I left knowing I didn't get that job even though I was more than qualified for what they were looking for... Personally, I dislike team sports, but would have played along even though that is probably my very worst sport....
Worked out well that I didn't get that job, because something better came along and today, many years later I am a well-qualified manager :) Life has a way of working out, but I agree and it was quite a blow to my ego!!!!
Afterwards, I left knowing I didn't get that job even though I was more than qualified for what they were looking for... Personally, I dislike team sports, but would have played along even though that is probably my very worst sport....
Worked out well that I didn't get that job, because something better came along and today, many years later I am a well-qualified manager :) Life has a way of working out, but I agree and it was quite a blow to my ego!!!!
Lisa from Texas - Go Aggies Go!!!
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