I keep telling myself I can handle this, but no matter what I
do my father, (sober now for 8 years) keeps bashing me. "I don't know how you
do it but you drive ____ (long time co-worker) and me nuts." When I asked what
exactly I do that aggravates them so much he couldn't answer. Also, he gets involved in my
financial affairs, yelling personal and sometimes painful information out in from of other
co-woirkers or visiting professionals and clients can hear.
One thing he mentioned was getting a call from my dentist
about being behind on my bill. I feel bad enough about this and I am doing all I can to
keep my bils paid and it's not easy at $6.25 an hour with no insurance.
My youngest daughter has cervical cancer. She's 19 and li9ves with her dad. I have
been sick with various things including needing reconstructive surgery. I still do
the best I can. We have been in business in a small town for 50 years. He keeps cutting my
hours. Although I don't have insurance, other it has been given to other co-workers.
He and customers have told me how efficient I am as an employee.
This past Monday he wanted me to take my mother to the
doctor. In the past he has paid me, since this was time I could be at work. This time he
told a co-worker to pay me only for the time I arrived back at work. Then Tuesday he asked
me not to come in because they were not busy. I knew he had work I could do, we are a very
busy office.
I thought working with him would be a blessing for us both.
I love my father. He is 75 and I know I won't have him much longer.
I'm starting school again and thinking of moving to another
job closer to my apartment. I'm confused and hurt. Thanks for your time.
Dedicated daughter
Dear Dedicated Daughter:
Your father is taking advantage of you, treating you rudely
and being abusive. He probably sees nothing wrong with this. Many people look on family as
free labor and that's probably why mixing business and family doesn't usually work.
By all means find another job. Help your mom when you can,
and try to remain friendly with your dad. But you have a right to earn a standard wage for
your work and to be treated professionally at work. Don't try to explain all this to your
dad - he probably wouldn't get it. Explain that you need to be closer to your home and
school. Thank him for giving you work, etc. Then move on.
God Bless
