I’ve worked in tech for over 13 years, including through two high-risk pregnancies, a C-section, and having a baby in the NICU. Balancing a demanding career with motherhood hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve worked hard and taken my professional responsibilities seriously.
Unfortunately, I’ve also spent years dealing with workplace issues involving what I believe to be sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
I raised concerns with HR on multiple occasions, hoping the issues would be investigated and addressed fairly. Instead, I felt that my complaints were minimized and that I was being discouraged from speaking up. What made this especially disappointing was that some of the HR representatives were women. I had hoped they would understand the challenges I was describing, particularly those related to pregnancy and motherhood.
Eventually, I was placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP) that I believe was unjustified. The company did not provide meaningful performance data to support the decision, and given the history of my complaints, I questioned whether the PIP was being used to justify terminating my employment.
Not long afterward, I experienced a medical emergency that required a 911 call. I was placed on approved medical leave, and while I was still on that leave, my employment was terminated.
The entire experience has taken a significant toll on my mental health and has left me with serious questions about how companies handle employee complaints, particularly when those complaints involve harassment, pregnancy discrimination, or retaliation.
I’m now looking for legal representation to evaluate my situation and advise me on potential claims involving sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, pregnancy and motherhood discrimination, and wrongful termination.
Finding the right attorney has been more difficult than I expected. These cases can be complicated, and not every employment attorney has the experience or capacity to handle them.
I’m sharing my story because I suspect there are many other women who have experienced something similar, whether it’s being placed on a questionable PIP after raising concerns, being treated differently after maternity leave, or losing a job while dealing with a medical issue.
I don’t believe that raising legitimate workplace concerns should put someone’s career at risk. And I don’t think employees should have to choose between protecting their health and protecting their jobs.