So today, after I went through the job listings and applied for whatever I could find that I thought might suit me, I sat down and wrote the following letter. I don't know if I will actually send this letter, but I do feel better having written it. I guess the pouring out of all those thoughts and emotions is therapeutic, at least to a point.
(The Studio's real name has been omitted to protect the innocent and avoid potential lawsuits.)
"Dear Studio Owner and CEO;
"Please let me start out by telling you that this letter in no way is an attempt to get my job back or otherwise sway The Studio's decision to terminate my employment.
"That having been said, I do feel the need to speak my piece. I am devastated by my dismissal from The Studio. Because of the actions, exaggerations, and fabrications of a vindictive, supercilious person or persons, an honest woman's entire career has been destroyed. It will take a very long time for me to repair the damage that has been done to my emotions, my self-esteem, my ability to trust; my whole system of beliefs and principles has been irreparably broken. I am suddenly faced with the knowledge that honesty and hard work have no value anymore.
"The real loser in all of this is The Studio. My career may be gone, but I will eventually find another job. However, The Studio has lost a truly honest and dedicated employee. I sincerely cared about my job, the company for which I worked, and especially the people who worked alongside me. I genuinely was concerned for the welfare of The Studio and dedicated myself to try, every day, to do the very best job I could and always hoped for a positive future, both for myself and for the company.
"When the previous Studio President first hired me eight years ago, I told him that I was looking for my career; I was looking for the company from which I would eventually retire. I truly believed that The Studio was that company. I wholeheartedly wanted The Studio to be that company. I was prepared and willing to ride out any hardships, and hopefully contribute to and celebrate the good fortunes and victories. I spent eight years working as hard as I knew how to try and help make those good fortunes a reality.
"But I have learned that hard work and honest dedication are no longer valued as they once were in this world. I have learned that the only people that seem to get ahead are the ones that lie and cheat and violate other people's integrity for their own selfish gains. If this is the case, then I guess I am destined to lick the boots of those who would step on me, because I will sell my soul for no one. I refuse to hurt anyone as I have been hurt, or to damage anyone as I have been damaged. Because of this, I may never become a great success, but then I will always be able to face myself in a mirror without wanting to look away.
"In the end, I can only hope that some lesson can be learned from all of this. I can only hope that as an employer, you will know that you have the honor of having a precious few very talented and loyal people working for you, and they should always be regarded with the highest of esteem.
"I don't know if I will ever see you or speak with you again. I am not sure if I will find another job in the film industry, or even, at this point, if I want to. This experience has cast a shadow over my optimism, and has soured any joy I may have ever had for my work. I am sure in time, I may regain some of my confidence, but I don't think I will ever be quite the same open and candid person I once was. And that is really the worst injustice of all -- I have been permanently scarred by this, and I feel as if I have lost something within myself that I valued very greatly.
"But please know, I was an honest, forthright, and truly dedicated employee. And although I have been deeply wronged, I bear no ill will to you or to The Studio. I sincerely hope for you all of the success and happiness you may desire. I will miss my job, and I very much miss the wonderful people I had the honor of working with. I wish all the best to all of you.
"Respectfully yours,
Yada-Yada.. "
So like I said... it feels good to put all of these thoughts into words. But should I send it? I need an opinion on this -- would it do more damage than good? Or is it a compilation of truths that an employer needs to hear (and not enough people have the brass to say)? I would really like to hear your thoughts on this.
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