One week after my wedding, I returned to work glowing with joy, ready to dive back into routine. I had just married the love of my life, George, and our honeymoon felt like a dream. But reality hit harder than I ever imagined.
I was fired.
Not for poor performance. Not for misconduct. But for being “too private.”
At Henderson Marketing, I kept my head down, did my job, and avoided office gossip. After a traumatic experience at a previous workplace—where oversharing led to stalking and fear—I’d learned to guard my personal life. I never shared where I lived, never joined lunch outings, and certainly didn’t invite coworkers to my wedding. I thought professionalism was enough.
Apparently, it wasn’t.
My manager called me in and said I lacked “team integration.” That I was “antisocial.” That my refusal to blend personal and professional life made others uncomfortable. The final straw? A coworker had found my wedding photos online and circulated them at the office. The fact that I hadn’t shared them myself was seen as a betrayal.
I was stunned. I had used my vacation days, met all deadlines, and never caused conflict. But my boundaries were treated like insubordination.
I walked out that day, devastated—but not defeated.
With George’s support, I turned to something I’d long abandoned: crafting. I started making handmade toys and quilts, pouring my emotions into every stitch. What began as therapy became a business. Within months, I had customers, a website, and a growing community that valued authenticity and respect.
Today, I’m thriving. My old company faced backlash for its toxic culture, but I found peace in creating something meaningful. I built a team that celebrates individuality, not punishes it.
