Navigating Workplace Adversity: My Journey as an Immigrant Facing Discrimination in the PR Industry

Choosing to immigrate to a new country is a multifaceted decision, often driven by personal and professional aspirations. In my case, as a communications professional who transitioned from journalism to corporate communication in the non-profit sector, the move to Canada in 2019 was motivated by a desire for a fulfilling career and a new way of life. While my professional journey in India had been financially rewarding, the demanding work culture left me with minimal personal time. The decision to relocate stemmed from a desire to escape the relentless demands of the Indian workplace culture. What I never imagined was that I’d be sharing this story of workplace adversity, having read about workplace harassment, abuse and discrimination but never thinking it could happen to me.

In early 2023, I joined a prestigious organization’s communications department, eager to contribute to their mission. Unfortunately, my initial excitement was overshadowed by an unanticipated challenge – working alongside an immature, discriminatory and micromanaging boss. Daily encounters included demands for respect (meaning working exactly as was told to without any questions and with expectations of mindreading) and arbitrary rescheduling of meetings to accommodate her whims and fancies. My experience became akin to navigating the mood swings of a toddler with major passive anger issues every single day. The toxic work environment, filled with personal comments and constant micromanagement, transformed each day into a daunting struggle. Anxiety became a constant companion, and the fear of demeaning remarks from my manager made even getting out of bed a formidable task.

Did I not make any mistakes in my job at this place? Absolutely, I did. Was my work perfect? Definitely not. But when two-hour feedback sessions on one-page documents started including comments on my “colonial English that needs to become more Canadian” and when she felt the need to literally lift her two hands in frustration to pull her hair out from both sides of her head and say to me, “I feel so frustrated looking at your face, it is so expressionless that I can’t read it, but I can see you’re full of disdain,” I found myself struggling even to respond. Unfortunately, the harassment continued to then grow in front of colleagues as well. On one such instance, my manager uninviting me from a professional gathering, saying, “I don’t think Prachi will be comfortable hanging out with the bosses, but count me in,” exemplified the isolating environment I found myself in.

Advising someone to speak up in such situations is often easier said than done. Under attack, one’s nervous system can shut down, leading to confusion and self-questioning. And I felt attacked every single day. The daily onslaught took a toll on my performance, leading to more and more mockery of my educational background, my so-called “non-Canadian” English, my lack of mindreading skills and my being less intelligent than her pet dogs “who don’t understand instructions, even when expressed on every assignment” and made a grave error of using a comma instead of “as well as.”

Then came my panic attacks, and this was like one I had never experienced before. My personal relationships, my personal time, my friendships, and my daily life started suffering, and this was when my attempts to address the personal nature of the remarks with my manager ended up labelling me as “an unprofessional who doesn’t know what professional feedback entails.”

Ultimately, I chose to leave the organization within under half a year of joining (my shortest stint ever!), putting an end to my mental abuse. Even in my last hour, my manager opted for a parting shot, emphasizing that she had definitely read my mind and knew I’d do this before she disconnected the video call in the middle of a sentence I was still uttering.

Despite the challenges, it’s essential to acknowledge the supportive aspects of the organization itself. The exit processes were seamless, and there were no issues with leaves, payments, reimbursements, upskilling opportunities, or the general presence of work-life balance. However, the lack of a safe space and supportive environment during the harassment left me feeling scared, insecure, and in fear of losing my job because I was “unprofessional,” isolated, unheard, and severely discriminated against.

These six months have been the most challenging of my professional life, leaving me grappling with trauma and seeking therapy for healing. While the panic attacks have subsided, self-doubt and severe procrastination persist. My personal relationships suffered. My quality of life suffered due to a dip in my confidence and self-value. But It’s okay to acknowledge the struggle and actively work towards overcoming it. My therapy continues, and I am actively working towards recounting these instances without shame or anxiety one day, transforming them into stories of lessons learnt in life.

This journey underscores the need for workplace support and understanding. In the absence of intervention, I navigated the storm alone, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to workplace challenges. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the harsh realities some immigrants face professionally. To those encountering similar challenges, seeking support early on is crucial – confide in a trusted colleague, consider therapy, or reach out to organizations offering assistance. Workplace discrimination and mental abuse should not be endured in isolation.”

P.S. I haven’t mentioned the organization’s name here or anywhere on the internet, as it is not my intent to shame anyone. I only share my experiences and maintain the dignity of the organization and the amazing work they are doing.