When I start working in the Dublin Wastelands in 2015, upon my return to Ireland after fifteen years in Amsterdam, I was hired into a position in the grim industrial wastelands of county Dublin.  My training into my role was given by a person named Assumpta (not her real name). Assumpta was difficult. She treated me with hostility and contempt, engaging in subtle workplace bullying for a prolonged period. For reasons that were unknown to me.  

The dilemma I faced was that nothing she said or did could be identified as clear bullying which would have allowed me to take steps to stop it. It more undermining. She never said ‘You really are useless’. It was along the lines of ‘I am concerned about the errors you are making, I am concerned about the negative impact your errors are causing to the business’ showing her to be a conscientious and diligent employee.

Afterwards she would pointedly ask other colleagues to go to the canteen for lunch and make it clear I was not included. She repositioned the picture on her locker so that she did not have to look at me. It was distressing and unpleasant. After a year – by which point I was fully trained and had zero communication with my nemesis – she moved to a new position (in a different building) in the company. We no longer worked together. A huge relief to me.

It was only at that point did I realise that she had interviewed for the job I had been hired for, but was unsuccessful in her efforts. But she subsequently had to train me into the position. An awkward position for her, for sure. But not remotely my fault.

I internally nicknamed her Potato-Face because of her grey complexion and because it gave me a petty satisfaction..

She remained in the company. Our path thankfully never crossed again.

Today I learned that she has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. A horrible affliction. I am sorry she has to go through this. On a human level I have sympathy for her and her family.

On the other hand she is one of the few people I have ever met that I shudder when I hear her name. She genuinely made my work life hell when I was fresh back in Ireland after decades away.

So I wish her peace in her difficult journey. And I won’t think of her again.