Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/813078
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iworkin a toxic environment, and my boss hates me. He talks about how he wanted someone else in my position, and is upset that he didn't get to pick th e p erson h e wanted for the job. He goes out of his way to correct me when I speak, inter- rupts me and screams at me in front of my co-workers. He goes for days at a time without speak- ing to me. My boss walks in and greets everyone except me, and leaves without saying good night. He never tells me when he is going to be out of the office. I am his assistant and have to handle his work when he is out. If I check to see if he is coming in, I am being "nosy," and my co-workers become secretive around me. He makes passive-aggres- sive comments within earshot, and makes fun of me. My co-workers and other managers join in and have started to also ignore me and become obnoxious, like screaming while I am trying to work, interrupt- ing me or whispering while I am around. Some of them flat-out stop their conversations when I pass them or laugh when I walk by. The only feedback I get is from a co-worker who made a comment about how a person has to "have a sense of humor" in this environment. It's a really horrible environment — a good ol' boys' club — so the higher-ups don't care, and HR is nonexistent. Is there any way to resolve this, or should I just leave? —WorriedWorker DEAR WORRIED » What you have described is the essence of a hostile work environment. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commis- sion, the treatment you describe is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against a person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The law also protects you from re- taliation if you complain about discrimination or participate in an EEOC proceeding (for example, a discrimina- tion investigation or lawsuit). You can research your rights on the EEOC website: (eeoc.gov), to see if you want to try to take action against your employer. At the same time, you should undertake a job search. I hope you find a different job in a more welcoming environment. DEAR READERS » Sometimes people who dispense advice run out of answers. If you've ever been curi- ous about the life behind my advice, read my new book, "Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home" (2017, Hachette). Worker describes an extremely toxic environment at her job You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Aries(March21-April19)— If you want to make a change, look inward. Self-improvement will bring the highest returns and keep you out of trouble. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Try something different. Let your creative imagination take control and help you dis- cover attributes you didn't know you had. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Offer only what you can and refuse to give in to someone trying to coerce you into helping or paying for things that aren't your responsibility. Focus on personal improvements. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Joint ventures are probably best avoided. Stay away from anyone promising you the world with little to back his or her words. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Business partnerships or working alongside a colleague who doesn't agree with you will be difficult if you don't set guidelines and make sugges- tions that promote compromise on both sides. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Emotional matters will escalate if you aren't careful what you say or how you treat some- one you deal with daily. Show greater sensitivity toward your peers, friends and family. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Sensitive issues will be difficult to broach. Think carefully before you say something that may offend someone. Less is more when it comes to emotional matters. Offer love, not discord. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — An emotional situation is best handled cautiously. Saying the wrong thing will hurt your repu- tation, status or chance to get ahead. Listen rather than react. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Look for new opportuni- ties at networking functions or by reconnecting with former co-workers. A change will do you good. Start with personal improvements. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Emotional matters will escalate if you take on someone who doesn't share your beliefs or opinions. Having an open mind is good, but don't give in to manipulative tactics. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Emotions will spring up out of the blue and could result in a costly error if you aren't careful. Stay focused on what is doable, not on the impossible. Be smart and gather information. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Personal partnerships should be handled with care. Go out of your way to accommodate someone in need or a cause you want to help. Your dedicated service will help you advance. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B