How to handle being ostracized at work?

I'm so miserable and tired of getting shut out by my coworkers, who used to be friends of mine. I try to be strong and not let it get to me. I would understand if I was difficult to work with and a bitch. But I'm not, I'm always nice, kind, respectful. I never make any conflict. I had to miss work for five months because of my spouses accident. When I got back I was completely ostracized. No one will tell me why, I just get silent treatment. It's just tense and awkward all day long. I've already been thru hell because of this accident, and these awful people know that. So they just pile on the stress and sadness and anger for me. I have no friends now and I have no idea how to make new ones.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

OogieBoogie · F

Every place of work needs a scape goat .

I'm actually typing as I'm thinking this through.
You've just made me realise something .

Work is hard . There are problems and fuck ups .
And no one want to be responsible .
And ....some people are just bored or insecure, so they NEED someone to dump on.

You were gone . Which means for everyone else, or just the insecure ones - it was damn easy to talk about you . Maybe even blame you for shit.

One starts....and influences the others.

I've had a similar thing happen . Even my best friend at work is now 'odd' in some ways .
I work really hard, I have the heaviest load of my colleagues....yet I get dumped on .

But.....Im the only one who works part time .I'm not there for half the time .
And there always seems to be something 'new' that is a problem. Or more silent withholding or something I don't know about. I'm excluded from things .

And I couldn't work it out. I try to be agreeable, flexible and help others - yet it's not enough .

But I do know one particular person doesn't like me ....although I don't know why . And I feel it is them that maybe spreads dissent while I'm not there .

I've made peace with it . If that's what they want, if that's what they need ....let them have it.

Work isn't my life or my character .

Lilliesandlight · 41-45, F

@OogieBoogie you are a very strong person, I hope things improve for you. Hugs.

OogieBoogie · F

@Lilliesandlight I hope things have improved for you too .

I'm sorry , I just realized this is an older post and by replying ove bought back and memories for you .