Location: CA
hey all! as the title reads, i am in a sticky situation....To begin with, i bring various school and art supplies with me to work, typically in a backpack. However, on this day I had my art notebook out on my car seat. I grabbed my art notebook and went to clock in. I guess I had left my notebook by the time clock and had completely forgotten, and went to grab my back pack. In fact, when i brought my backpack to my work station, i rummaged through and was confused as to where it had gone and assumed i left it at home. (It'll make more sense soon)
An employee saw me place it down, went through it, was disturbed by its contents, and went to HR with it. I am an artist and solo musician and i am directly inspired by true crime, shock material, horror, etc etc etc. The police were called and I was placed in a meeting with HR, the plant manager, and of course the police. The HR person stated that I am under a 5 day suspension and my case will be under review and I am facing termination lol The police didn't do anything as I was obviously able to explain everything, as it's all art and music related as that is obviously Freedom of Speech.
Here are a couple important details:
Firstly, an employee angrily, and vaguely asked me, "Do you have a black notebook?" I had no clue what he was talking about and assumed it was nothing, then i heard more talk of a mysterious black notebook as well as my name being mentioned hours prior being sent to HR. So rumors were obviously being spread.
Secondly, and more importantly, I have been working on my mental health this year, all the while being homeless and struggling with addiction. (I JUST moved into a spot up the street too!) Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, and Bipolar disorder. 2 out of my litany of daily medications (namely gabapentin and lamotrigine) cause brain fog as a side effect, meaning I forget small things like words, conversation topics, and of course placing small items down. I believe this coupled with my ADHD (that I also take medication for) means I can be unfortunately quite scattered sometimes. However, these are necessary medications I must take everyday. Not to mention, these disorders are considered disabilities. However, I do not feel comfortable disclosing this information - but if I have to I will.
What are my options here? Personally, I think it's quite interesting that an employee watched me place my personal item down, walk away, then proceeded to peep through MY personal belongings. The HR lady mentioned something about "personal items on public work grounds" being a violation? I may be mistaken, but it was something of that magnitude. I am questioning their logic here.... would another employee's notebook have been rummaged through, considering someone asked me directly? Would this "policy" still apply if I accidentally left my backpack or laptop instead? Or even a lunch box? Does this mean that any unattended belongings are eligible to be rummaged through by random people without the owner's knowledge? Furthermore, is it grounds to be fired for being forgetful as an unfortunate side effect (that affects me everyday) of my medication? Must I have to choose being miserable and unstable over my mental wellbeing in order to keep my job?
To close out, all advice is appreciated. This is a very dire situation for me, as I don't have much to my name right now, nor do I have many people I can call these days smh. Also, if i lose my benefits, I might actually lose my mind..... Thanks in advance! heart emoji