Wiccan/Employment question...?

Think about the bodyguards at a rock concert. Ever notice how most times they appear to be very detached from the music?

Surely not all of them are fans of the band playing, this is their job. Maybe sometimes they will like what they hear but probably not always. I think that they learn the art of detachment...they can probably learn to zone the music out.

I know it's not the same thing but maybe you can find some help in thinking that way.

I hate to say it but your boss is right, you are there for them not for you. However, if you find this is something that is really effecting you negatively, you might have to get another job. I think this is something you should have been told about before signing on...it shouldn't have been assumed that you would be okay with it. Even if you weren't Wiccan, I know a lot of Christians would be offended at some of those comments as well.

But maybe this is a challenge. Is it possible that you can learn to meditate during this time, maybe learn to zone out the sound of the preachers voice?

You could also discreetly wear ear plugs :) I don't know if it would eventually get you in trouble, I think that would be a judgment call.

I think you should start of by asking yourself how much this job means to you. Is it fulfilling your life purpose? If it is just a job, quit and get another one. The health care field is one field that hasn't suffered due to the economy.

Last bit of advice...if this is the kind of work you like to do, maybe you can look into home care services or another nursing home.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide. :)

I hate to say this, but I think your director is correct. No matter what you believe, your job is to transport and care for the residents. I would try to look on those services you must attend as a chance to learn something of those other beliefs, and to reafform (perhaps) why you choose not to believe them. You can do your grocery list, read a book or listen to your ipod while the services are going on, too. There's nothing to say you must participate, merely attend.

By the way, I'm a Wiccan, as well. In my many years, I have worked in a religious-based nursing home, too, and when I was in the Marines, I often had to attend team prayers. I like to think that I'm more open minded than many Christians, and that I was able to take some of what was said and some of the sentiments behind it and translate them into something that made sense to me, too.

I wish you the best, and hope you manage to find a way to be thicker-skinned about those religious differences for the good of your patients. Gods know they need caring, dedicated people to assist them, and I applaud you for your commitment to them.

I am a Wiccan, too, but I agree with your director. This is the job, this is the task that you are needed to do.

I don't personally feel sitting through Christian services is agaist my religion. I have done a number of freelance photography job over the years for religious schools or churches that requried me to sit through the service because I had to take photos at certain points. I don't agree with the theology of sermons usually, but I don't let it bother me. They're entitled to their beliefs, I have a job to do, if I want the job then this is where I have to do it.

I firmly believe that I have a choice when it comes to any job tasks-- either do the job I was hired to do to the best of my ability, or seek other employment. I don't think my employer should have to change the job description because it doesn't sit well with me.

EDIT>> I think the people crying for you to take legal action or contact the ACLU are way off course. They're not forcing you to be Christian, your job is to take care of people when they go to church-- they have every right to go to the church. If your employer said "I will only hire a Christian to take them," then that would be discrimination. The employer is offering you an opportunity to work, and you have the choice to take it or not.

I mean, if a Christian person was in your position and had to take Jewish people to services or Pagan people to circles, would they have the same rights to cry "discrimination?"

And if so... where does that leave the employer and the people who need transportation? They are supposed to pay someone for not doing the job they need done?

While it is not your religious preference, you're not there for service; rather you are there as a care giver. One in our Pagan Temple was a CNA and would sit with patients while they prepared to pass. If they wanted to pray, she would pray with them. If they wanted her to read from their Bible; she did. Another with us works at a assisted living residence and often attends Christian services with some of the residents. As others have mentioned, they can listen, tune it out, or quietly do something else without drawing attention to herself in the course of her work/employment. Another member works for a Christian day care, and manages to keep her faith and her temper. Its a job.

You could also look at this as a learning experience and take notes for discussion with other Wiccans and/or Wiccan clergy.

Sounds like you are letting the sermons emotionally zing you. Don't let your emotions get in the way of your intellect. Don't take what you hear to heart if it disagrees with your beliefs. Their message isn't necessarily intended for you, but your reaction may be noticed. And remember, when people find out you are a Wiccan, how you conduct yourself will reflect on all Pagans.

And as others have pointed out, the job market is nasty right now. Indignation and pride won't pay your bills. Consider the Gods have placed you in this situation for a reason. I don't believe in coincidence. That may help you and I hope it does.

Perhaps consider looking around with time on your side for other work and/or watch and wait for another position in the company to open up. Nothing is forever.

That's a tough one. If it were me, I'd leave. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

The only piece of advice I can give you is that you can probably get unemployment if they fire you over this, or if you leave your job because of it. Normally you can't get unemployment if you leave a job, but if they're requiring you to attend services where you feel uncomfortable, harassed or discriminated against due to your religion, you can generally fight and win full unemployment benefits. It's called a hostile work environment, and some fanatical preacher who will likely one day have at least one sermon about how witches like you are going to burn in hell qualifies as hostile to me!

It's one thing for you to transport people to and from these events; it's entirely another to be required to sit through offensive sermons and the like. I hope you can find a solution you can tolerate in this harsh economy. Best of luck! :)

I am Wiccan also and sometimes find myself having to attend a Christian service. Usually, I'll sit as close to the statue of Mary as I can. I know and understand that pagan goddess's were called Stella Maris, Queen of Heaven, Mari, etc. long before Christianity came into being. I may look like the most devout parishioner in the church but in reality, I am conversing with my Goddess. I hope this helps you.

I've been Pagan all my 60 years and have run into this problem from time to time.My best advice is just do your job, ignore the idiot heretic behind the pulpit. He is there for those silly Christians.

I used to work for Senior Services in Mississippi

(before Katrina made it a 3rd world nation). I would always bring my own religious books with me, I never tried to convert them, but when these fanatics showed up, I just brought out my books and read while he preached to the seniors.

As a strong and independent woman, you should have no problems with this.

Now, if the man gets in your face, then he is crossing the line. And in my book, he is subject to getting his "s, double A" kicked across the county. I will defend your right to believe as you wish and will fight it to the death to defend my own.

The services are not aimed at you, so you can just ignore what is said. Apparently, someone is worried that Granny is going to slip on a banana peel and won't know she has passed on, so they have these ministers visit the elderly from time to time.

I wear my Pentacle as well as my Ankh wherever I go, if it offends them...Well, Gosh...That's just too "darn" bad...In the good old USA, we have religious freedom. And if you are ever dismissed(fired) because of your belief, this is infringing on your basic human rights and trust me, these folks will need to take out one hell of a loan to pay off on that one.

It is part of your job, not a conversion effort (I would hope). But that does not mean you have no right to say no. Especially if you were not informed before you took the job that you would be required to perform these tasks, there may certainly be a violation of your rights. Unfortunately, if your boss requires it, your only avenue of recourse may be legal action. Pretty much a guarantee that this would not be a good long-term career fit for you.

See if any members of your coven are savvy of the most expedient way to pursue your legal rights. If not, try the ACLU.

Best luck to you.

If you can not separate yourself from this, then find another job.

You are there for the patient. If that patient wants to attend some silly church, it is your duty to take them there and care for them. The service isn't for you, and you should remain professional. Think about it in reverse, would you expect a christian to deny service to a client who wanted to attend a pagan circle?

Just remember, it isn't about you.

If your job is to take people where they need to go, then that's your job. Period. What if you have to accompany them to a movie you don't really want to see, but you have to stay with them in case they need you? You have to just suck it up and get through it.

Maybe you could read a book, or listen to an MP3 player? Sorry, but if you're on the clock, it's not your choice.

In your free time, look for a similar job where you won't have to do these sorts of things.