Good advice... but I've accepted that where I work, I'll never move up in higher paid or any company positions. Like I said, I was targeted and they were trying to get rid of me for a long time.

I've already been passed over for promotions and my fate was already sealed... this was very clear to me when I was going through my ordeal for months. Several female co-workers noticed what was going on, actually stepped in, and defended me, until finally the bosses and supervisors left me alone. These female co-workers are now in senior positions and I'm happy for them as I feel it was well deserved. It sucks that these women had to protect me, but even when I stood up for myself, it is probably what nearly got me fired.

Don't get me wrong, I love my job, I love what I do and I'm not miserable where I work, but I've tried to make relationships happen, but the damage is done, and so is my branding. While I've been able to repair some of the damage, it can never fully be mended. I do get my daily raises and bonuses per company standards, but anything besides that will probably never happen.

While I've accepted what is, I'm not just someone who accepts the fate of such, and I've started up a few side businesses that have helped compensate me for what I will never "make at work". I see it as my opportunity to make more money. Eventually, I hope that my main job will be a secondary job for me.