I’ve just had the HR director threaten and cuss at me for 10 minutes. Should I email the owners about this?
I also discovered that the HR director fired someone and a week later called that person begging for text messages that we exchanged for ammunition to use against me in a case to fire me. This was about 3 months ago when the call was made. I then endured the HR director threaten me to have a couple woman file formal complaints against me so that there would be leverage for a firing. I spoke to the GM about this, but I also have all of the owner’s persona emails and can alert them. It would be putting my own job at risk, but honestly I don’t care.
Jobadvisor
I hear the frustration in your voice, and honestly, it’s completely valid. There is a specific kind of exhaustion that comes from doing "all the right things"—showing up for work, fixing your GPA, grinding through a degree—and still feeling like you’re shouting into a void while everyone else breezes through.
It’s easy to feel "cursed," but let’s look at the reality: you aren’t lazy. You are currently working full-time while finishing a degree. That is a heavy lift that most people couldn't handle.
The disconnect between your effort and your results usually isn't luck; it’s often a "hidden" structural issue in how the job market operates. Here is a breakdown of why this might be happening and how to pivot.
1. The "Overqualified vs. Under-experienced" Trap
You mentioned having a degree previously but applying for Walmart or basic warehouse roles. This often triggers a red flag for hiring managers:
Flight Risk: They assume that as soon as a "better" job comes along, you’ll quit.
The Resume Mismatch: If your resume lists a degree but you're applying for entry-level labor, they might think you're overqualified or "too expensive," even if you just want a paycheck.
2. The Logistics Advantage
You aren't a teenager anymore, and you shouldn't be applying like one. You have 1.5 years of current, steady experience in Logistics and you’re finishing a specialized degree. This is your leverage.
Stop looking down: Stop applying for "any job" (retail/basic construction). Start applying up.
Target Roles: Look for Logistics Coordinator, Fleet Supervisor, Inventory Analyst, or Supply Chain Specialist.
The Narrative: Your resume shouldn't say "I need a job." It should say "I am a Logistics professional who is formalizing my expertise with a degree."
3. Beating the "Black Hole" (ATS)
If you’ve been applying since 16 with low success, the issue might be your application strategy.
The Algorithm: Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If your resume doesn't have the exact keywords from the job description, a human never even sees it.
Referrals > Applications: Most of those people who "pull jobs out of their asses" aren't smarter or luckier—they are likely using a connection. Since you’re in the industry now, talk to vendors, drivers, or managers at your current job.
Action Plan for the Rest of the Year
| Focus Area | Strategy |
| The Degree | Finish strong. Having that completion date on your resume (e.g., "Expected Dec 2026") is a massive signal to employers that you are "ready for the next level." |
| Resume Audit | Remove high school info. Focus heavily on your last 1.5 years. Quantify your work (e.g., "Managed 50+ shipments daily" or "Reduced loading errors by 10%"). |
| Build a profile that matches your degree. Connect with recruiters specifically in Supply Chain and Logistics. |
A Bit of Perspective
You feel behind because you're comparing your "behind-the-scenes" to everyone else's "highlight reel." Being 31 with a full-time job and a nearly-finished degree is a solid foundation. You aren't cursed; you've just been using the wrong map to navigate a very frustrating system.
Hawaii or Austin?
I work in healthcare and recently got an offer for a job in Hawaii for ~120k and also have an offer in Texas for ~90k. I am having a really hard time deciding which would be better to take. Both have their pros and cons so I haven't really been able to make any progress. Any advice or insight would be welcome. Accounting for taxes they equate to just about the same on spendable income after rent. 24 y/o and little idea on how to proceed forward with no obligations.
Jobadvisor
Since you’ve already crunched the numbers and realized they are roughly equal in "spendable" income, this isn't a math problem—it’s a lifestyle and "lore" problem.
At 24, with no obligations and a solid healthcare career, you are in the "Experience Phase" of your life. Here is the breakdown of how these two paths actually feel day-to-day.
The Comparison: Austin vs. Hawaii
| Feature | Austin, TX ($90k) | Hawaii ($120k) |
| Vibe | High-energy, "work hard/play hard," social. | Slow, "Aloha Spirit," peaceful, outdoorsy. |
| Social Life | Elite. Tons of 20-somethings, massive bar/music scene (6th St), easy to meet people. | Niche. Locals are friendly but tight-knit. Most friends will be other "transplants" or coworkers. |
| Travel | Central hub. Easy to fly anywhere in the US or road trip to major TX cities. | Island Fever. You are 5 hours from the mainland. Flights are expensive and long. |
| Nature | Lakes and hiking, but oppressive summer heat (100°F+ for months). | World-class. Beaches, surfing, and mountains. Perfect weather year-round. |
| Career Growth | Huge healthcare hub (Dell Med, etc.). High networking potential. | Solid, but smaller market. You might hit a "ceiling" sooner. |
Why You Should Pick HAWAII
The "Lore": Moving to Hawaii at 24 is a movie plot. If you don't do it now, you likely never will. If you hate it, you can leave in a year with a tan and a great story.
The Outdoors: If your "reset" button is the ocean or a mountain trail, Hawaii is unbeatable.
Healthcare Demand: Hawaii desperately needs healthcare workers. You will be valued, and the "Island Time" pace of work can be a nice break from mainland burnout.
Why You Should Pick AUSTIN
The Social Scene: If being single and meeting people is your priority, Austin wins. It is designed for 20-somethings.
Purchasing Power: While your "spendable" income is the same, things like cars, electronics, and travel are cheaper in Texas because you aren't paying the "shipping tax" on everything.
Career Building: Austin is a booming tech and medical hub.
The connections you make here might lead to a $150k job in three years.
The "Tie-Breaker" Questions
Since the money is a wash, ask yourself these three things:
How much do I value "the new"? If you want a complete culture shock and a life-changing experience, go to Hawaii. If you want a fun, recognizable American city vibe, go to Austin.
Am I okay with being isolated? In Hawaii, you can't just drive to the next state when you’re bored. In Austin, you’re a few hours from Dallas, Houston, or a cheap flight to Mexico.
What do I do on Saturdays? If it’s "go to a brewery/concert/brunch," choose Austin. If it’s "go to the beach/hike/surf," choose Hawaii.
My Two Cents: You're 24. Austin will always be there, and it’s an easy move later. Hawaii is a "once-in-a-lifetime" window. If the 120k covers your costs, go for the island. Which of those two "Saturday morning" scenarios sounds more like the person you want to be right now?
I’ve just had the HR director threaten and cuss at me for 10 minutes. Should I email the owners about this? I also discovered that the HR director fired someone and a week later called that person begging for text messages that we exchanged for ammunition to use against me in a case to fire me. This was about 3 months ago when the call was made. I then endured the HR director threaten me to have a couple woman file formal complaints against me so that there would be leverage for a firing. I spoke to the GM about this, but I also have all of the owner’s persona emails and can alert them. It would be putting my own job at risk, but honestly I don’t care.
Jobadvisor
I'm so sorry you're going through this. What you're describing—threats, verbal abuse, attempts to manufacture complaints, and soliciting evidence to use against you—is deeply concerning and may constitute unlawful retaliation and harassment.
**First: Protect yourself immediately**
- **Document everything now**, while details are fresh. Write down: dates, times, locations, exactly what was said/done, witnesses present, and your response. Stick to facts, avoid emotional language [[11]].
- **Preserve all evidence**: Save texts, emails, voicemails, call logs. Take screenshots. Store copies somewhere secure and separate from work devices (personal email, cloud storage, encrypted drive) [[16]].
- **Do not delete anything**, even if it feels uncomfortable. Deleting evidence can weaken any future claim [[11]].
- **Avoid discussing this on social media** or with coworkers who aren't trusted allies—this can be used against you [[11]].
**About emailing the owners:**
You *can* reach out, but consider these factors first:
✅ **Pros**: Owners may not know the HR director's conduct; escalating internally could trigger an independent investigation.
⚠️ **Cons**: If the owners support the HR director, this could accelerate retaliation. Also, once you go external (EEOC, lawyer), internal complaints may carry less weight in some legal frameworks.
If you do email them:
- Keep it factual, concise, and professional
- Reference specific incidents with dates/times
- State that you've documented everything and are seeking resolution
- Avoid threats or emotional language
- Send from a personal email and BCC yourself
**Your legal protections (U.S.)**:
- Federal law prohibits retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, or illegal conduct [[8]][[30]].
- You are protected even if you participated in an investigation or simply expressed a reasonable belief that wrongdoing occurred [[30]].
- Retaliation can include threats, intimidation, fabricated complaints, or creating a hostile environment [[30]].
**Consider these escalation paths** (you can pursue more than one):
1. **Employment attorney**: Many offer free consultations. They can advise on your specific situation, help you document properly, and discuss whether you have a claim for retaliation, hostile work environment, or wrongful termination. *This is often the safest first step before escalating internally or externally.*
2. **EEOC or state labor agency**: You can file a charge of retaliation/discrimination. For most claims, you have **180 days** from the incident to file [[35]]. Filing while still employed is allowed [[31]].
3. **Whistleblower protections**: If the HR director's actions involve fraud, evidence tampering, or illegal conduct, additional protections may apply [[20]][[22]].
**A note on safety**:
You mentioned you "don't care" about risking your job—and that's completely valid given what you've endured. But please also consider: if you're terminated, having thorough documentation and legal counsel *before* that happens significantly strengthens any severance negotiation, unemployment claim, or lawsuit.
**Immediate next steps you can take today**:
1. Write a detailed timeline of all incidents (including the 10-minute threat, the solicitation of texts, the GM conversation).
2. Back up all relevant communications to a personal, secure location.
3. Search for an employment lawyer in your state (many work on contingency for retaliation cases).
4. If you feel unsafe or the threats escalate, contact local law enforcement—verbal threats can sometimes constitute assault depending on your state's laws.
You deserve to work in an environment free from intimidation and retaliation. What you're describing isn't just "difficult HR"—it's potentially illegal conduct. Please prioritize your safety and legal protection as you decide next steps.