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I’m a electrician the owner of the company I work for is the son of a pastor. I enjoy my job and like what I do. A few people I work with know that I’m an atheist. But if the owner found out I’d probably be out of a job. He constantly quotes the Bible and prays at every meeting. Our work trucks and Work shirts even has the Jesus fish on them. I’m very anti-religious and out spoken in my personal life. But keep very quiet at work about it. I won’t even friend anyone from work on Facebook because of it. So my work and private life is extremely separated. Does anyone else have to hide their beliefs at work.

Donto101 7 Mar 7
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13 comments

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I've written previously on some other posts about an experience I’ve had on one of my previous jobs. I have worked for a super conservative Christian attorney here in town. It was the worst employment experience since I’ve entered the workplace. He would give 30-40 minute daily devotionals during which he would mostly talk about himself. He also made it a habit of asking potential employees if they watch porn and if they masturbate. He was very methodical as to who he would hire (personality wise) just so he can manipulate into working for cheap. I think that he saw me once rolling my eyes during one of his devotionals when he said something stupid about the earthquake in Haiti being caused by the Haitians selling their soul to the devil. He pulled me into his office and asked me if his devos were too long and I told him yes. Not long after that I was let go without cause. I don’t think I hid my beliefs well enough, he most likely found out from others about my lack of beliefs.

I enjoyed working there because of my other coworkers and I’ve also learned a lot about human nature and manipulation tactics.

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I hide nothing, if they can't handle it, so be it.

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Learn as you earn, then set off on your own. You can just wire the houses and not have to bless them as well. I am a carpenter. Finding the work can be tough but once you have a reputation, referrals will keep you busy.

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I work for myself, so, I don't give a f*8k what anyone thinks, have you considered doing the same? You are a trademen so it is not really that hard to start out on your own.

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I am generally quiet with work colleages on belief things. I still have a quibble with what they call their fish symbol as it was a pagan thing.

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Did you think about finding work in another place?

Yes but I like what I do. And the people I work with. So I put up with it.

@Donto101 Well, then, enjoy and try no to get too upset when they talk about religion.

@DUCHESSA then talking religion don’t bother me but hiding be an atheist sucks but I can live with it.

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This is a significant problem that I can only compare with the gay rights movement. Many of us remain under the radar, closeted in our beliefs--myself included. But this anonymity may only continue to foster the same discrimination and hostility that has been the threat to all minorities. My recommendation would be for you to reach out to the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), and see if they can offer advice on your rights in the workplace.

Your unfortunate story is precisely why so many of us prefer to remain ‘hidden’ behind pseudonyms that would not be permitted on Facebook. True, some states have it worse than others, when it comes to religion in the workplace. I have observed that the attitudes of Christian zealots toward nonbelievers are most virulent in the ‘red’ regions of this country. A pastor in Florida a few years back wanted to know why there wasn’t a registry of atheists, as there is for sex offenders. My condolences as a Californian to a Floridian fellow nonbeliever!

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I set up our community pantry each week, yesterday they even made a point that I would probably leave now as they were about to pray. No issues, some forget I am an atheist, they also realise that I go when they are about to pray. Some of the people there are not very bright, one lady was telling me yesterday how god talks to her and she has seen him twice. So as often as I tell them, they just seem to ignore it.

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No thank fuck

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Oh, yes! I worked for a man who wore the FISHHOOK in his lapel and was just DELIGHTED to tell you that he was a ''fisher of men." Several of us objected to this man's proselytizing (especially because he was such an unpleasant personality.) My advice would be to smile and change the subject, if you can. Otherwise, consider which is most important--a job you love or a few moments of withholding your opinion.

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I always found it best to keep my personal views out of the workplace. I keep my personal and business life quite separate

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I wouldn't say I really have to hide my beliefs, but I'm also not going to offer any comments unless really grilled. I work for a small community college system that is predominantly in rural or semi-rural parts of Texas so my philosophy would be frowned upon.

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Yup

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