Today I sent this letter to a Census administer. I decided to quit the job.

Dear Patricia,

The SIPP (Survey of Income and Participation) training was stressful and dreadful. It was way too much material to memorize in four days. I was one of two beginners. The other newcomer was a man. We both struggled and felt overwhelmed. The rest of the group had worked for SIPP for years, and were there for a brush-up.

Only 20% of people are auditory learners. We all needed visual aids and group exercises.

Trainer Jeff Solomon read aloud (distracting) while I tried to memorize complicated computer keystrokes, codes, endless acronyms and dozens of new function keys. It was stressful and frustrating. Struggled to keep up.

On Wednesday, Jeff lost his Iphone. He brought the class to a halt as he frantically searched and threw a hissy fit. Finally, he found it under his table.

Still mad, Jeff then stood behind me criticizing me, hovering like a vulture. He has a loud voice. It was humiliating. He made me feel nervous so I made more errors. "Why don't you go pick on someone else?" I asked.

"I'm going to stay right here until you get it right!" Jeff replied loudly. I had enough. Thought about using the word "bully," but that was too triggering. He was acting abusive.

"You are hounding me," I said firmly and loudly. Jeff backed off. Later three women praised me for standing up to Jeff. "I don't feel comfortable confronting him," they said. "I keep my head down so he won't call on me."

Sadly, this exhausting four day SIPP training ruined the fun of working for the Census. I have happily worked for the Census every ten years since 2000.

To make matters worse, the Census Administration forced me to drive 400 miles round trip instead of flying me. I drove for seven hours. This caused me to go into overtime that is not allowed. The payroll website rejected my driving hours. We are paid for driving time.

Also, the Census Admin. refused to pay for a hotel room on Friday night. I had to go home after class ended, 195 miles away.

Drove into the setting sun bucking a strong headwind (snowstorm coming). After dark, I was blinded by oncoming vehicles. Their headlights had long bright golden rays radiating out in a circle. Averting my eyes, I looked at the right side of the road at 60 mph. Curves were torture. Felt relieved when I finally had a line of cars in front of me. Followed their snaking red taillights like a pull toy. It was a rough drive.

"I don't want to drive in the dark," I told Eli earlier. Need to make an appointment with an eye surgeon for a cataract eye surgery tuneup.

Please forward this email to Diane, Regional Supervisor. She needs to know about Jeff Solomon's abusive, inappropriate behavior at the SIPP training.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Miller
Wenatchee, WA