Thanks, ScotCop, for telling us your story- and thanks to the several wise heads that have provided advice on how they would address it.

What comes to my mind now, is a need for more information about your workplace, your work history, etc. It might even be useful to hear about your kilt and accessories. How many employees does this place have? How large is the business, in physical size and financial? What are your duties there? What do you wear the rest of the time? Can you describe for us the command structure? How many layers of organization are there? Is the owner local? Are the employees "organized" as in "organized labor" i.e., unionized? Tell us about your longevity on the job and that of the disapproving supervisor. How was your relationship before?

Have you discussed this unfortunate incident with anyone at work? Has anyone there offered you their opinion or assessment?

There are bookstores and there are bookstores, ranging from temples of literature to places that might just as well be selling teen fashions or groceries. The atmosphere can range from a community of enthusiasts (think of the guys in HIGH FIDELITY) to well, to a soulless place with cruel taskmasters.

When you have the time, please give us a few paragraphs about work and you. By now you should be able to tell that we are going to support you.