Started working

My first job was at Sunoco gas station. It was a self-serve gas station, and I was the cashier. I was 14 and still in school. I would work nights, giving me time to do my homework, and I would be away from home and the chaos.  I saved my money and would purchase items for my future apartment. When I was ready to move out, I had purchased most of my household supplies.

After graduating from High School, I got a job at the Royal Bank, Chargex division for their credit cards. I was in the microfilm department.  It was in the downtown section of Montreal. I would either take the bus and train or get a ride from my brother-in-law’s sister, who also worked there. She was my boss. I had to do a good job because she expected even more of me than some of her other employees. I enjoyed my time at Chargex and made many friends.

I was still working at Chargex when my parents finally split up. My mother had finally had it, and she had to have him removed by the police. It took her a lot of courage to do that. He was still drinking and would threaten to kill her often. He didn’t take that well, and one morning, my mother went to work, and her car had been totally damaged by acid. She could not prove it was him. They were separated, and as much as my mother hated him and their relationship, she seemed to miss the abuse. She didn’t have him to fight with, so she took it out on me. I could never do anything right. She was constantly picking fights with me, so I would just go out for many walks. There were many times when I thought being homeless would be better. At least I wouldn’t have someone yelling at me all the time. When we went to court for their separation, I mentioned to the lawyer that this was happening, and he said it was normal for women who had been abused most of their lives. I then tried to be more compassionate, but it didn’t make it any easier.