Well, it's true that she may be one to overreact much of the time, but it's also true that she could be emotionally sensitive (because of her dad's condition) and seeing the boss doing the impression of her may have hit home harder than normal.

I agree, that's why I said I can't put myself in her position. =) My main point was about complaining to her bosscontacting HR. However, checking her profile, it says she's 15.. strikes me as a bit odd. Makes me wonder how old her boss really is. And if she IS a grown woman, who makes fun of a 15 year old who's obviously worried about her dad having a heart condition?

That bitch of a boss does. Well, if it says that OP is 15 or so, I'd assume she works at some place like McDonalds or somewhere similar. Many of the "managers" are simply on duty employees who happen to be 1-2 levels higher than OP (i.e. OP is "crew", the manager may really be a "crew trainer" or "team leader"). So, the "manager" could be only a year or two older than OP. That said, the "manager" could actually be a real manager, aged 20 or higher. If this is the case, the manager's actions are disgusting. I agree, though. She should have done to HR. I had to do that before; I had the sweet satisfaction of taking them to the labour board and winning my case as well.

"Hostile work environment" that crap is the reason why lawyers are cashing in. you have to treat everybody like they are made of glass no matter how moronic, inept, and incompetent they are. What's worse is that even if you do treat them kindly they can still make a claim about you. It's fun having to defend your job because some clown doesn't like being told to follow the rules at work. This crap and people that buy into it male me sick. Just do your jobs and STFU.

I'm sorry you've very clearly had bad experiences with the working world, but not all places are like that. When people don't do their job, most of the time they get written up and/or fired. If you're doing something right, nothing will happen. I assume there are cameras wherever you work(ed)?

Our fathers want to appear in good shape to the rest of the world because they're supposed to be the protector. That's probably why your dad wants his condition kept secret. My dad has been fighting cancer for 8 years and it's been bad since the beginning, but always tells people he's perfectly fine. As for OP, that probably is something you should have kept to yourself unless absolutely necessary. Maybe your boss thought you wanted special attention. You have to be careful who you trust with information that personal.