I’m Outsourcing My Job Search While I Travel to Asia. Let’s See What Happens.

Well wouldn’t you know it. The guy that created a blog about getting fired just got let go again. It was a good two and a half year run but in late December I was laid off.

I had the good fortune and experience of getting word well ahead of time and got to spend a month or so training the team in India that will be doing the work I did at a geo-arbitraged price saving the company some money.

So here I am with some time off and a few goals and ideas. Here’s what’s in store:

Travel

It’s cold and snowy in Chicago. I’m heading to Asia with sites set on Taiwan and Vietnam. I’ll make sure and share a bit of this.

Taiwan offers a fascinating mix of modern cities like Taipei, known for its bustling night markets and the towering Taipei 101, and traditional elements such as the historic temples and the breathtaking Taroko Gorge. I plan to immerse myself in the local culture, trying out street food delicacies like stinky tofu and bubble tea, and exploring the lesser-known corners of Taipei.

One thing I’m particularly excited about is exploring Taiwan’s tech scene. As a data analyst, the opportunity to see how technology intertwines with daily life in one of Asia’s tech hubs is thrilling. Additionally, I’m keen on visiting the traditional tea plantations in the highlands. The serene landscapes and the taste of freshly brewed Taiwanese tea seem like a perfect escape from the hustle of city life.

Vietnam, on the other hand, offers a deep dive into a rich historical tapestry and stunning natural landscapes. Starting from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, I aim to explore the dynamic blend of French colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and the famous Cu Chi tunnels.

You can tell Chat GPT wrote the last three paragraphs right?

Some Entrepreneurial Projects

Maybe it’s time for me to hang it up with the W2 work. I think I’m in a place where that’s feasible. But I’ll want something else to work on. The next month will entail a bit of exploration in various pursuits that might generate a bit of income. One of which I have some interest in taking this blog out of the late 2000’s and dabbling a bit more with the 2020’s vis a vis Youtube Shorts and other social media. Here’s where you could find some of that:

a clip from my recent travel to BGC Manila

I Outsource My Job Search

I went on Upwork and created an ad seeking a job search assistant. There’s no shortage of folks working less than $10/hour USD to help assist with this. Here’s the pitch of the one I chose:

Dear Hiring Manager, I am enthusiastic about the Job Search Assistant role. With robust experience in HR and data analytics job searching, I am adept at navigating job boards and tailoring applications to specific roles. My expertise lies in identifying positions like HRIS Analyst and HR Data Manager/Analyst, ensuring a perfect match with your qualifications. I commit to meticulously searching and applying to suitable jobs, and customizing your resume for each role to enhance your prospects. You can expect organized updates and detailed Excel reports on applications, maintaining transparent communication throughout the process. This role demands a self-driven, efficient approach, and I am ready to deliver this with my skills in data entry and research. I am eager to discuss how my dedication and expertise can propel your career forward. Best regards, REDACTED.

Here’s the pitch. Name redacted so as not to point any business to them which might distract them from their dedication to me the valued client.

What’s the worst that can happen? I guess we’ll see. I suppose there is the risk of my resume being spammed all over the internet to irrelevant job postings. I suspect they may be making use of automation tools that might have otherwise been available to me. My friend told me they are probably using an AI to mass apply to jobs. He referenced this: https://lazyapply.com/

I’ll update my results on this for the interested of my literally HUNDREDS of subscribers.

UPDATE: Results

Well what can I say.. In a few words, I’m not particularly impressed. For 10 hours of work I got a Google sheets shared with me that showed 57 job applications applied for. At one point in the process, the gig worker reached out to me and wanted to establish access to my Linked In. My guess is that with the right access, they would be able to apply directly to jobs on Linked In. There is a “Easy Apply” button that can more or less apply with a few short clicks which could really get the numbers up for jobs applied to. In short, this is likely to be one of those situations where if you want something done better to do it yourself. Is filling out a job application worth about $1 to me? Ah…IDK.

AI Bot

Got Fired? Have Chat GPT Rewrite your Resume.

I tried a little experiment with our friend Chat GPT the other day. You can provide Chat GPT with your resume and it will reformat it and write an executive summary if you ask. You can also have it write a cover letter based on your experience.

It did a nice job rewriting and reformatting my resume and even created a rather flattering executive summary of me based on my resume.

But there’s no reason to stop at revising your resume. You can also have Chat GPT create a tailored cover letter based on your experience after it’s reviewed your resume. I discovered this on my own after a bit of experimenting.

But again, you can actually go further. I saw a post on social media where someone had Chat GPT create a cover letter tailored not just to the person and their experience, but to their target job. They simply pasted in the job description and required skillset and some information about the company and then Chat GPT wrote the cover letter highlighting how the persons job experience was relevant to what is needed at the new job. It peppered the cover letter with why the candidate would want to work there based on information about the company fed to it. I think this should change the game of the job search in ways we might not anticipate. For early adopters, it’s a nice tool to have at your disposal the next time you get fired.

Tech Layoffs continue.

Speaking of getting fired, it seems tech layoffs are in full force. Since the start of 2023 tech workers have been getting laid off in big waves. Here are some of the layoff counts according to the Wall Street Journal:

Meta (commonly known as Facebook still) 11,000

Amazon: 18,000

Salesforce nearly 10% of their 80,000 headcount staff.

It’s interesting to think how this is going to change the job market and economy. But let’s pivot back to Chat GPT to take a look at what artificial intelligence says about what big tech layoffs might do to the economy. Do your thing Chat GPT:

Below is the full text of what GPT generated with the request:

The tech industry has been a key driver of economic growth in many countries worldwide. Companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google have created millions of jobs, and have been at the forefront of innovation in their respective fields. However, the tech industry is not immune to the effects of an economic downturn, and significant layoffs in this sector can have a significant impact on the job market and wider economy.
One of the immediate effects of layoffs in the tech industry is the loss of high-paying jobs. Tech jobs are typically well-paying and offer a range of benefits, including stock options, health insurance, and retirement plans. When these jobs are lost, individuals and families may struggle to make ends meet. This can lead to a decrease in consumer spending, which can have a ripple effect on the wider economy. For example, if a significant number of tech workers are laid off in a particular city or region, local businesses may see a decrease in sales as these individuals cut back on their spending. This, in turn, can lead to layoffs in other industries, as businesses struggle to maintain profitability.
In addition to the loss of jobs, layoffs in the tech industry can also have an impact on innovation. Companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google are known for their groundbreaking work in fields like artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and social media. When these companies experience layoffs, they may be forced to cut back on research and development, which can slow down innovation and limit the introduction of new products and services. This can have a negative impact on the wider economy, as innovation is often a key driver of economic growth.
Furthermore, layoffs in the tech industry can have a ripple effect on other industries that rely on tech companies. For example, many businesses now rely on cloud computing services provided by companies like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform. If these companies experience significant layoffs, it may impact their ability to provide reliable services to their customers. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on other businesses that rely on these services, such as online retailers, streaming services, and social media platforms.
It is worth noting that layoffs in the tech industry can also have a positive impact on some sectors. For example, if a large number of tech workers are laid off in a particular city or region, it may create an influx of highly skilled workers looking for new opportunities. This can be a boon for industries that are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, such as healthcare or manufacturing. However, the benefits of this influx may be offset by the negative impact of layoffs on other industries.
In conclusion, significant layoffs in the tech industry can have a wide-ranging impact on the job market and economy. They can lead to a loss of high-paying jobs, a decrease in innovation, and a ripple effect on other industries that rely on tech companies. While there may be some short-term benefits to sectors that experience an influx of skilled workers, the negative impacts of layoffs are likely to outweigh any positives in the long run. As such, it is important for policymakers and business leaders to take steps to mitigate the impact of tech industry layoffs on the wider economy.

Should we all end up fired from our jobs replaced by AI, maybe it won’t be that bad. We can have AI write software to help run our own businesses. Below is what it generated when I toyed with my idea of creating software to help rental real estate owners prepare their Schedule E taxes.

slack

Should you “Quiet Quit?”

It seems a new phrase is trending out there in the Twittersphere or Tik Tok world for #quietquitting. I saw it this morning on a Buzzfeed article that popped up in my Apple newsfeed. According to the article, quiet quitting is “where you’re not outright quitting your job but you’re quitting the idea of going above and beyond”.

The older I get, the more it seems there’s really nothing new under the sun. To me this seems like the natural progression of putting in efforts to a job that doesn’t give back and the logical response to the situation. This isn’t really a new idea but the name “quiet quitting” seems like a fair label for the behavior.

If you are career driven and hoping to progress at your job or get decent merit increases it does help to do more than just the bare minimum. But what about when you’ve given years of effort and dedication to a job and the job never gives back? Perhaps it is then time to “quiet quit”.

This really isn’t a new idea. You could call it slacking, phoning it in, putting in minimum effort but doing so is good only if it’s part of a larger plan.

Is Quiet Quitting OK?

Is it ok to NOT put in the maximum effort? I suppose the answer to that depends. Let me share some personal anecdotes. I personally have met people that have worked at a company for over 15 years and stayed in the same position. And this is for a job title that did have a “senior” position. The senior position typically just means a bit more responsibility than when you entered the position with a higher midpoint range of pay ie a decent pay bump. For these people I know, the senior position never arrived.

Now perhaps people are content with never advancing in a company and I can understand that. But if you’re clear that you’ll never get a promotion (which should become clear by year 10), and you know that your salary will remain fairly stagnant with just the regular merit increase/cost of living adjustments, that would seem to take away incentive to really “go the extra mile”. Because if you do what is the reward?

If you’re content with staying put in a position that’s fine. But if you want more, I would certain consider the “quiet quitting” method and dedicate my efforts to a job search to find something better. What’s the worst that could happen? Well if your employer who doesn’t want to give you a chance at advancement decides to let you go, you’ll get unemployment and can dedicate more time to the job search.

Hiatus back off, again

Well, a solid five and a half month hiatus from corporate life is back off once again. I’d like to think I made the most of what felt like another mini-retirement. If I had my way, I’d have packed my bags and went overseas where living is cheaper but I made the best of life in the US.

LIFE OUTSIDE THE OFFICE IS HEALTHIER

When I became one of the covid layoffs this summer, it proved to be an opportunity to put more effort into eating healthier. The extra time allows you to shop more frequently for fresh fruits and vegetables and cook at home.

It also allowed more time to exercise. Gym’s were out of the question but hiking became a new hobby and a chance to get some good shots. I managed to drop about 15 pounds of which I put about half back due to cold midwest weather.

A nice climb in Colorado Springs. It’s good to get some freedom but at some point, it feels nice to return to productivity. The job interview processes can feel like this but if you put in enough effort you can make some luck.

Travel is fun

Time out of the office was a nice opportunity to see a bit more of the US. It’s not without risk to take a flight in these times, but airlines have taken steps to make flights as safe as possible. Driving a car is not without risk as well but don’t we accept some risk in life if we want to ..you know…live?

No wifi in this cabin deep in the woods of Montana.

Back to the GRIND…But Maybe I missed it

One of the things I’ve realized is that when you conceptualize of work as more of a choice than something you have to do, you can actually enjoy it. I’ve realized I missed the people. While I’ll probably always have some resentment to being chained down to a desk, I do appreciate the fine bright people I’ve crunched data and solved problems with.

The Remote Work Revolution Continues

Like so many of us these days I’m now working remotely. Much like I hoped early on, the working remote revolution has begun.

Ever since I returned to the US, no particular place feels like home. Wherever I hang my hat’s my home as they say. I’m half tempted to just airbnb around the country to somewhere warmer.

It’s a toss-up between vagabonding with the laptop and perhaps setting up shop in the city in an apartment like this:

No lie, just know I chose my own fate, I drove by the fork in the road and went straight.

Sean Carter

Seclusion Island: A thought experiment in socio-economic development

Lastly, A friend of mine living in Taiwan just started a new animation project on Youtube which is like an interesting thought experiment about the socio-economic development of a society. It’s called “Seclusion Island” Check it out if you’re interested..I think it looks promising. Here’s the link to the channel.

And here’s the first episode:

If you enjoy and want want to see more subscribe and comment and all that stuff.

Construction Woker

What a Temporary Worker in California Should Know

Today’s guest post comes from Frank Feldman, the PR Media Manager at Stephen Danz & Associates. Thank you for your submission. Any questions can be directed to the firm by following their link above.

Businesses in California and all through the United States, hire hundreds and thousands of temporary workers every year. After all, temporary workers easily translate into significant cost savings, both in the short and the long run. Businesses are also willing to hire temporary workers from their trusted sources (staffing agencies) because such workers are pre-screened and pre-qualified for various job roles. When an organization is growing quickly, is under-resourced or has an urgent, short-term vacancy to fill, it is likely to consider bringing in some temporary workers.

It’s understandable that businesses are looking at improving the bottom-line but on numerous occasions, employers violate the rights of temporary workers. If you are a temporary worker in California, here is what you should know:

What Happens When a Temporary Worker Gets Injured On the Job?

You may qualify for workers’ compensation even if you are a temporary or part-time worker employed in California. Your ‘temporary’ employer will have to pay for necessary medical care for injuries as well as illnesses related to work. In most cases, it’s immaterial who was responsible for the injury.  

In the state of California, both the primary and secondary employers are required by law to take all steps necessary to protect temporary workers from workplace hazards. Both of the employers also need to comply with California’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) regulations.  Therefore, like all other employers (private and public) in California, they should have an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) in place.

Generally, the primary employer – a staffing agency that hires temporary workers and assigns them to various host employers – assumes the responsibility of covering temporary workers under their workers’ compensation insurance besides performing functions such as recruitment, payroll management, termination, etc.

The primary and secondary employers in California create a contract that clearly defines who will fulfill the necessary workplace safety and health requirements.

Most of the legal issues concerning temporary workers revolve around this contract.

When Can a ‘Temporary’ Worker Become a ‘Regular’ Worker?

There is no specific time limit on how soon a ‘temporary’ worker may be classified as a ‘regular’ worker.

However, your employer could face liability if:

  • You have been employed as a temporary worker for an extended period
  • You perform the same set of duties as regular, full-time employees
  • You have been denied benefits that other, regular employees receive

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Microsoft started hiring a large number of temporary workers. The technology giant was, of course, looking to save money. The company even introduced a badge-system to distinguish temporary employees (orange badges) from permanent employees (blue badges).

At first, it seemed the hiring strategy is working well for Microsoft. The company retained these temporary workers for many years. The legal eagles sensed trouble when these temporary workers tried to participate in Microsoft’s employee discount stock purchase program. Microsoft denied its ‘temporary’ workers the benefit it extended to its ‘regular’ employees.

In 1992, these workers filed a class-action lawsuit against the tech giant. They argued that due to the extended period of employment, they were no longer ‘temporary’ workers. The legal battle went on for eight long years. In the end, the workers won. The company agreed to pay $97 million to settle the class-action lawsuit.

Are Temporary Workers Protected Against Discrimination in the Workplace?

Yes. Both client firms and staffing agencies can be sued for discriminating against the temporary workers in the workplace as per the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC).

Thus, the staffing agencies and the host employers to whom they assign temporary employees cannot discriminate against the employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

It practically means that a host employer cannot defend discriminatory actions in the workplace with the argument that they are not the primary employer.  Similarly, if a host employer asks a primary employer for ‘only Latina women in their early 20s” to fill temporary sales positions during a festive season and the staffing agency does the needful, both the staffing agency and the host employer are liable under federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

How Can A Temporary Worker Report A Problem? 

You can report the problem to both your staffing agency and the immediate supervisor at the client firm.

  • Supervisors at the client firm may say that you cannot have access to the HR department as you are a temporary employee; just tell them you are reporting the problem in writing for their information
  • f you have reasons to believe you are a victim of illegal discrimination, write your complaint to the appropriate official at the client firm with the title of “Complaint of [Age/Racial/Religious discrimination]”.
  •  If the client firm fails to address the problem, you can speak with an employment law attorney or file a complaint with a relevant government agency
  • If your immediate supervisor is sexually harassing you, report the matter to the EEOC
  • If the client firm refuses to pay earned over time, you can report the matter to the Department of Labor

Final Words

All employees, including temporary workers, have rights. If you are a temporary worker and have sufficient reasons to believe your rights are being violated either by the staffing agency or the host employer, you should speak with an experienced employment law attorney in California.

Disclaimer: This is not legal information. No attorney-client privileges are substantiated from this article.  

Author Bio

I am writing to introduce myself as Frank Feldman I am the PR Media Manager at Stephen Danz & Associates, one of the largest law firms committed solely to representing employees in their disputes with employers in California.

sad bench

5 Signs You’re About To Get Canned

Are you about to lose your job? If you’re paying enough attention, you can usually read the signs that your days at a company are limited. Companies hired you to do a job and letting you go means they are going to need to find someone else to do the work. Here are five signs you’re about to get canned

1. Your Boss has you make a list

Your boss will set a meeting with you to get a list of your current responsibilities. It will be under somewhat false pretenses as they don’t really want to tip their hand that they are planning to let you go. It might be under the guise of allocating resources or putting you on new projects.

2. THere’s a new hire to “help You”

It might seem like a godsend at first. You’ve got work up to your neck. Suddenly the boss announces there is a new hire and they will be your “back up”. In the event that you take a vacation or are out, your backup can assist with tasks.

But in reality, this new team member is your replacement and you’re training them to do your work.

3. You receive a written or verbal warning

If a company wants to let you go, they tend to feel the need to justify it with a paper trail. A written or verbal warning may be an early indicator that you’re on the path to your termination.

4. You’ve been put on a performance improvement plan

A performance improvement plan or “PIP” for short is a euphemism if ever there was one. It’s the companies way of creating a trail of your missteps to justify terminating you. They really don’t even need a reason to terminate you but this is mostly a way of safeguarding against discrimination lawsuits.

5. You are feeling excluded

At some point prior to being let go, your teammates may get wind that your employment is on shaky ground. A lot of work is about appearances and politics and if coworkers sense you’re a bad seed they will not want to be associated with you.

It’s possible they may be able to sense you’re going to be let go or maybe the boss has asked them to make sure they inform on you if you make any mistakes.

What to do

Start looking for your next job. Alternatively, consider freelancing or taking a break from the grind. You can also read up on filing for unemployment. You also can contact me see about submitting an article to Getting Canned and tell your story.

Related:

Does Being Wrongfully Terminated Affect Unemployment Eligibility?

Today’s guest post comes courtesy of Steven I. Azizii, who reached out with this helpful information about wrongful termination and unemployment eligibility. California residents that wish to reach out with questions about wrongful termination can find Steven here. Thank you for your contribution, Steven!

Does Being Wrongfully Terminated Affect Unemployment Eligibility?

­A helpful guide by attorney Steven I. Azizi, partner at Miracle Mile Law Group, LLP.

Under CA law, meeting certain criteria could make you eligible for unemployment benefits. However, you must actively be looking for a job in order to get unemployment. Unemployment benefits help those who have been recently fired get through some of the toughest times. But what about if you were wrongfully terminated from your job and seeking unemployment benefits. A common question the lawyers here at Miracle Mile Law Group receive is how wrongful termination lawsuits affect eligibility for unemployment insurance. It’s a fair question to ask, and one this article will help answer.

What is Wrongful Termination?

California, like many other states, is considered an “at-will” employment state. This means you can be fired for almost any reason that is not illegal. If you were fired for an illegal reason, then you may have a case for wrongful termination. But what is considered an “illegal” reason?

Wrongful termination is an umbrella term for being fired for either a) a protected characteristic or b) a protected activity.

A protected characteristic includes your: age, race, religion, disability, marital status, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, among others. In order to be successful in proving this prong of a wrongful termination lawsuit, you have to show that a substantial motivating factor for your termination was based on one of these characteristics. You can do this by either direct evidence (words, texts, emails, etc.) or through indirect evidence (for example, an older employee is replaced by a younger and cheaper counterpart).

On the other hand, a protected activity includes reporting your employer over a violation of law they committed, taking a protected leave of absence, or reporting discrimination or harassment (whether it happened to you or someone else). These laws are also known as “whistleblower” statutes and regulations. They are designed to encourage workers to speak up about toxic, unsafe, and dangerous working conditions.

How Do I Qualify for Unemployment?

Employees who are out of a job do not automatically qualify for unemployment. You have to meet certain factors to receive the benefits:

  1. Your past wages must have met a certain minimum requirement during the last quarter in which you worked.
  2. Your termination cannot have been your fault. If you quit, it must have been for good reason.
  3. You must actively be on the job hunt.

If you think you meet these criteria, then you should file your claim as soon as your hours are reduced, or you lose your job. The longer you wait the less chances you have to receive benefits. You’ll need the following information to file a claim with the Employment Development Department (EDD):

  • Employer’s information: company name, address, and your boss’ name
  • Last date worked
  • Gross earnings
  • Standard Form 8 (this can be found online)
  • Citizenship status

If you are ready to file a claim, visit the EDD’s Unemployment Insurance application page to get started.

How Does Being Wrongfully Terminated Affect My Chances of Receiving Unemployment?

The usual circumstances in which people apply for unemployment benefits is when the employee gets a) laid off, b) quits, or c) is terminated/dismissed. However, it is common for wrongfully terminated employees to get denied for unemployment benefits.

If you were wrongfully terminated, then a court will likely find that you were terminated at no fault of your own. But what if you quit your job because of a hostile work environment, retaliation, or discrimination? That does not mean you automatically will be denied for unemployment.

In California, there’s a concept called “constructive discharge.” Constructive discharge essentially means that even though your dismissal was voluntary, the work conditions were so toxic that a reasonable person in your situation would have no other choice but to quit. Some examples of what could lead to a constructive discharge claim includes:

  • Your employer fails to reimburse you for travel expenses
  • An employee faces constant sexual harassment
  • A worker receives a text message from the employer saying, “there’s no room for you here, just quit.”
  • Messages between the employer and the employee showing that the employee’s boss is going to make his or her life a “living hell”

Another important thing to remember is that if you try to bring forward a constructive discharge claim, you must give the employer a chance to fix the problems.

A Final Note on Wrongful Termination and Unemployment – Know Your Rights

Being wrongfully terminated can lead to anxiety and depression due to the psychological harm that it inflicts. Things are not made easier when you get denied for unemployment benefits. First thing you should if you feel you were wrongfully terminated is to call an employment lawyer in your state and city before time runs out. Most of these lawyers offer free consultations and could help you get your life back together.

Getting Fired From My First Job Helped Me Become a Better Worker

Today’s guest post comes to us from Nathan who blogs over at Millionaire Dojo. Great post Nathan! Thank you.

When I was 17, I got my first job at Chic-fil-A. I was excited to start earning some money and hoped to make some new friends. I was homeschooled, so creating friendships at work was important to me. I had heard that Chic-fil-A was a great company to work for, so I thought it would be a good experience.

After a few months of working, I had made some friends, but wasn’t super close to anyone in particular. We goofed off a lot in the kitchen, and that made the days go by a little quicker. We realized that Chic-fil-A wasn’t the same company that outsiders thought it was. They may treat their customers great, but their employees not so much.

A lot of times I felt like I was on an episode of Hell’s Kitchen (minus a lot of the cussing). You’re expected to do everything perfectly and as fast as humanly possible when you work for Chic-fil-A. The moto for employees is to provide “second mile service.” This just means that they expect you to work your hands to the bone and not expect any thanks in return. One of the managers was particularly mean. Everyone (including other managers) usually walked away with their tails tucked between their legs after any altercation with this manager.

A mean boss can make work insufferable.

I felt like I was a good employee. Always showed up on time and did what was expected of me. It seemed like I was favored over most of the crew. I’m an introvert, so I usually tried to fly under the radar and just work when I was on the clock. Sometimes flying under the radar isn’t the way to go.

The night it all went down

I was working a normal shift, with a particularly disturbed employee. I was somewhat friends with this guy, but he definitely had some social issues. Everyone thought he was awesome when they first met him, but the more you got to know about him, the less appealing he became. He was a compulsive liar, and it was hard to know if anything he said was the truth.

It was getting close to closing time, and my coworker came by the sandwich making area with a box. He decided he wanted to take some of the food home with him. Although I knew that was against the policy, no one seemed to care. I had even seen managers take food home with them before. He filled up his box with leftover food and placed it somewhere he thought would be safe (behind the dumpster outside).

Low and behold, someone found the box of food behind the dumpster. I don’t know if someone saw him with the box of food or if the employees just liked to hangout behind the dumpster. The particular employee that found the box wanted desperately to be promoted, so ratting our coworker out would help her look good to management. The way that restaurant was ran developed a hierarchy of suck ups who tried to look like goody two shoes.

Ignorance is bliss

I didn’t think much about the situation with my coworker taking the food. Closing down the kitchen is very hands-on, and I didn’t have any time to sit around and think about what just happened. I noticed a couple of the other coworkers talking, but I didn’t know that the guy got caught with the box of food until after my shift.

After I clocked out, I noticed my disturbed coworker wanted to stick around and talk. He told me how he had gotten caught and that he thought the manager was going to tell the operator which would likely result in him getting fired. I had an early shift the next day, and my coworker told me he was going to come in and apologize and beg for his job. The manager that was on duty when he got caught was also working the next morning. She just told him to go home and not worry about it.

I thought the whole situation was over with, and we continued on as usual with work for the next couple of weeks.

Surprise, you’re fired!

A couple of weeks after the night my coworker got caught, I arrived to my normal shift early. All the guys on my shift hated their jobs, so we needed our time to meetup and complain about work in the parking lot before clocking in. The thief coworker was working that day, and as we were walking in, the owner of the restaurant pulled up on us. “My office! Now!” He yelled out of his truck window.

Stunned, we continued to walk into the restaurant. “Bro, what do you think this is about?” My coworker asked me. I responded, “I don’t know, but it appears we’re about to get fired.” Once we were in the restaurant, the owner came busting through the door, told me to sit down and took my coworker back to the office. I waited for about 30 minutes before he came and got me. Those 30 minutes felt like a lifetime to my 18-year-old self.

The owner asked me what had happened a couple of weeks ago on the night shift. I responded, “Is this about the box of food that was found?” He confirmed, and then I told my account of the story. I told him that I had put the leftover food in a box and that I sat it somewhere and it ended up disappearing. In a raised voice, he said “You expect me to believe that story!?”

After threatening me with pressing charges for theft, I finally told him that I knew my coworker was going to take the food. I don’t know why I didn’t just say that to begin with. I guess I was trying to cover for my coworker. After confessing, he fired me on the spot. Thankfully, he didn’t press charges on me. I’m not quite sure what he could have had me arrested  for anyways though.

Take away

I guess since I didn’t tell the truth to begin with, it cost me my job. I have no idea what my coworker told the owner, so he could have totally thrown me under the bus.

Getting fired like this was a pretty big blow to my confidence. Although it was just a silly high school job, it impacted the way I go about work to this day, 7 years later.

The main takeaway I have from this experience is to always speak the truth. I very well could have kept my job if I had just gotten my story straight the first time in the interrogation.

Another lesson learned is to always put out fires when you see sparks. I should’ve been proactive and had my name cleared from the situation long before the day I got fired. I took the route of staying quiet, and that seemed to backfire on me. I should have gone straight to a manager and told them that my coworker was taking food. While I don’t like ratting people out, I lost my job and my only source of income because I held my tongue.

Thankfully, this is the only time I’ve been fired and I’m currently employed in the IT field.

To read more about Nathan’s journey, check out the blog over at Millionaire Dojo.