NewsBreak Original

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events I experienced firsthand; used with permission. For some pregnant women, the aroma of brewed coffee, their favorite perfume, and a juicy burger sizzling on the grill all temporarily lose their appeal when they are expecting. Things that used to smell pleasant or tantalizing can become the source of nausea or worse.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events as told to me by a family member who witnessed them firsthand; used with permission. One of my mother's coworkers lost a lot of weight. As a result, her clothes were literally hanging off her body. This woman told my mother that she knew she had to take drastic action when she nearly lost her job over her "inappropriate" wardrobe.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events as told to me by a family member who experienced them firsthand; used with permission. My mother saw enough interesting happenings during her decade as a Walmart associate to fill a book. Sometimes, the strange incidents involved customers or company policy, but often it was the employees themselves whose unusual quirks or activities made her raise her eyebrows in amusement.

My first serious job out of high school was secretary to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at a life insurance company. That boss was my first mentor in business and set me on a path I never intended my career to go. After working for him for just over a year, he suggested I consider a position in sales after I finished college. At this suggestion, I simply burst into laughter and said never; this was my first lesson in never say the word never.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events as told to me by a family member who experienced them firsthand; used with permission. When my mother worked as a Walmart associate for a decade, she saw enough strange things to fill an entire book. There were times she felt shocked at the events that went on in the workplace. One of the most surprising incidents that happened while she was working at Walmart involved a coworker who brought her child into the store and put her to work all day long without getting caught.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events as told to me by a family member who experienced them firsthand; used with permission. My mother worked for a popular retail department store. One of my mother's coworkers injured herself on the job. While this woman didn't have to miss work due to her injury, the doctors prescribed medication to her and gave her a note instructing her to perform only "light duty" at work.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events I experienced firsthand; used with permission. I got my first real full-time job six months after high-school graduation. I had decided not to go to college, and I kept my part-time after-school job for half a year after I left high school before my parents convinced me to enter the real world.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events I experienced firsthand; used with permission. I dated a man who worked for Circuit City, a now-defunct American consumer electronics retail company. He told me they were hiring, and he suggested I apply for a job.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events I experienced firsthand; used with permission. My former boss was left horrified after she realized she had been the victim of a thoughtless prank involving a fake lottery ticket.

Here's the problem with strolling into the office with your favorite cup o' joe unless you're on time. If you're thirty minutes late for work, don't show up with a steaming cup of coffee from your local café. You should be on time and empty-handed instead.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events as told to me by my mother, who experienced them firsthand; used with permission. While working at Walmart, my mother experienced many funny incidents. Some of them had to do with the customers, and others had to do with her fellow employees.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events as told to me by my friend, who experienced them firsthand; used with permission. I met a woman at work who told me an incredible story.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events I experienced firsthand; used with permission. I considered quitting my job before I even started. I was eighteen years old when I applied for my first proper job. To my surprise, I got hired. I didn't know what to expect when I showed up for my first day of work, but I didn't expect to be insulted.

*This is a work of nonfiction based on actual events I experienced firsthand; used with permission. He was a married man, but he didn’t let that slow him down. I was in need of a job when I stumbled upon a new retail store that was in need of employees. It was a perfect match. This store was part of a national chain popular for reselling used goods it got through partnerships with multiple non-profits.