More on work and career

Trust your gut feeling when considering a career leap.

Living with regret every day is worse than taking a risk that might lead to happiness or failure.

one person who lived it

If you want to get ahead, do not let people know what you are for or against.

You wanna get ahead?

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Frame feedback around 'still learning the job' rather than age to build confidence and trust.

It helps build confidence and grows trust in you.

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Remind yourself that work tasks are trivial to cut down on emotional weight.

One approach that helped: repeating the reminder 'they're just shirts' during meltdowns.

• Based on one person's experience in retail jobs.

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Define clear goals to establish direction and purpose in your life.

Goals lead to direction, which offers purpose; without goals, there is no direction.

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Be careful in roles where errors have severe consequences.

In some roles, screwing up can result in months of remedial work.

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Focus on depth in one path instead of spreading yourself thin across many options.

Depth beats options early on.

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Give up passion projects that do not pay the bills until you can pursue them without financial worry.

It is best to focus on paying bills over passions that don't generate income.

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Read Barbara Sher's book 'Refuse to Choose' to deal with panic from having too many hobbies and bring focus to what you want to do.

It was life-changing for one person in dealing with their interests.

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Build skills by observing successful people in your niche and identifying gaps they lack.

to fill the niche

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Lean into conflict rather than avoiding it.

Those who are not afraid of conflict often gain more power.

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Be bold but do not whine if you are not appreciated right away; count the blessings you already have.

The world does not owe you a corner office immediately.

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Check out Soto Zen Buddhism for insights on living in the present without worrying about the future.

Its main focus aligns with living life in the present.

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Consider reading the book 'The Third Space'.

You might find it helpful.

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Use methods that work, even if they seem stupid.

If it works, it is not stupid.

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Eliminate social pretenses, such as faking interest in pop culture, to reclaim time for your goals.

Pretending gives you more time to pursue your objectives.

• Refusing small talk about common topics may make you sound narcissistic and hinder making friends.

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Work out scene safety before attempting rescue; if unsafe, withdraw and call appropriate resources.

You cannot save anyone if you become a casualty too.

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Focus on creating value or solving a problem rather than just starting a business to check it off a list.

Starting a business just to start one is likely to result in a terrible business; doing business first creates necessity.

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Focus energy on finding open doors rather than dwelling on closed ones.

A closed door is simply not your path.

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If you are used to a fast-paced environment, calm down and be patient when corporate work grinds to a halt.

Corporate work pace differs from high-speed environments like restaurants.

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Recognize that talking to oneself can be a valid working style for auditory and spatial learners used to activate different parts of the brain for analysis.

It allows the use of a different part of the brain to analyze tasks.

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Push against resistance to change the world.

Standing still is going backwards, and moving forward is merely following.

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Identify one goal or achievement you have been downplaying and make it more visible this week.

Quiet competence gets buried in a noisy world, while loud ambition gets rewarded.

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If someone has started doing their part and needs help with something they could not find themselves, unblock them only if it takes little effort.

This reinforces positive behavior.

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Learn to recover within a hostile or fast-paced work environment, as business does not slow down after projects end.

There is no such thing as slowing down once a project closes; the business continues.

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Do not mistake confidence or a strong personality for competence in a job.

Confident people may appear capable but fail to provide help or perform their duties.

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Recognize that job hunting involves hard work and luck; be skeptical of advice suggesting it is just simple steps.

Advice claiming you can 'just do xxx' is delusional given the reality of hard work and luck required.

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Cultivate love for what you are doing or learning, alongside hard work and perseverance.

• If you don't feel love for something career-wise or as a hobby, it may be difficult.

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Encourage early-career employees to work hard, observe closely, and learn by doing.

Calling them 'young' disincentivizes them from realizing their youth is a strength.

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Admit your mistakes rather than covering them up.

It makes you appear more confident and trustworthy.

2 people, independently

Take risks and work hard before having children, as priorities shift afterward.

Having kids consumes time and energy because the priority becomes being there for them.

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Develop public speaking confidence to open career doors.

Speaking with confidence can open doors even if you are not the most intelligent person in the room.

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Take calculated risks in your career if the potential reward justifies the fear.

Life isn't worth living without risk involved; one person risked their savings to bridge the gap until they started getting income again.

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Learn to 'bullshit' as a valuable professional skill.

You will rarely be self-enough when working under someone else.

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Never stop learning and update your skills regularly.

Knowledge learned decades ago can become outdated.

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Accept that doing an average job is often all that is expected.

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Read or listen to Dale Carnegie's works on influencing people.

The advice is considered pure gold and applicable to managing employee attitudes.

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Act on your ideas immediately rather than just holding them.

Ideas are worthless without action, and the world rewards execution, not ideas.

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If you are planning for retirement, consider moving some of those rest years forward to be interspersed throughout your life rather than saving them all for the end.

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Master tasks or tools that others hate or avoid.

Taking ownership of disliked responsibilities can lead to promotions and pay raises.

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Pursue opportunities where the potential benefit is much greater than the potential loss.

This concept helps in decision-making.

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Affirm correct decisions immediately and point out mistakes only after they have been made.

This approach helps build confidence.

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Be skeptical of advice from people who succeeded primarily through luck.

Their success may not be replicable, similar to winning lottery numbers.

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Treat yourself to a small indulgence, like a special meal, after working overtime to help maintain your sanity.

to keep me sane

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Expect initial resistance when teaching someone to find answers rather than giving direct solutions, but recognize that this friction can lead to fewer questions and increased confidence over time.

One person initially disliked not getting direct solutions but later realized they were asking fewer questions, which boosted their confidence.

• The learner may dislike the method in the beginning because they do not get what they want (a direct solution).

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Refuse to compromise your core values for professional connections, even if it means walking away from business or political opportunities.

To remain among the good ones.

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Seek out opportunities actively instead of waiting for them to come to you.

Opportunities are often already being pursued by others who acted first.

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Question whether you are working on things that truly excite you, as lack of interest may be the root cause of difficulty waking up.

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Play Minesweeper to appear busy and focused due to the high frequency of clicking.

The frequent clicking makes observers think you are working hard.

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Maintain focus and resist distractions at work.

Professionals are characterized by their hard-to-distract focus.

one person who lived it

Do not rely solely on meritocracy.

Pay and success are also influenced by factors like privilege and starting position.

one person who lived it

If you want to understand how mastery is a process rather than an innate trait, read the book Mastery.

It outlines that success requires committing to a process of finding your inclination, maintaining intense daily focus, practicing constructive self-criticism, and learning from mentors, rather than being born with talent.

one person who lived it

Reflect deeply on whether you enjoy conflict and ambiguity before pursuing law school.

Law involves lots of conflict and requires finding, creating, and resolving ambiguity.

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Focus on positive connections over individual skills or intelligence.

You will achieve more through relationships than through study or education alone.

2 people, independently

Hold yourself accountable for everything within your control, including planning for potential surprises so they don't occur.

People will not accept excuses or promises of future completion.

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Recognize that helping is a voluntary choice made because you like to, not an obligation.

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Use your average adaptability across multiple areas as a strength rather than a weakness.

Specialists are fragile while generalists survive.

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Acknowledge that luck plays a significant role in success and stability.

Hard work alone is insufficient without favorable breaks, such as avoiding deportation or securing legal status.

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Recognize that visible immigrant success stories are exceptions rather than the rule.

Many immigrants barely scrape by or never succeed, often facing constant fear of family separation.

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Generously share credit with assistants.

It costs you nothing and benefits you by associating you with positivity and generosity.

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Accept responsibility for errors without offering dramatic rationalizations.

A military mindset taught that it does not matter why something went wrong, only that it happened under your watch.

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Acknowledge that high stress levels do not preclude productivity.

Many productive people operate under significant stress.

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Accept that being passed over may reveal gaps in specific skills like leadership or people skills, rather than general incompetence.

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Approach work with a calculated and dispassionate process rather than pouring your entire self into it.

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Claim credit for work you develop if you are also responsible for supporting it.

Ownership implies accountability.

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View being passed over as a priceless learning experience and use it to find a better opportunity elsewhere.

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Use frugality to buy freedom by working less or pursuing personal interests once you have enough wealth, rather than just accumulating more money.

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After achieving success, avoid falling into survivor's bias by recognizing that your specific path may not be replicable for others.

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Consider that group projects judge teamwork, networking, and leadership skills, not just individual ability.

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Quit unhappy jobs earlier and avoid spending excessive time alone without goals or discipline.

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Research market rates and your legal rights before accepting a job.

To ensure terms are reasonable and enforceable.

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Work as a Union Laborer to earn enough money to save and support family members.

• The work is tough.

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Be aware that taking multiple short-term or seasonal jobs between career positions can raise red flags for recruiters regarding stability.

Recruiters may view many short stints at jobs as red flags on a resume.

one person who lived it

Do not sign severance agreements on the spot; take them home and consult a lawyer.

Knowing you are consulting a lawyer increases your bargaining power for better severance terms.

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Be wary of job offers received after only one interview, as this is usually a scam.

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If a prospective employer asks you to take time off from your current job to help them before hiring you, withdraw from consideration.

This indicates boundary violations and unreliability; they are testing how much you will put up with.

one person who lived it

Schedule week-long vacations from Wednesday to Wednesday rather than Monday to Friday.

This shortens two workweeks and may result in cheaper mid-week travel with fewer people around.

2 people, independently

If facing a disciplinary meeting for vague reasons, involve your union representative to communicate on your behalf.

In one case, management refused to clarify accusations and cancelled the meeting once the rep was involved.

one person who lived it

If you join a union, expect no vacation time and potential unpaid periods when work is slow, during which you may collect unemployment benefits.

• Unemployment benefits may be significantly less than regular wages.

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Specify a minimum hourly rate when signing up with temp agencies to avoid low-ball offers.

Some agencies allow you to set a floor for your pay to prevent unacceptable offers.

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Start looking for a new job immediately if a consulting firm is brought in to restructure or work out efficiency.

Consultants hired for these purposes are often there to remove positions or consolidate roles.

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Amicably decline internship offers you do not intend to accept.

So that candidates on the waiting list can proceed.

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Send an impeccable thank-you email to every member of the hiring panel, looking up their addresses if necessary and triple-checking names and grammar.

One person reported receiving a call a month later after doing this.

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Expect that filing a workers' compensation claim may require passing a mandatory drug test.

Many businesses require this test even if substance use is not suspected.

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Acknowledge the huge post-COVID nursing shortage, even in places that did not previously experience one.

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Claim ADHD as a disability to request workplace accommodations.

Employers are legally required to accommodate it.

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Observe workplace behaviors and culture quietly during the first few weeks rather than forcing social integration.

Assimilation takes time for everyone, and being too hermit-like or too outgoing is equally awkward.

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Note that Subway requires employees to sign non-compete clauses.

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Consider looking for another job if the situation cannot be resolved.

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Do not assume unions forcibly donate to political opponents; in most states, labor laws require political funds to be kept separate from operational dollars.

• This separation is required by law in most states.

one person who lived it

Enroll in Job Corps to receive housing, food, career training, and some cash.

• You will be terminated for any kind of fighting.

one person who lived it

Choose a military job field that provides specific, high-demand civilian skills, such as aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, or IT, to ensure employability after service.

These roles have high-paying civilian counterparts or allow you to make more money after getting certifications.

4 people, independently

Learn skilled trades like drywall, contracting, electrical, or plumbing to secure stable employment that cannot be replaced by AI.

These jobs can't be replaced by AI.

one person who lived it

Become a TEFL teacher to travel country-by-country while making money.

You can go almost anywhere, and some places pay airfare.

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If you believe data science is worthless, dig deeper into the field rather than abandoning it.

There are many high-paying data jobs; lack of job offers usually indicates a lack of skills, not a worthless degree.

one person who lived it

Become a substitute teacher to gain flexible scheduling and benefits.

You can choose shifts and receive retirement plans and other benefits.

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Leverage retail sales experience to transition into higher-paying B2B or SaaS sales roles.

Sales skills transfer well, and base salaries in these fields can range from 60k to 80k plus commission.

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Consider sales roles in cars or financial products as an entry point that does not require a degree.

These roles offer decent earning potential.

2 people, independently

Research the local job market for Nurse Practitioners before committing to the path.

Some areas have a glut of NPs because people are desperate to leave bedside roles, and good schools require years of bedside experience.

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Start contributing to retirement at age 18 if you choose a lower-income trade path to offset lower initial earnings.

Starting early allows you to potentially retire with more money despite lower income, and avoids crippling debt.

one person who lived it

Start by driving public transit buses to access training into other transit careers, which can lead to middle management roles with six-figure salaries, benefits, and employer-paid certifications or degrees.

Transit systems offer training into other careers with benefits and paid education.

one person who lived it

Consider careers in PharmD or Nurse Practitioner roles for stable, well-paying opportunities.

Both are rewarding, stable, and well-paying.

one person who lived it

Consider tutoring as a full-time career, either independently or through a company.

It can offer high earning potential and intellectual satisfaction; one person made $45k within their first year at a test prep company.

one person who lived it

Skip bartending school courses as they are scams that do not aid employment or skill acquisition; instead, get hired as a bar back at a local spot to learn through first-hand experience.

Bartending skills are learned only through time and direct experience, not classroom instruction.

one person who lived it

Try different roles within an industry, such as dog walking, training, daycare, or kennel tech, before committing to starting your own business.

Starting up your own dog business is hard.

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Work in food factories to monitor machines in climate-controlled environments with great pay, accepting that it usually involves shift work.

Great pay and climate-controlled environment.

• Usually shift work.

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Consider that high-paying nanny positions can provide close to six-figure incomes.

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Secure an entry-level position immediately to start building your resume and obtaining experience.

Without it, you risk being another graduate unable to find work due to lack of experience years later.

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Focus on securing an internship related to your desired career field during your junior year.

Internships can lead directly to job offers after graduation.

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Verify that an unpaid internship provides consistent mentoring and daily learning relevant to the field before accepting it.

These two factors indicate the value of the experience.

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Pursue administrative nursing, pharma sales, or pharma education roles instead of patient-facing positions.

These roles typically pay more and may allow working from home.

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Look into teaching certification or substitute teaching positions at local schools.

Teaching provides good benefits and typically results in moderate income.

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If internships are unavailable during college summers, use local temp agencies to find work that may offer better pay, more interesting tasks, diverse contacts, and relevant experience.

Temp agency work can provide benefits superior to unavailable internship options in terms of pay, interest, contacts, and relevance.

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Be aware that English teaching experience may limit your career options upon returning home, potentially trapping you in education roles.

Hiring managers typically prefer candidates with a specific, continuous career path outside of education.

one person who lived it

Get a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license to find a relaxed maintenance job at smaller apartment complexes or hotels.

Cheaper places often allow older workers to take it easy.

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Work for employers where competence is explicitly rewarded and career progression paths are clear.

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If confronted with secret knowledge, imply the person made it obvious rather than revealing your source.

This makes them believe they messed up and question what else you might know or who else has figured it out.

one person who lived it

Make more noise about your contributions when things are going well.

To ensure people notice your importance during good times rather than only noticing you when things go wrong.

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Never say anything you wouldn't want repeated.

The walls have ears.

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Stop providing solutions to colleagues who steal credit; instead, ask them for their thoughts to force independent problem-solving.

Defending yourself can make you appear bitter and jealous.

• You may be perceived as unhelpful.

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Respect a colleague's desire not to discuss religion and avoid trying to fix their worldview to maintain the friendship.

Not trying to fix them leads to better friendships and respects their boundaries.

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Pass the ball to peers early in high-pressure situations to reduce the burden on yourself and shift focus away from you.

It reduces the burden and shifts focus by getting others involved up front.

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If you struggle with workplace gossip, try secretly judging the gossips to maintain emotional distance.

It allows you to feel superior while staying out of the drama.

one person who lived it

Confront the colleague who stole your credit assertively but not aggressively.

It helps more in the long run.

one person who lived it

Avoid office drama and stay away from colleagues who create it.

Retaliation for perceived slights can get you into trouble.

one person who lived it

Ask questions rather than remaining silent if you are unsure.

It is better to annoy others with questions than to anger them with incompetence.

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Change negative dynamics by talking about positive non-work topics and using humor.

This approach helped one person perk people up and stay out of drama.

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Expect others to act like incompetent jerks so you are prepared to handle it calmly,, and politely.

This prevents surprise and allows you to have a plan for handling such behavior.

one person who lived it

Quietly leave cakes and snacks in the breakroom for colleagues to help themselves without announcing it is your birthday.

It allows you to do something nice for others while avoiding the spotlight.

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Use a fake urgent 'HR issue' text message as an excuse to leave meetings abruptly.

It serves as a card that allows you to exit any meeting at any time.

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Ask to come back to an interview question later if you do not have an immediate answer.

Not everyone has a perfect answer immediately, and that is acceptable.

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Exploit gossipers by feeding them information you want spread.

Gossipers will spread the information throughout the community or workplace quickly.

3 people, independently

Cultivate a good relationship with receptionists so they may smooth over your mistakes or de-escalate difficult calls on your behalf.

If you have a good relationship with them, they might go the extra mile to cover for you even if you messed up.

one person who lived it

Reframe your request from 'you shouldn't try to change my mind' to 'you can't change my mind' to respect their worldview while setting a firm boundary.

one person who lived it

Form your own opinions about office colleagues rather than accepting others' imposed views.

People who try to impose their opinions tend to be the center of drama.

one person who lived it

Reassure a coworker of their value by complimenting specific actions rather than using gender-based praise.

This avoids creating an 'us vs. them' dynamic.

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Keep a positive public image and never badmouth anyone, assuming everything you say will be spread.

Managing perception so others think you are great can help you go farther than being actually great but unknown.

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End with a summary of your position or redirect the query to the appropriate team member to reinforce that you know what you are talking about.

To assert that you know what you're talking about.

one person who lived it

When dining with a spouse's boss, let the spouse lead the conversation since it is their professional relationship, while you remain cordial by offering drinks or assistance.

It prevents the interaction from seeming out of place.

one person who lived it

Do not text an employee about body odor; have the conversation in person to avoid legal or harassment risks.

Texting this issue opens up potential lawsuit or harassment cases.

one person who lived it

Diplomatically ask if others have trouble hearing you when a boss repeatedly tells you to speak up, implying a connection issue.

Others may confirm they hear you fine, preventing further criticism.

one person who lived it

If a support representative provides exceptional service, ask for their manager's email address and send them a paragraph-length note explaining why you are doing so.

One person reported that this action caused a representative to call in tears of gratitude because it earned her recognition from her boss.

one person who lived it

Show vulnerability as a team leader to allow members to build confidence by helping you.

It gives them a vital role in the team structure through their support of your vulnerability.

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Change the subject or physically walk away when gossip starts.

3 people, independently

Direct your questions to multiple people rather than just one or two.

Asking more people reduces the burden placed on any single individual.

one person who lived it

End the conversation by acknowledging their concern and thanking them to signal that you have received their message.

This lets them know you appreciate their worry.

one person who lived it

Use the phrase 'early in your career' instead of 'you are young' when giving feedback to interns.

It avoids age discrimination issues, keeps them motivated and grounded, focuses on potential, and prevents the feedback from feeling like a parental lecture.

one person who lived it

Frame instructions as potentially unclear ('Perhaps I didn't communicate this ') rather than blaming the other person's inability to follow them.

It prevents people from shutting off their ears.

one person who lived it

Do not try to change the coworker's mindset or opinion during the interaction.

Changing someone's mindset is a difficult task and you are not going to change his opinion in one interaction.

2 people, independently

Be cautious of new coworkers who immediately share inside scoops or gossip about others.

They are probably the gossiper themselves.

2 people, independently

Vent about work frustrations to friends outside your industry or unrelated parties.

It allows you to safely blow off steam.

one person who lived it

Pray for a co-worker privately without telling them about it.

If God is real, he will listen anyway; announcing the prayer can be manipulative and self-congratulatory.

one person who lived it

Consistently tell the person you do not have time for their request; if you are pressured into promising help, do not follow through.

Demonstrating zero return on investment discourages further attempts.

one person who lived it

Admit fault for your own positioning errors in team settings, even if it indirectly highlights a teammate's mistake.

It can subconsciously prompt them to reflect on their actions without direct confrontation.

one person who lived it

Show up and socialize to demonstrate care for your colleagues, as repeated refusal can imply indifference.

Repeatedly refusing to show up makes colleagues feel upset because it implies you do not care about them.

one person who lived it

State clearly that the conversation or comment makes you uncomfortable.

Showing your discomfort turns it back on the offender, leaving them feeling awkward and potentially prompting an apology.

2 people, independently

Be honest and direct that the matter is private and you are uncomfortable discussing it, rather than using evasive tactics.

Being evasive can be problematic, especially with colleagues who are friends, while making it clear sets expectations.

one person who lived it

Do not expect colleagues to intuitively know when you are on lunch; communicate your lunch times clearly and consistently.

New staff and those unfamiliar with your personal habits aren't going to know this.

one person who lived it

When handling claims where the other party threatens legal action, use a canned response stating you will await their attorney's letter of representation and end the call to avoid giving legal advice; one person reported this often causes the other party to back down.

One person reported that once the other party realized they were speaking to the decision-maker, they called back to say 'never mind'.

one person who lived it

Use a bathroom break as an excuse to leave a conversation if work-related excuses are insufficient.

It works everywhere.

one person who lived it

Limit compliments to people who are currently present to prevent diluting the impact of the praise given to the coworker seeking validation.

Giving a compliment to someone else who isn't there diminishes the one you just gave.

one person who lived it

Volunteer for tasks and ask many questions early on to show engagement, rather than trying to be best friends immediately.

Personal relationships will come about naturally through this engagement.

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Respond to insulting humor by saying something like 'I don't think that's very funny' and letting it go at that.

Most people engage in insulting humor to gain social capital; challenging them directly can damage your relationship with a coworker.

one person who lived it

If you have been criticized for poor performance, take several weeks to ensure your work is up to par, then request a follow-up meeting to discuss your progress.

following up demonstrates accountability and conscientiousness, which supervisors appreciate.

one person who lived it

Acknowledge the baby's presence briefly, such as noting they are cute, rather than ignoring them entirely.

Ignoring the baby is considered rude.

2 people, independently

If asked about your relationship status, state that you are using dating apps but have not found anyone serious yet.

This is truthful and generally understandable, which often ends the questioning without raising suspicion.

one person who lived it

Leave silently if others become too drunk to recognize their own behavior, as attention is likely scarce in that environment.

When everyone is drunk, specific people are often no longer noticed.

one person who lived it

Do nothing special; treat lunch as a convenient time for socializing rather than a mandatory eating event.

there's no absolute requirement that you eat

one person who lived it

Read 'Crucial Conversations' to learn how to position responses that listen to requests while delivering your message without triggering defensiveness.

One person reported it helped them with communication.

one person who lived it

Consistently and non-aggressively note when the topic is raised again without engaging in content discussion.

This offers the highest chance of changing their behavior without antagonizing them.

one person who lived it

Report persistent sarcastic or provocative behavior to your manager as harassment.

Offices take this more seriously these days.

one person who lived it

State facts plainly without apologizing or using phrases like 'I'm sorry' to protect your own positive face.

Apologizing hurts your positive face.

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If you arrive late to a meeting by entering quietly without asking for a recap; catch up afterward.

recapping disrupts everyone else's day

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Redirect the conversation to lighter, less controversial topics, such as cute pets or recent events, to move away from your illness.

Moving to lighter topics is extremely useful, especially in the workplace.

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When a coworker returns from bereavement, offer a brief greeting like 'I'm glad you're back' without mentioning the death.

one person who lived it

Answer behavioral questions with specific past examples rather than general theories of what you would do.

Interviewers are looking for specific situations you resolved, not hypothetical responses.

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Describe general symptoms you are comfortable mentioning, such as tiredness, stomach aches, or nausea, instead of naming the specific illness.

Using words everyone understands from experience helps communicate without specifics.

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Avoid jobs that require you to buy something, such as a sample kit or training materials, to start working.

These are likely multilevel marketing companies or scams.

one person who lived it

Be cautious about what you post on social media from a professional standpoint.

Potential employers may judge you based on your past posts.

one person who lived it

Save up 'fuck you' money to avoid getting trapped in a bad job.

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Interpret 'work hard, play hard' as a warning that the company expects excessive work hours and offers little actual leisure or balance.

It often means you work to death and never actually play.

3 people, independently

If poor performance is due to a fixable issue, consider addressing it before seeking a new job.

Improving performance can lead to high ratings and raises, whereas leaving prematurely may delay career progress.

one person who lived it

Treat the departure of good colleagues as a warning sign to exit before conditions worsen.

Their leaving serves as a canary in the coal mine, indicating that things may get really bad.

one person who lived it

• Treat the departure of competent colleagues as an early warning signal to exit a toxic environment before conditions deteriorate further.1

Do not disclose specific job applications or targets to recruitment consultants.

They may try to fill those roles themselves to earn a placement fee.

one person who lived it

Understand that teller jobs may offer no grace for errors.

This lack of grace contributes to high turnover.

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Hire ahead of need to avoid perpetually being understaffed and losing employees to burnout.

Proper management prevents the cycle where understaffing leads to overwork, which causes more people to quit, making the team even more understaffed.

one person who lived it

Avoid using the word 'facilitated' on your resume.

It is viewed as an overpriced way of saying you performed a task.

one person who lived it

Recognize that being overqualified can lead to rejection.

Employers fear that overqualified people will become bored, realize their higher worth, or leave for a better offer soon.

one person who lived it

Do not sacrifice your time to save the company money while traveling for work.

one person who lived it

Maintain regular boundaries with a toxic coworker until you understand why they haven't been fired; avoid intense confrontation if their position is protected.

They may have powerful connections, such as a family member owning the company.

• One person learned to bite their tongue after being cut off by a coworker who deflected to a director.

one person who lived it

Be skeptical of recruiters who advise lowering salary expectations without knowing your current income.

Recruiter quality varies; some give bad advice while others provide better job options.

• Based on one person's experience

one person who lived it

If you want to stop recruiter calls, state a specific logistical incompatibility like an imminent move or short-term availability rather than just saying you are not interested.

Mid-level salespeople often interpret general objections as challenges and respond with more persuasion tactics.

one person who lived it

Keep a separate, cheap smartphone for job searching and emergency contact to ensure independence from employer-owned devices.

Using work property for job searches is risky, and losing access to a work phone upon termination leaves you without means to answer callbacks or search for jobs.

one person who lived it

Avoid playful bets or games involving work output.

They often lead to increased mandatory quotas.

one person who lived it

Run from companies that use personality tests like MBTI as hiring metrics before an interview.

One person considers this inappropriate.

one person who lived it

Avoid actively pursuing vendettas or fighting with toxic coworkers, as overt hostility can lead to your own dismissal.

In one instance, the openly hostile party was fired while the reporter was not.

one person who lived it

Be careful who knows you are testing the waters for other jobs.

Managers who are not 'manager material' may react negatively, and management finding out could limit your current advancement.

one person who lived it

Avoid anonymous employee surveys if you suspect your employer can identify respondents or force participation.

Employers may learn who responded, confront employees about harsh feedback, or require filling out the survey in their presence.

one person who lived it

Check your vacation balance on the day of a suspicious meeting with HR.

HR may inadvertently reveal their intentions regarding your employment status through this action.

one person who lived it

If a recruiter asks you to provide a list of friends or family members to contact for starting a 'business' during the hiring process, decline the offer.

one person who lived it

Avoid mixing family relationships with business or professional work.

It never goes well.

one person who lived it

Do not rely solely on internal company transfers for relocation.

Companies may be clueless about international transfers, unwilling to sponsor visas, or prefer to lay you off and hire locally.

one person who lived it

Recognize that unlimited PTO is often a strategy to avoid the financial liability of paying out unused leave.

Unused accrued PTO appears as a liability on financial statements; eliminating accrual removes this cost.

one person who lived it

View 'unlimited vacation' policies with skepticism.

They often result in employees taking no vacation due to cultural pressure.

one person who lived it

Be skeptical of positive Glassdoor reviews from companies where recruiters have been known to create fake accounts from local coffee shops.

one person who lived it

Terminate fired employees' access to systems and remove them from premises immediately.

Fired employees no longer have an interest in the company's success and may become a negative presence.

one person who lived it

Recognize that nepotism and personal connections can override perfect qualification matches.

Family friends or known contacts may be hired even if they do not meet requirements, while perfectly qualified strangers are rejected.

one person who lived it

If a job ad explicitly denies it is sales, door-to-door, or selling vacuum cleaners, suspect the role is actually disguised sales.

one person who lived it

Avoid law as a career for international relocation.

Laws differ by place, degrees are often not accepted across borders, and you must get licensed in the new location.

one person who lived it

Rent from private people rather than large property management companies if you have cash deposits but lack formal job verification.

Private landlords may be more flexible with cash payments, whereas corporate managers often use services to verify employment.

• This approach depends on finding a willing private landlord; corporate buildings typically require strict verification.

one person who lived it

Answer 'yes' to questions about having reliable transportation on job applications if you have consistent access to public transit, biking, walking, or ride-shares.

Reliable transportation does not necessarily mean owning a car unless explicitly specified by the employer.

• Public transit schedules may not align with certain work hours, such as late-night shifts.

one person who lived it

Use a state ID card instead of a driver's license for job applications requiring identification.

Most employers accept state IDs as interchangeable photo identification for verification purposes.

• Some places, especially out of state, may refuse to accept a state ID card.

one person who lived it

If you cannot afford a professional photographer for job applications, search for an 'AI headshot generator' to convert regular photos into professional-looking headshots.

One person reported that the results were convincing enough that a friend who works in photography believed they were taken by an actual photographer.

one person who lived it

Research and adapt your CV format to local standards before applying for jobs abroad, as requirements vary by country.

Some countries, such as Germany, expect specific details like birthdates on resumes.

one person who lived it

Write cover letters that demonstrate literacy rather than attempting to appear overly interesting.

Employers often focus on basic literacy over attempts to seem interesting.

one person who lived it

If you feel annoyed by indecisive customers, treat recommending drinks as a game to see how happy you can make them.

It reduces aggravation and often leads to earning more money.

one person who lived it

Support friends' new businesses by paying full price, tipping well, referring customers, and leaving positive feedback.

Early rave reviews give a huge jump start to a new business.

one person who lived it

Provide a list of options for public product naming contests instead of making the request open-ended.

Open-ended internet naming contests can hurt your brand.

one person who lived it

Post your menu on your own website rather than relying solely on third-party sites to ensure accuracy.

Third-party menus may not be accurate, and having no online menu is a non-starter for some customers.

one person who lived it

Assume many customers are clueless about processes and blame the wrong parties.

Frustration often stems from not understanding how things work.

one person who lived it

Offer behind-the-scenes explanations to help customers feel informed and valued.

It prevents them from feeling like nothing is happening.

one person who lived it

Do not replace standard letters with similar-looking ones (such as C with K) or intentionally misspell words in business names.

It tends to appear unprofessional and dumb rather than clever.

one person who lived it

If a customer service rep tries to lowball an agreed partial refund, correct the number immediately during the call.

Correcting the number caused the rep to immediately change his tune.

one person who lived it

Display prices clearly on your online presence to avoid deterring customers who are unsure of the cost level.

Customers are far less likely to visit if they cannot check items and prices, and may leave immediately after seeing unexpectedly high costs.

one person who lived it

Claim your business on Google Maps to accurately update hours and status, as incorrect information drives customers away.

Wrong hours make it seem like the business is closed; scammers may also exploit unclaimed listings.

one person who lived it

Make your business's Facebook page public so potential customers can view information without logging in.

Customers who do not have an account will not patronize businesses that require login to view pages.

one person who lived it

Recognize that restaurant businesses operate on low margins, often requiring multiple locations to generate enough owner income.

Low margins mean a single location may not provide enough money for the owner to live on.

one person who lived it

If you build a rapport with your vending machine attendant, they may give you near-expiry items that would otherwise be discarded.

Attendants prefer giving items to friendly customers rather than hauling them back to the warehouse or throwing them away.

one person who lived it

Increase the markup on materials to offset discounted labor rates for friends and family.

This allows everyone to feel good about the arrangement.

one person who lived it

Avoid opportunities that frame buying overpriced demo sets, knives, or supplements as an 'investment' in your own business.

4 people, independently

Put all business arrangements with family or friends in writing upfront to prevent misunderstandings.

It clarifies expectations and reduces fallout if things go wrong.

one person who lived it

Pay invoices promptly without requiring a reminder and pay full price.

It prevents financial interactions from making the relationship awkward.

one person who lived it

Specify the exact level of documentation required for veteran discounts to avoid confusion.

Vague terms like 'veteran' leave requirements unclear, whereas specifying a military ID card makes eligibility clear.

one person who lived it

If a local business is not answering its phone, leave feedback on their Facebook page; one person reported receiving an unlisted mobile number within minutes.

one person who lived it

When new staff make mistakes, step in to help fix them while explaining where they went wrong and why the correct step matters.

Explaining the importance of the step helps prevent the mistake from happening again.

one person who lived it

Do not use fake update screens to hide breaks, as IT departments often manage updates manually and may view this behavior as suspicious.

It could lead to a warning from HR.

one person who lived it

Mute training videos and read the provided transcript to finish them faster.

One person finished in record time and received a pay raise as a result.

one person who lived it

Email a coworker when they do a good job or teach you something.

They can use the email in performance reviews as evidence of coaching or mentoring skills.

one person who lived it

Use a script to assign random delays between 5 minutes and 24 hours to outgoing emails.

This prevents colleagues from determining when you are actually working.

one person who lived it

Note down specific times you went the extra mile, like managing tough clients, covering for colleagues, or working past your scheduled hours.

These records serve as reminders of your adaptability and contributions.

3 people, independently

Report problems immediately if you lack the authority or expertise to solve them, as delaying to find a solution can cause greater disasters.

Delaying can turn a manageable issue into a worse disaster.

one person who lived it

Require that any task reassignment be formally documented in your team's tracking system before you accept it.

If the task is never assigned to you in the system, it is not your problem.

one person who lived it

Schedule an Outlook appointment titled 'HR issues' and close your door to secure uninterrupted private time.

Others will not disturb you or ask questions during this time.

one person who lived it

Plan holidays and spend money on cooling down (rest) to prevent burnout.

Similar to cooling a CPU to prevent overheating and throttling.

one person who lived it

For meetings that require significant travel time, send an invitation with an agenda and explicitly state that you will confirm the meeting is still happening the day before.

This avoids wasting time traveling for a canceled or forgotten meeting.

one person who lived it

Recognize that niche problems constitute the majority of work time in tech.

These are the most time-intensive aspects of the job.

one person who lived it

Request that priority changes be communicated via email from the senior leader, with you copied, to confirm the change and ensure alignment.

The burden of proof for priority changes should not fall on the employee.

one person who lived it

Review past performance to identify which small percentage of products generated the majority of profits, then stop selling the low-profit items.

One person reported halving their workload and doubling profits by doing so.

one person who lived it

Delegate tasks to employees who take ownership of their roles and engage positively with them.

This can reduce stress and increase capacity for long-term planning.

one person who lived it

Schedule meetings for 25 or 50 minutes instead of standard blocks to allow for transition time.

This practice was adopted by an organization when working from home started.

one person who lived it

Have the team sign off on estimates and plans so they are accountable for delivery while you focus on clearing blockers.

This ensures that reporting reflects facts and isolates blame for failures to clear blockers on the project manager.

one person who lived it

Ask the person to write down all their questions and only allow them to ask for help once they have a consolidated list of blocking issues.

This encourages self-investigation; sometimes continuing the work leads to finding answers to previous questions on one's own.

one person who lived it

Estimate task duration by doubling your initial guess and adding half again.

This provides a cushion for unexpected issues while often resulting in finishing early, which pleases customers.

one person who lived it

Suggest using smart plug-strips that cut power to peripherals when the primary device is off, so people won't forget and it becomes less frustrating for everyone.

It ensures people won't forget, which reduces frustration for everyone.

one person who lived it

When training a new hire, explicitly state that you expect them to make mistakes and ask them what they are most worried about messing up.

Taking the pressure off helps retention and minimizes actual errors.

one person who lived it

Send reminder emails for eBay transactions to capture feedback from buyers who forget.

Most people forget about a transaction after a week.

one person who lived it

Record room tone (silence) to use as background audio for smooth transitions in video edits.

Otherwise, transitions can be awkward.

one person who lived it

Include a deadline for response in follow-up emails, such as 'reply by [date] or we assume approval.'

It ensures progress toward meeting deadlines.

one person who lived it

If a manager asks you to alter recorded details in a report, request the changes via email rather than accepting verbal or note-based instructions.

The request may be withdrawn if formal documentation is required.

one person who lived it

Accept that some mandatory training videos cannot be sped up because timed slides force a minimum duration per slide.

Timers tick down before allowing navigation, guaranteeing extra time spent per unit of content.

one person who lived it

Anticipate deliberate changes in your industry and inquire about new technologies or challenges.

No one may explain upcoming changes (like automation) to you; you must understand what new tools will do.

one person who lived it

Volunteer for new projects when you see a match between the company's strategy and the project opportunities.

Developing a big-picture view makes you more sensitive to these opportunities.

one person who lived it

Stop enabling behaviors like reading documentation or setting up demos for the person.

Continuously rewarding this dependency makes them come back for more help.

one person who lived it

If a department repeatedly asks for help after being directed elsewhere, escalate the issue to your line manager and senior leadership, copying increasingly senior people until it stops.

Carrying out someone else's work impedes your capacity to complete your own work.

one person who lived it

Do not wait for key contributors if their absence prevents answering questions or results in missing materials.

waiting causes repetition and wasted time

one person who lived it

If multiple bosses give contradictory instructions, request a meeting with all of them present so they can align and focus on whose requirements you should follow.

Contradictory requirements harm productivity and cause stress; alignment resolves this.

one person who lived it

Supervisors should use employee-provided accomplishment lists to write accurate performance reviews.

Supervisors cannot observe everything the employee does.

one person who lived it

Identify gaps in your department's operating processes and create internal tools, dashboards, or standard operating procedures to solve them.

It demonstrated innovation that led to positive results.

one person who lived it

Provide printed guides for new systems to document that tools were provided and allow independent learning.

It allows people to teach themselves independently.

one person who lived it

Create tickets in a ticket system for verbal agreements with difficult managers to secure proof of approval and requirements.

one person who lived it

If your General Manager refuses to provide required uniform shirts, contact your District Manager or Area Coach.

one person who lived it

Frame your request for behavioral change in terms of a cost-benefit analysis that directors or managers would recognize.

one person who lived it

Work towards your dream job in your free time with small steps.

This approach led one person to a different country, marriage, and homeownership after a few years.

one person who lived it

Instead of searching for a magical 'right' career, find one you can tolerate that provides the lifestyle you want.

It allows you to pay bigger bills while remaining enjoyable.

one person who lived it

Read Joe Girard's books on selling if you are interested in exploring a career path in sales.

One person reported that stumbling across this book changed their life and fascinated them with the profession.

• This is based on one person's experience where it changed their life.

one person who lived it

Consider freelance work in fields like TV production so you can stop when burnout approaches.

Freelance work allows you to control when you stop working.

one person who lived it

Read books in English for at least 30 minutes daily if you work in an English-speaking environment.

It helps with proficiency in work environments where everyone speaks English.

one person who lived it

Stop accepting money from your parents and get a job to become independent.

You are an adult and free; making your own way establishes independence.

one person who lived it

Get a job at a gym to get a discounted membership, earn money, and be around motivated people.

It solves multiple problems at once.

one person who lived it

Volunteer or join student clubs to gain skills if you are not working.

These options have less strict commitments than jobs.

one person who lived it

Find any available job, even low-paying, to generate income which may restore the desire to study part-time.

Having money coming in can help you feel like studying again.

one person who lived it

If someone suggests sales as a career path, consider trying it, as it may be a perfect fit even if unexpected.

One person found that following this suggestion led to a role that was perfect for them.

one person who lived it

Accept that it is okay to work a job simply to pay the bills without having a grand plan for every moment of your life.

It allows you to enjoy living and avoid accumulating student loan debt.

one person who lived it

Conduct informational interviews before committing to a career path to identify deal-breakers regarding daily tasks and required skills.

Talking to someone in the role can reveal that the necessary skills or daily duties are things you are not interested in, saving you years of pursuing a mismatched career.

one person who lived it

Study or work in something you love so that work does not feel like work.

one person who lived it

Shadow professionals in a field before deciding to study it to understand the required mindset and reality of the job.

It helps you know what you are getting into and whether you possess the necessary mindset.

one person who lived it

If you want to improve your after-work mood and sleep, try engaging in intense outdoor activities or leaning into hobbies.

One person reported that this made them look forward to their time and slowed down the feeling of time passing.

one person who lived it

Work as a security guard during college to use downtime for studying.

The extra study time is a great perk.

one person who lived it

Work out regularly to combat burnout.

One person found this more effective than taking a week-long vacation.

one person who lived it

Consider blue-collar jobs if you need variable schedules, as they often operate 24 hours a day and make afternoon or evening shifts easier to find than white-collar roles.

One person's experience showed these jobs tend to have more flexible scheduling options due to their continuous operation.

one person who lived it

Consider the inside electrician route if you want a less strenuous job.

It sounds less strenuous.

one person who lived it

Consider going into research or science if you are introverted, intelligent, and possibly on the autism spectrum.

You may be made for science.

one person who lived it

Seek a meaningful job while in high school to discover your professional likes and dislikes.

It can reveal what you love or hate doing, and may clarify that minimum wage is insufficient for long-term happiness.

one person who lived it

If you hold multiple jobs, choose roles with different positions rather than the same one to make the workload feel less exhausting.

Switching between different positions tricks your brain into resetting.

one person who lived it

Choose a career path for yourself, not to impress others or please your family.

one person who lived it

Work as an independent contractor for small businesses, such as mom-and-pop shops, that need occasional professional services like accounting or bookkeeping.

Many small places cannot afford full-time positions.

one person who lived it

Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during your commute to unwind before work.

It gives you time to enjoy media and tune out before getting started.

one person who lived it

Work remotely for an online company to maintain location independence while traveling abroad.

Remote work allows you to travel globally without being tied down to a specific location.

one person who lived it

Acknowledge that 30 is young and people frequently change careers at later stages.

one person who lived it

Acknowledge that specific school majors become less relevant after 10 to 20 years of professional experience.

Long-term work history tends to overshadow early academic choices.

one person who lived it

Notice what naturally attracts you, like specific interests or hobbies, and let those guide you toward a passion and future career.

4 people, independently

Start working somewhere to begin building a career, even if you change industries later.

one person who lived it

If you are starting a business, base it on a hobby or activity you already enjoy.

one person who lived it

Take career development assessments to identify potential strengths and suitable career paths.

These tools help suggest careers based on individual strengths.

one person who lived it

Intern extensively or delay graduation to take independent studies.

one person who lived it

Avoid heating strong-smelling foods like kimchi or seafood in shared office microwaves.

It can embarrass you and ruin the breakroom for colleagues.

one person who lived it

Place received cash perpendicular to the till edge while preparing change, rather than putting it directly into the till.

It prevents quick-swapping.

one person who lived it

Wear proper cold-weather clothing, including insulated jumpsuits, good hats, gloves, and wool socks instead of cotton.

Cotton becomes sweaty and makes feet frozen when warm; wet wool socks remain warm.

one person who lived it

Do not apply for jobs involving dangerous equipment, such as large cranes, if you lack experience.

one person who lived it

Some people use a fake ring as a 'FOR' (fuck off) ring to reject advances from drunk people by claiming they have a fiancé or husband.

one person who lived it

Chew flavored gum while wearing a safety mask for extended periods to improve the internal smell.

It smells better than food odors.

one person who lived it

Open chip bags and dump the contents onto a plate or napkin before eating during presentations.

It avoids the disruptive sound of crinkling plastic.

one person who lived it

Apply sliced potatoes to your eyes to relieve pain from welding flash.

One welder reported this works magically.

one person who lived it

If you work in an environment that prohibits earbuds but allows audio, try open-ear bone conduction headsets under a cap to hear surroundings and conversations.

They allow you to hear emergency signals, cars, and supervisors while listening to audio.

one person who lived it

Order seltzer water with lime to mimic a vodka soda if you want to avoid alcohol without drawing attention.

It avoids invasive questions about why you are not drinking.

one person who lived it

• If pressured, order a mixed drink with only a splash of alcohol initially, then request refills of only the mixer.1

If your hands get pruned from prolonged water submersion, coat them in Desitin before work to prevent skin damage.

one person who lived it

Reapply petroleum jelly periodically.

To maintain its effectiveness in diverting sweat.

one person who lived it

Before handling chemicals or responding to spills, review Safety Data Sheets to understand hazards; refuse the assignment if required protective equipment like eye protection, ventilators, or showers is not provided.

one person who lived it

Purchase a cushioned lunch container featuring dual zippers and lock them together using a padlock.

3 people, independently

Work closely with temp-to-hire recruiters by checking in frequently and allowing them to help polish your resume, viewing them as partners in placement.

Recruiters help you find the job and can assist with polishing your resume.

one person who lived it

Apply to a high volume of jobs weekly using a systematic approach that balances decent quality with playing the numbers game.

A structured high-volume application strategy can be successful.

one person who lived it

Ask librarians for assistance with technology, job searches, or government forms.

Librarians love being asked to help.

one person who lived it

One approach that helped secure immediate employment when broke: print out resumes, walk around, and hand them directly to people doing manual work nearby.

• This is based on one person's experience.

one person who lived it

Focus on building professional contacts during university and early work experience.

Networking often outweighs individual merit in hiring decisions.

one person who lived it

Actively hunt for internships because opportunities will not come to you automatically.

No one will just provide you opportunities; you have to go hunt them out.

one person who lived it

Develop communication skills as you would technical skills.

They are necessary to be hireable.

one person who lived it

• Develop interpersonal communication skills alongside technical expertise.1

Take an improv class to improve public speaking and conversation skills.

One person found it helped with work interactions and keeping conversations interesting.

one person who lived it

Network and build friendships to access better job opportunities and salaries, as hard work alone is insufficient.

Focusing only on working without networking may cause you to miss opportunities for better jobs and pay.

one person who lived it

If you are applying for a highly technical role, prepare to provide peer references who can validate your actual work performance.

Employers in these fields often seek validation from colleagues regarding whether the candidate can actually perform the work.

one person who lived it

Call 2-1-1 to locate local clothing closets and resources for work attire.

This service connects people with community organizations that provide free or low-cost clothing.

one person who lived it

Contribute code to open source projects to gain free working experience and receive tips from experienced developers.

One person reported improving their coding skills and receiving free advice from experienced developers through this method.

one person who lived it

Recognize that HR recruiters may lack technical knowledge of specific roles and rely heavily on keyword filters.

HR personnel are often not skilled at judging qualifications for specific jobs and add keywords without understanding relevant qualifications.

one person who lived it

Target cafes for employment opportunities.

They consistently need staff.

one person who lived it

If you cannot find a mentor through formal channels, identify a potential mentor's specific interests or hobbies and offer yourself as a participant or helper in those activities to initiate contact.

one person who lived it

Translate retail and food service experience into soft skills on tech resumes, as companies prefer candidates with interpersonal skills over green employees.

one person who lived it

Consider becoming an HVAC service technician, focusing on troubleshooting and filter changes rather than strenuous installation work.

Service roles are less physically strenuous than installation work.

one person who lived it

Do not believe anything a military recruiter says unless it is in writing without 'unless' clauses.

Recruiters have misled many people.

one person who lived it

Stand out by learning extra materials beyond your preparation program if your chosen degree path has low difficulty.

If obtaining the degree is easy, expect a lot of competition, so making yourself stand out is necessary.

one person who lived it

Focus on hard work, effective communication, and being dependable rather than creativity.

Creativity isn't rewarded in the military; these traits are.

one person who lived it

Apply for government contracting jobs after military service, particularly with defense contractors who value veterans.

Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing frequently hire veterans, leading to satisfactory income for some.

one person who lived it

If you have a degree, visit an Officer Recruitment Office instead of a local recruiting office.

local recruiters may sell misleading information

one person who lived it

Consider enlisting in the military only after you have exhausted every other conceivable option to escape your dire straits.

one person who lived it

Correspond via email rather than phone for sensitive matters like employment verification to create a paper trail.

Email transcripts provide proof that can protect you if you are accused of wrongdoing.

one person who lived it

Document everything, including interactions with those responsible for protecting you.

You need proof of what happened if you want to press charges.

one person who lived it

Keep emails and chat messages clean and professional, as they may be scrutinized in misconduct claims or unemployment disputes.

Lawyers may spend weeks digging through these records to corroborate claims of inappropriate behavior or challenge employability.

one person who lived it

Document your accomplishments and ensure peers and upper management know about them.

To increase chances of being poached for better opportunities.

one person who lived it

Keep a personal record of all performance feedback, both positive and negative, such as printed emails.

This documentation supports unemployment claims and prevents employers from misrepresenting your performance if you are laid off.

one person who lived it

Sync work emails to a personal computer to preserve access after termination.

Companies typically disable mailboxes immediately upon termination, so synced emails allow you to search through them to build your case.

• Copying work-related emails to a personal computer may breach security and confidentiality policies, giving grounds for termination.

one person who lived it

If your employer crumples and discards your resignation letter during a confrontation, quietly retrieve it from the floor to preserve evidence of your attempt to resign.

This protects your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

one person who lived it

Confirm compensation, reimbursement, and insurance coverage for tasks outside normal duties in writing, such as via email.

To protect yourself legally and financially.

one person who lived it

Expect lawsuits to compel the production of all relevant digital correspondence, including Slack messages and emails.

Discovery processes require both sides to produce this data.

one person who lived it

Document everything and take contemporaneous notes during meetings with HR or management regarding safety violations.

Notes may be needed for a lawyer if you face constructive dismissal.

one person who lived it

If you believe your termination was unjustified, use collected kudos and awards as evidence in a grievance to help overturn it.

one person who lived it