Career Stories

The Only Bad Thing

I worked as a nurse in a small district hospital. Our head nurse, a good looking woman in her thirties was an example of a good leader. She was jolly, nice and kind to everyone. The only bad thing about her was she snored loudly. I knew about this because we shared the same room provided by the hospital. Due to that, I really made sure that we would not be on the same shift. I rested better if the room was free from her noise.

Favoritism?

Our project leader resigned a few weeks ago. After which, our manager told me that I am entitled to use the company-owned notebook left by our PL since I am in charge of marketing. I am so glad and excited to have it, but I was saddened after seeing the finance officer using the notebook. I also saw her brought it home. I am discouraged. My excitement to receive it has vanished. My manager should have not told me about that in the first place.

War Between Execs

Our Marketing Manager was promoted to Chief Operations Officer late last year by the company CEO. However, the company Vice President was against it since they were in bad terms or should I say, "mortal enemies." It has a terrible effect on us though. There was one instance that I was tasked to develop a web page created by our COO. I did what she asked me but our VP interfered and wanted me to make changes according to her will. I clarified with our COO on the alterations to the site and she got mad. I was torn between whom to follow. I couldn't disregard my COO because it was her page, but I also couldn't neglect my VP since she was on a higher position. I am disappointed with these two executives. Both of them should be fired from work. Besides, they contribute to the reasons for labor turn-over.

The Lake

It was my first HR manager position and I was three years out of college. I had heard stories about a female employee that would "rendezvous" with male co -workers at the local lake. Evidently, she was very open and quite loud when she described these escapades and other employees often heard her talk about her fun at the lake. One male employee wanted to join in on the fun. To his surprise, she was not interested in him and she actually came to me to make a complaint about this male employee who was pursuing her. I realized I was over my head as it was common knowledge of her gregarious stories. I went to the VP of HR for advice. He took notes as I explained the situation. In this meeting, he educated me about how important it was to take notes, to document and get all the details. He asked specific questions of the employees involved, the departments and even the name of the lake. I was relieved as things quieted down for several weeks. My role model had resolved my situation! About six weeks later, the rendezvous queen came to me and closed the door to my office. She said; I want to thank you for your help. And, you won't believe who I've been sleeping with at the lake - your boss, *****! It has been wonderful - I believe ***** and I are soul mates.He told me that we should keep our dating a secret and not to tell even you because he cares about me and my reputation. But I knew you went to him, so I wanted you to know and thank you so much!At the time, I thought "You Have Got To Be Kidding!" My boss whom I went to for mentoring actually slept with the employee with the complaint!

Demeaning Manager

I am a logistics officer in a med-size marketing company. I prepare the purchasing of supplies needed in the company. My problem is that, every time I request for a budget, my manager always interferes. She rebuffs my request without discussing it with me. I am so hurt by what she is doing. I do not know what I have done to her to be treated this way. She demeans me and I am slowly losing confident in doing my job. If I can't be trusted by my superior officer, then there is no point in continuing this work. Enter your story here! Click on categories to view stories from other visitors.

Psycho Sales VP

I was in a division of a large company. It was so inwarding dysfunctional that if you attempted to switch from one division to another to enhance your skills or possibly reduce travel. You would be black listed. I had a good friend who was a sales manager. She switched to another division. I back filled her job. So of course I would be discussing on the phone with her strategies and the sales reps in the district. My Regional called me one day and said you need to stop calling ****. If the Sales VP reviews your phone bill, or hears you are still talking to her. We will both be dead or out of a job. She was updating me on the working of the district and the people. He replied; doesn't matter. Stop talking. We both are very successful but were never treated well by the VP again. Interesting people can reach status titles.

Chatting with our Boss

My officemates and I chatted through YM and invited several guys to join our conference. We were making fun of the guys in the room. Since they were outnumbered, we teased and mocked them. When suddenly this instant message appeared: "So, this is your way of becoming happy, huh?." Everyone was stunned. Nobody dared to touch the keyboard. It was our boss. I might have clicked his name from my contact list.

Unprofessional & Uninterested

We were asked by the VP(my bosses boss) to put together a business plan presentation. We spent many hours and really hit the mark. When we went to present the information to the VP, there was five of us in the room. 3 Reps, our mangager and the VP. Believe it or not, this person was on the cell phone as we began to present. Our eyes met, we shook our heads and finally my manager asked if we should wait until the call was over. We assumed the call was with the CEO or President. Believe it or not, just on voice mail! No business comprehension or emotional intelligence! I will never forget it.

Entertainment Expenses

I was reviewing one of my Sales Reps expense report not that long ago. I try not to micro manage and never bounce expense reports. A the receipt was for a three hundred dollars and I did not recognize the name as a restaurant and was trying to figure out what type of entertainment the Rep expensed with my Vice President. When I called him, and the Rep. explained, it sure was a You Have Got to Be Kidding (Perfect name by the way) moment. Evidently, the Vice President called an escort service and had the Sales Rep. expense the service. The Rep explained that the VP said it would be more impressive if he attended a dinner with a customer with a woman on his arm. Both are providing their services elsewhere with other employers.

Number, Please!

I am a recruiter for an employment staffing company. One day I was interviewing a prospective candidate for a recruiting position. She was an attractive, "fresh out of college" female. I concluded my interview and the candidate left the office. Almost immediately, my door opened and my director walked in with a big smile. "Wow, she's a knockout! Give me her number!" I thought he was joking, but he said, "No,really." I disgustedly told him there was no way I could give that information out. Bad work ethic, go to a bar, blah, blah, blah. Well, a few months later we had another position opening and I called that candidate back in for an interview. (I hired someone else for the first job) At the conclusion of that interview she said, "I need to let you know that John Smith (name change) called me after my first interview and asked me out for coffee. I didn't know who he was and how he got my number so of course I declined. Did you give it to him?" I assured her I did not and apologized. She was hired, also. Obviously, John Smith had the nerve to go through the resume's on my desk when I was out of my office and got her number! Pretty daring, all for a number. Proves to me that men only think with their*****!

Age Matters

I worked as a librarian in a certain university. I prefer not to reveal the name of the school for my own anonymity. I had an affair with a divorced professor who worked there. He was far older than I am. Actually, her youngest child was of my age. Our relationship had a good start. But, after a while, it became worst than I imagined. He became very jealous of my colleagues and friends. Her children did not like me either. I extended my patience to my "boyfriend." I followed what he wanted me to do just to save our relationship. Then one day, I was with my friends, when he came out from nowhere yelling at me. He badmouthed me in front of other people. I was so ashamed. I broke up with him at that very moment. In a relationship, age really matters!

Disclosing Emotions

I had a crush on my colleague since high school. She was gorgeous and almost perfect. I really wanted to court her but I couldn't because she was my boss. She was extra nice to me but still, I kept my feelings to myself. When the company hosted for a summer party, I got so drunk. Since she was my boss, she accompanied me to make sure that I'd arrive home safely. At that time, I had all the courage to tell her how I felt for her. And I was more than happy to know that she had feelings for me too. She did not go home that night. We disclosed our affection that was imprisoned for a while.

Sweetness for Sales

I worked as a marketer in a mobile phone supplier. A female colleague had an affair with our boss though they kept it a secret since he was already married. But, most of us knew about it without their knowledge. He tried to be discreet about their affair but my coworker flaunted it as if she was proud to be the other woman. One time, our boss decided to join us during our break time in the pantry. After the break, we just signaled our boss that we would go back to work, but this girl really stood up and kissed him. Our boss was stunned for a while. After regaining composure, he said that her sweet attitude could always lead to sales. And that we should emulate her. How could that be possible?

Love or Lust skews perceptions

Check this out. We work in the marketing department and our director is obviously having an affair with our coworker. Our coworker, to be fair is an average employee. Not great, not necessarily a slacker either. However, every suggestion he has made, our boss would go on and on about what a great idea it was and he needed to lead the team on this concept. To test it, I fed him an idea I had a few months ago that she shot down. He presented and all of a sudden she loved the idea. She just promoted him which comes with a big salary increase! Unbelieveable, we all just roll our eyes when he makes a statemnet and she praises and praises him.

HR in an office romance?

I worked for a mid sized tech firm. Within the first six months I started to notice something funny.. Our HR manager was having an office romanace with the director of security. they would argue all the time, kiss in public.. just got uncomfortable for everyone It was reported to management and she was fired.. If HR can't uphold the office romance policy who can?

Having sex on the desk?

My boss has three administrative assistants all which work in different locations but in the same building. I was supposed to be gone, but had some late tasks to do. I had to ask my boss a question... and when I walked in my boss and the other administrative assistant were having sex on his desk. I was like holy **** and ran out. The pay is good so I still work there :)

Who Moved My Administrative Assistant?

I worked for an insurance company a few years back. Everyone there knew that one of the partners..(my boss) and his Administrative Assistant were having an affair. To make a long story short, Human Resources was made aware and the assistant was moved to another department. The day this happened, my boss walked in, shocked to see a different assistant and clearly upset wailed, "Where is my Admin.?!" We all had a quiet chuckle in the lunch room that day!

Who moved my Babe?

I worked for an insurance company about two or three years ago. Everyone there knew that one of the Vice Presidents..(my boss) and his Administrative Assistant were having an affair. To make a long story short, Human Resources was made aware and the assistant was moved to another department. The day this happened, my boss walked in, shocked to see a different assistant and clearly upset wailed, "Where is my Admin.?!" When someone told him HR. He said, "who moved my Admin. HR moved my Admin? We all had a quiet chuckle in the lunch room that day!

I felt like I was in High School

A female coworker was having an affair with another manager (he was married) that was living out of state. When we would attend meetings, they would hold hands in the back seat of the rental car. (I would drive & they evidently forgot about the rearview mirror). We would do the tourist thing and walk around the different cities. They would be kissing while walking behind us. We would turn and they would drop their hands just like they were in high school & caught by parents. Even after they were reprimanded by HR, they persisted. I since have left the company, not sure if they are still dating.

Unfair Accusation

I had an intimate relationship with a coworker in an architectural firm. One day, I went to work an hour earlier to finish a report. She arrived ten minutes later and started luring me. Unable to resist temptation, I kissed and caressed her. Suddenly, the door opened and I saw the appalled face of our colleague. On the following day, I was charged with sexual harassment. I then learned that our character witness was the best friend of my girl's fiancé. She saved herself from being dumped at the expense of my career and social status.

Car incidence

First day on the job with a new manager. Guy was really intense. Grilled me before the call and after. While we were sitting in the car doing post call notes, he demanded we move on to the next call. I was so flustered I forgot I had left my comuter and sample bag next to the trunk. Sure enough, I thought I was fired as I ran over the bag and ruined the computer.

B for What?

One time, a lady walked into our office to ask about the investment program that the company offered. It was a global fund which engaged with Standard & Poor's BRIC 40 Index. I was not fully equipped about this product so I told our visitor that my supervisor would explain to her. She was in a hurry and my supervisor was still on the phone, so I started the explanation. I was so confident in telling her that BRIC 40 pertains to the top 40 corporations in "Great Britain," Russia, India and China. I did not actually know how could B stands for Great Britain but I was so certain about it. Then, my supervisor approached us. When she said that B pertains to Brazil, I was so ashamed that I couldn't look at our visitor. Before she went out of the office, she shook my hand and told me that it was worth a try.

Vague View

I worked as a secretary in a retail company. I went early to work since it was the cut-off period of the month. It would be a very busy day. As I entered the office, the janitor was mopping the floor. A salesman who was sort of panicking to reach his target hurriedly came out from one room. Not noticing that the floor was wet, he slipped and landed right between my legs. Though astonished, we burst into laughter. It's a good thing that I wore pantyhose that day. All he saw was a vague bottom view.

Graceful Drop

My friend and I went to a mall one Friday afternoon to buy some stuff for our road trip the next day. The mall was so crowded since it was Friday. As we went out after shopping, we saw a former classmate. I was so excited to go near her that I didn't notice that I was on a stair. As I rushed to her, I stumbled down from a 3 stepped-stairs. I was wearing skirt then. Many mall-goers were shocked with either my stunt or my position that almost all of them were in freeze mode. I thought I was in a beauty pageant when I stood up and waived to them. I pulled my friends and we hurriedly left the place.

Always close the curtains

I was living in a condo in an upscale development. As usual I got up very early to run. After I took a shower I walked into my bedroom with nothing on but my birthday suit. I stood in front of my dresser and took out a pair of panties. As I was bending over to put them on I felt as though I was being watched. I looked into my dresser mirror (still bent over) and I saw 3 male landscapers peering in my window with a deer in the headlight look.I couldn't believe my bottom was in full view. I hit the floor and now I always close my curtains.How "em bare assing"

Hairy Chest?

About 20 yewars ago, I was an EMT for a Private ambulance service. We were asked to go to a local hospital to transport an older lady home. My partner and I entered the ladies' hospital room and began to "package" her up for the ride home. It was the middle of winter so I was wearing a winter uniform which had pockets in the front where I kept my pens and such. When I squatted down to lift up the stetcher (I was positioned at the ladies head), my pens caught the patients' wig, and as I stood up the wig was pulled off her head. Unfortunately, I was unaware of this and began pushing the patient down the hall. It was only when I noticed my partner laughing so hard , that she could hardly breathe ( and also that the patient saying that her head seemed cold) that I realized what I had done. Just try to gracefully explain your way out of that one!

FIRE!!!

On one of my first days on the job, I decided to make myself some breakfast... So I decided to heat up a pop tart from the vending machine. I wrapped it in a paper towl and put it on for 30 seconds... well I guess I hit an extra 0. After a minute the room was engulfed with smoke, and everyone had to leave the building. I was so embarrassed The worst part... we have major clients coming in and the place smelled like shi* Two weeks later a gift came across my desk... a box of pop tarts with caution tape wrapped the box LOL Ouch :)

Hairy Chest?

About 20 yewars ago, I was an EMT for a Private ambulance service. We were asked to go to a local hospital to transport an older lady home. My partner and I entered the ladies' hospital room and began to "package" her up for the ride home. It was the middle of winter so I was wearing a winter uniform which had pockets in the front where I kept my pens and such. When I squatted down to lift up the stetcher (I was positioned at the ladies head), my pens caught the patients' wig, and as I stood up the wig was pulled off her head. Unfortunately, I was unaware of this and began pushing the patient down the hall. It was only when I noticed my partner laughing so hard , that she could hardly breathe ( and also that the patient saying that her head seemed cold) that I realized what I had done. Just try to gracefully explain your way out of that one!

Zipper

I am a Medical Sales Rep. It was a late morning call. As the Dr turned to face me. I noticed his zipper was down. I pointed and let him know. He shook his head while looking at his nurse and said. "I cannot believe you did not let me know, how long has it been down?" She responded while rolling her eyes. "Trust me, I have no idea, that is the last place I am looking."

Power Trip

I worked as assistant HR personnel in a med-sized auto shop and trade service. We had a male employee who complained almost every day about almost everything. What irritated me was that I was assigned to deal with him for whatever reasons my boss had. He was confidently demanding. After two months, I went to a not-so-far-from-home beach with my friends. Coincidentally, I saw him there making out with my boss. I thought all the while that my boss can't stand his attitude. No wonder he was so confident in annoying me. What a crap! He was the one who took advantage of my boss's position.

Deceitful Manager

This is a story about my friend. She was an insurance agent for a while. She tried real hard to look for prospects. She asked for referrals every day from her family and friends. Since it was just her first year in the industry, her Unit Manager accompanied her in talking with the prospects. After a month, she had not closed any deal. One time, she bumped into one of her prospects in a grocery store. She followed up her proposal, but to her dismay, the prospect told her that he already got one from the Unit Manager. The manager had the nerves to steal my friend's prospects and made them her clients.

Dentist at Work

I went to my dentist one weekend for a scheduled check-up. When I entered the clinic, the secretary was not at her desk. While waiting for the secretary in the reception area, I heard sensual sounds of pleasure. The clinic was not soundproofed so I could clearly hear their acts of gratification. I don't know why I did not immediately go out at that moment. Probably because I was embarrassed to let them know that I heard them. But, I did not stay any longer. I cancelled my appointment for that day.

Office Shenanigans

I had the experience of working in association for Social Services, where I worked very closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director and interacted county directors all over the state. I have to tell you there were several times where I was amazed by the things that went on in that office but none hit me quite like the time I was sitting at my desk and all of a sudden I hear a very disturbing and obnoxious noise come from around the corner. It turns out the Deputy Director thought the office needed a pick me up with one his young son's toys from home. It was a "Fart Machine" and he would set it outside another co-workers office and let it rip. Now there's professionalism at it's lowest form. You has to be there...but anyway this is one story I thought would suit the forum well in if you knew the seriousness of the content and what our Social Services organization deal with and to know that an official in that office would turn to childlike behavior is a classic "You have got to be kidding me moment....."

Flower for Two...

I worked at a distributor company as an account representative for almost 2 years. The owner and the top executives of the firm were Indian Nationals. Our Vice President, aging more or less 50 years old was a handsome "dirty" old man. He was known for being polygamous. He even had a sexual relationship with his wife's secretary. One Valentine's Day, he sent a bouquet of flowers to his wife. In the afternoon of that same day, a perfect replica of such flowers was given to the secretary. Still, the wife didn't suspect anything between her husband and her secretary. She even admired the flowers that really looked like the one she received.

It may Cost You Your Job

I worked from 1973 to 1980 for "A" Oil Company. We were located in downtown area of a major city and sold the residual products from seven refineries and other outside sources. I handled btu adjustments for some contracts that were considered \"back to back\" or from another oil supplier to our customer. We were the middle man and I collected money from our customer if the fuel oil provided was of high btu content. The customers were mid to large size utilities and I collected over 1.5 million dollars over a period of time. The money was supposed to go back to the original oil supplier, "B" company, an oil company based in another state and headed by a gentlemen whose family was in politics. I was instructed not to pass that money to "B" company since they did not ask for it. In April of 1979 I became a \"born again\" Christian and my work ethic improved considerably. When I had summoned enough courage, I decided to give a good pitch to "A" company's president of the benefits of giving the money back to "B" company . He told me to sit on this and not do anything. He was not real happy about it and a few weeks later I was offered a resignation package. I accepted as the alternatives did not look good. Later, I told the owner of "B" company about the money that was due his company. He flew a lawyer up to my house from Florida and the lawyer abstracted a written statement from me designed to get their money back. That was the last I heard from anyone about the btu adjustments even to this day. I was not given a good reference from "A" Oil company and after many months of job searching, I went back to school and obtained my teaching certificate. I have been teaching for the last 23 years. I like teaching much more than being a Market Research Analyst for an oil company. Dave Palmer Northfield, Ohio

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