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When it comes to challenging jobs, nightmares can become a reality far too quickly.
After all, the average American spends nearly 90 thousand hours working over a lifetime and if you’re stuck in the wrong work environment, matters can take a turn for the worse really fast.
Ever heard of someone sprinting away from their job mid-shift?
It’s more common than you think, check out these situations about people who made some of the fastest workplace escapes ever!
From fleeing corporate life to workers making daring getaways, no matter where or why you’re looking to make a quick escape, we have stories that detail how it was done (and maybe even inspire your own strategic exit plan!).
#1. Disrespected Veteran
Imagine dedicating yourself to serving your country, only to face mockery and disrespect on your very first day of a new job.
Sadly, that’s exactly what happened to someone.
This individual applied for a job in hardwood flooring but didn’t receive any confirmation. The next day, the boss called and asked, “Where are you?”
When he arrived, the boss had the audacity to ask, “Did the war mess you up?”
Despite such insensitivity, he managed to stay composed and left politely, never to return.
#2. Under The Influence
On an individual’s first day as a car salesman, their new boss, the manager, invited them to visit potential customers at their homes.
As they both settled into the company vehicle, the manager casually pulled out a bottle from the center console and took a sip before extending the offer to the new employee.
Politely declining the gesture, the employee swiftly exited the car, reported the incident involving their manager, and ultimately resigned from the position.
#3. IT Field Engineer
A bad boss can make anyone run for the hills. Luckily, this new hire had a lousy boss who showed his true colors from the beginning. “I sat down at my new desk, opened my backpack, and started organizing all the books I brought when my new boss came over and made a comment that didn’t sit well with me.
He expressed his disappointment in me for not filling out HR paperwork with a ‘sense of urgency’ and said he hopes it doesn’t become a habit. When he left to return to his office, I opened my email and quit.”
#4. Restaurant Server
It’s a tale as old of time: Countless people recall instances where they walked out of their new restaurant shift mere hours after starting.
Whether it’s rude customers, demoralizing managers, or unsafe working conditions, sometimes being a restaurant server is a reminder that there are better jobs out there.
#5. Factory Worker
Seeing your co-workers lose body parts in work-related accidents would make any sensible new hire run for the hills. “In college, I got a summer job at SeaRay boats through a temp agency,” says one man. “I showed up first thing, and they had me sit in the break room on the second floor overlooking the entire plant.
I looked out, and four people were running out because a worker cut off his middle and ring fingers with a Sawzall. The person behind him had his fingers in a towel. So I ran out and never looked back.”
#6. Dishwasher
Taking a dishwasher job in a busy restaurant means you are on the low rung of the totem pole. It’s a thankless job with minimal pay, so good dishwashers are hard to find in that industry.
One man remembers quitting after 30 minutes. His reason? After accidentally breaking a plate, management told him that eleven dollars would be taken out of his paycheck to pay for the damages! I don’t blame him one bit for leaving.
#7. FedEx Truck Packer
True story: I worked for FedEx in college for precisely one day. My training involved an angry worker yelling at me to pack trucks faster.
fter approximately 45 minutes of verbal abuse, I excused myself to use the bathroom, walked out the door, and never looked back. In retrospect, it was one of the best decisions I ever made!
#8. Temp Agency Document Filer
I don’t blame this person for quitting her temp office job. After all, the job description did not match her duties! “A temp agency hired me to file documents in a Paint Factory office,” explains one woman.
“When I showed up, I was put on the assembly line with zero training or instruction as the cans came down the conveyor belt at 10,000 miles per hour. I didn’t even know what to do, so I just let each can whiz by. I quit that day.”
#9. Babysitter
What about babysitting makes parents think they can criminally underpay the people who look out for their child’s well-being? Many babysitters report quitting after just one night.
As it turns out, paying a responsible babysitter only a few dollars an hour is enough for them never to want to help your family again!
#10. Pool Lifeguard
While being a pool lifeguard is the dream for any teenager looking to make extra spending money while sitting in a chair with a whistle around their neck, one person found out the hard way that it doesn’t always work that way.
A teenager confesses they quit while training for a city’s public pool lifeguard gig when they were told the pool averages a mind-boggling two water rescues a week! Talk about stress!
#11. Quick-Lube Oil Change Worker
Sometimes, all it takes is a few third-degree burns to make a person completely reassess their job situation! “I got hired at one of those quick-lube oil change places when I was about 18,” remembers one man.
“They had me down in the pit (under the vehicles) draining the oil, and I kept getting burned by hot oil and exhaust pipes. On the second day, I said I had to use the bathroom, and when I walked around to the side of the building, I took off running and didn’t come back.”
#12. Party City Retail Worker
My heart breaks for one particular worker who was employed at Party City. Apparently, in the middle of their first shift, a customer used the restroom and left it a mess — a catastrophic mess, to be exact (I’ll let you use your imagination).
Instead of grabbing a mop, bucket, and a hazmat suit as her manager instructed, the employee chose what we all would have done: She quit on the spot.
Make Money While You Sleep
Yes, you can make money while you sleep. There are a handful of jobs out there that will earn you an income even after you stop working for the day
The trick is finding the right one for you.
HOW TO MAKE MONEY WHILE YOU SLEEP
How To Invest In Yourself
We all know we grow wealth by investing in the stock market or putting our money into savings accounts.
But many of us are unaware that the best returns are by investing in ourselves. When we improve ourselves, we have the ability to earn a lot more money, which makes it easier to become filthy rich.
LEARN HOW TO INVEST IN YOURSELF
Sell Feet Pictures For Serious Cash
Selling pictures of your feet can be a significant income stream. Some people report earning six figures a year doing this easy job.
All you need is a camera and two feet and you are in business. Here is all you need to know to make life changing wealth selling images of your feet.
HOW TO MAKE MONEY SELLING FEET PICS
Under The Table Jobs That Pay Cash
If you need cash right away, a typical job won’t work for you. You will have to wait a week to get paid, or in some cases, two weeks.
Luckily there are other options out there. Here are the best places to make cash under the table and walk out with cash in hand at the end of the day.
BEST UNDER THE TABLE JOBS THAT PAY CASH
Things Money Can’t Buy
When we think of money, we think of all the things we would buy if money weren’t an issue.
But it is important to look at the priceless things money can’t buy. Usually these things lead to far greater happiness, so it is important you remember to be grateful that you have these in your life.
This thread inspired this article.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.