I used to think a good work ethic was important and people had pride in the fact they possessed one. However, after witnessing the behavior of a new young associate at my place of work, I am shocked by the cavalier attitude toward anything that has to do with work.

To begin with, and maybe this is the root of the problem, she was hired over the phone when another worker unexpectedly quit. She had been interviewed about three months before, but our manager had not seen her in person since that first interview.

Because he was in a bind and concerned about coverage, he was elated when she accepted the position immediately. However, he was quite shocked when she showed up for her first day quite pregnant. Unfortunately, she failed to mention that small detail over the phone, and it was too late to do anything because a job offer had been extended and accepted.

The story continues. This new employee has several issues, attendance being the major one. For example, she was scheduled for 40 hours last week and showed up for 14. I worked an additional four hours to help out without a thank you. Oh, did I fail to mention that she never calls in when she is going to be late or fails to come in, at all?

This week, she came in about an hour or so late on Monday. She did call, and since our boss was busy with a customer, I answered. I could hardly understand the person on the end of the line but eventually realized it was my co-worker. She said something about having called earlier, and it was true. The phone had rung several times before 9:00 a.m., when the business opens. We do not answer it before opening.

She finally got in, and the first thing she did was leave to go to Subway to get an egg sandwich, which she brought back to our store and proceeded to eat in one of the back rooms. Good work ethics? I think not.

It's hard to say what is going to happen to this employee because there are other issues going on besides her attendance record and pregnancy. One of those issues is that we work for a large corporation, and they must follow all the proper procedures before terminating an employee.

So at this point, I am the "reliable" employee, but a lot of good it does me. I am also the one being stuck with most of the dirty work because she does nothing to help keep the store looking good for customers. You can find me during down time cleaning counters and mirrors, filling up stock, emptying trash baskets, etc. You get the picture.

As far as I am concerned, the company I work for has convinced me that the importance of work ethics is now only a myth, something from the past, but certainly not anything that is paid serious attention to today. I am an older worker and remember the days when work ethics were important. It's a sad state of affairs when younger workers don't know the meaning of those words. Unfortunately, because of the present state of the economy, I am forced to stay at this place until a better opportunity arises; but, believe me, it is taking a toll on me both mentally and physically.

Learn more about this author, Linda Joyce.
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