My job experience never exceeded much past convenience stores. I guess I was just too lazy to go back to school. By no means am I a dummy. I have never had trouble holding down a job. I have always done what I am supposed to. I sometimes wish others would follow my example.

It doesn't take rocket science to run a cash register. You don't have to have a degree or in many cases any experience at all. This made all the new hires I've met over the years even more interesting. All the things I have listed below seem to be fairly common mistakes employees make. There should definitely be a more thorough scanning process. I don't understand why no one wants to work anymore. What happened to good work ethics?

Don't act like a big kid. It is okay to have fun but there is a time and place for everything. Do all your work before you even consider goofing off.

When you are on the clock, stay at work. Don't leave and go cruising. Don't stand in front of the building where you work talking for two hours. That only leaves work on the other employee.

Only receive phone calls in case of an emergency. Don't tie up the business line chatting with your best friend. Cut your cell phone off. You are not getting paid to send text message chain letters.

Do not bring your child to work with you. It is unprofessional. You can't do your job and watch your kid. Plus, it is no fun for the kid to just have to sit there and do nothing all day. Make daycare arrangements ahead of time.

It is okay to be friendly but don't go overboard. Never throw yourself at the customers. It is also not a good idea to have intercourse with delivery people in their vehicles.

If you are on the schedule, go to work. Do not call in every other day. You are likely to get fired. Migraines, broken nails, and going to the car lot to do paperwork are never good excuses to call in. If you do have to call in, try to get a hold of someone to work for you. Don't wait until the last minute to make arrangements.

Don't leave all your work on others. You are getting paid to do a job so do it. While you are clocked in, you should be providing your employer with services. Just being there isn't enough.

Do not steal. If you can't afford it you don't need it. Always be sure to pay for everything. Just as you wouldn't steal a product, don't take time either. Like I said if you are there, do something!

Have some sense of manners about you. Don't go to work without a bath and stinking. Don't pick your nose or your butt. If you cough, cover your mouth. Use hand sanitizer often when you are in germ filled environments.

Don't do drugs. You don't need to be high when you are at work. It is also not a good idea to do drug deals at your place of employment. Don't let a bad habit be the reason you can't afford that bad habit anymore.

Use common sense. If you don't act right, it often causes bitterness in the coworkers and work drama down the road. Be a good employee. If you want to goof off, do it before your shift starts.

Learn more about this author, Laura Leigh Fields.
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