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Is this ALWAYS going to bar me from employment?

I worked for a Walmart as a seasonal position in 2004, and Home Depot in 2005, but ever since then have not been able to get a job ANYwhere. I think they might be hindering my chances, because... 1. At WalMart, we were allowed a small drink from the snack bar at break, but I didn't know that meant half hour break and not 15minute break. Plus this old guy left his crackers behind when he ordered soup, so I had them instead of putting them back(since they were technically already paid for. I worked in the snack bar.) They saw that on camera and insisted both things were "theft". and 2. I probably shouldn't have done this, but at Home Depot, I just kind of showed up one day to get my check and told the lady..."here's my apron, I'm not coming back." This was because they absolutely refused to give me any maternity leave. I was expected to be back on the job three days after giving birth. But prospective employers don't look at any of that stuff or even give you a chance to explain...to them it just looks like "theft" and "walk-off". So do you think this will always bar me from employment? And since they were only short term positions(about 2 months each), if I don't tell people I ever worked there and then they find out, would that get me fired? But then again if I don't tell people about those two, then I have no job experience whatsoever except two under-the-table things from high school, and that looks worse, right? So how do I handle this so SOMEone will hire me?

Public Comments

1. why job is always so necessary? why not try to make a very small business. look around for opportunities.
2. well that stinks, however if you REALLY need a job go for mcdonalds or bk. Work their for a couple months( be on your best behavior ;) ) and get a good track record started. However if you have time to find a better job apply for the places youwant to work and call them after about 3 days. If you show intrest they will probably have you come in for an interview and that will give you time to explain. Let me just let you know, just a tip, never bad mouth a former boss or employer. Instead of saying that the company sucked cause they wouldn't let you have maternity leave say something like 'unfortunatly the company did not find my need of absence important and it was much healthier for me and my child if I left the company' or something to that effect. Your interviewer looks for negativeness, they don't want to hire a mean person, that brings down moral. Hope I helped
3. I don't think it's gonna screw you over completely, it depends on your next employer. But if I were you I'd be doing something to make up for they mistakes, just to keep the balance good.
4. It might not be about the theft. Supposedly before you go away for a long leave you need to fill up maternity leave and must be approved by your supervisor or you can ask some legal advice to the labor union so there’s a “due process of law”. Then you can ask for a certification of employment that you can show to other employer.
5. Start bulinding a better employment history, even if it means a step back, at a place with a more open hiring policy. Plus,I think everyone fudges just a little on their resume