(Several months ago, a thread was begun with the phrase "Reasons to Hate Wal-Mart" as a sub-title to the thread, but I'm unable to find it, or I'd post this comment there. If one of the global moderators knows of it's whereabouts, please feel free to move this new topic there.)
I had never posted to that thread, although I agreed with nearly all of the reasons offered, because I was (don't hurt me!) working there for the last year, and I had a specific reason for doing so. I was in the process of beginning a new food-related business (dropping out of the chef game temporarily), and needed a job that was brainless and boring so I could devote most of my waking hours to the new business, and Wal-Mart immediately came to mind. The mid-afternoon to midnight shift was perfect to leave all morning and part of the afternoon free for my efforts.
Anyway, I had planned on putting in my two week notice in September, just about getting my new business on it's feet. I asked for my earned vacation in mid July, so I could accompany my wife to Chicago for a trip to see her sister. The non-refundable tickets were bought 6 weeks early, and at the same time I put in my vacation request (2 weeks earlier than required by house rules).
The request was REFUSED on the grounds that July is "inventory" month, and no vacations were issued for that month so all employees would be on hand for help. However, working in the Deli Department meant that "inventory" is done once a wek, so a product order can be placed. This refused request went two managers up the path (their so-called "open door policy" - what a crock), but the decision stuck, those ignorant pricks not wanting to shoulder the slightest ounce of responsibility.
However, since I needed a few more weeks of labor, I found work at a specialty food store (similar to Central Market) and mooned those turds on the way out and left my butt-print on the front door glass.
