“Citizen journalism, also known as democratic journalism, guerrilla journalism, grassroots journalism, or street journalism, is based upon playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news and information.” Courtney C. Radsch (Wikipedia definition)
The gloves are off. What many dismissed as the life of just another worker, I documented—meticulously—over the years in my journals. I have now begun the process of sharing the untold truth of everything I've witnessed: the triumphs, struggles, moments of humor, and the gut-wrenching conditions I and others experienced in the workplace.
My exposé into the job world for the working class will form the basis of my next book, set for release in early 2026. To speak candidly about my experiences, the work is behind a paywall.
Paid membership is only $5 monthly so that as many people as possible can learn what REALLY happens in various workplaces.
Verse of the week:
“These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates.”
Zechariah 8:16
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“There is nothing I can do; they actively steal, and we are told to look the other way.”
My friend of over twenty years shared with me recently as we spoke of her job in a well-known, discount big box store. Due to a few failed marriages, she returned to her job (which she despised) after her abusive ex told her he would take care of her. Now pushing 60, she battles a sugar addiction, which impedes her ability to stand for the 8-9 hour shifts. “When I eat sugar, it comforts me from how awful many of the customers are, but my arthritic knees swell up, and it's excruciatingly painful to work long shifts.” R. shared.
Her joy is caring for her grandkids on her days off, strengthening her resolve to continue working to survive. After years of service to the company, her gap in employment (due to the recent brief marriage) caused her hourly wage to plummet back to $14 per hour.
“Working in the self-checkout section is especially brutal; groups of people will guard one another as they scan a few items while shoving the rest in pockets of their bulky coats. I have asked management for help, but they have turned a blind eye to it.” I asked her, on the days when her diet is cleaned up and the physical pain of the job is reduced, what else keeps her going? Her response was, “Jesus. I know He loves me because I get to watch my grandchildren. I am sober; that alone is a miracle. Money is extremely tight, so I have to sacrifice a lot, but I keep trusting.” (She has been going to a laundromat for over a year because she’s unable to replace a broken dryer in her modest townhome.)
R’s parents, both in their 90s and living in Iowa, bought her the townhome where she lives, allowing her meager salary in this age of hyperinflation to be somewhat manageable. But someone like me, a lone self-supporting creative, has always sought opportunities to make as much per hour as possible. You will see many serving jobs throughout this collection. It is not because I especially enjoy the work; it is because I can make a decent wage, typically $2.13 per hour plus tips.
Having a servant's heart while offering warm hospitality and a natural love of food makes it a great backup between jobs. But the chaos, politics, and favoritism of petty, overworked management have always been the thorn in this rose of an opportunity for fast cash. This leads me to this week’s expose…
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