Un“Employed”

Greg Vaughn, professional photographer: “I’ve been lucky, being in business [for myself] for most of my life. I’m sure if I had worked for other companies, I would have been fired for being honest, or being an ass. If you’re not getting fired from time to time, you’re not doing something right.”

Whistled

Chad Clark, Star City Strongman executive: “I resigned from the Veterans Administration after testifying against my bosses in a sexual harassment case against a co-worker. There was no whistle-blower protection, and they made my life hell. I resigned because it was so bad that it was messing with my health. Two years later they were all given the option of resigning with benefits or being let go.”

Trapped

Submitted

Roni Sutton, owner of Brick Building Renovations: “When First Union Bank bought Dominion, I was working in the regulatory compliance office and my job was eliminated (handled in Charlotte). I was given a 10-month end date and my manager left, leaving me alone. I had no job duties, but I was not allowed to go to any other departments to work. If my manager in Charlotte called me, I was to be available, but I had absolutely nothing to do. I was bored and there were no jobs in Roanoke. I finally got another job within First Union, but not because anyone at FU helped me.”

Karmatic

April Marcell, film-maker from Roanoke: “Happened only once in my life…only to be rehired and the person who fired me was fired.”

Submitted