“I started at a popular, used-clothing store around the University of Seattle area. The second day, the manager saw my vape pen sticking out of my back pocket when I went to grab an item off a high shelf. It had been covered by my sweater. She asked me what it was, I showed her and told her it was a vape pen I used because I didn’t like to smoke on the job. She asked me if I could put it in my purse instead of having it on my person. I complied and finished my shift without incident.
On the third day, they called me into the back office before I even clocked in. They already had the paperwork filled out. I was fired for using narcotics, ‘on the job.’ I was taken aback, and then I asked if nicotine counted as a narcotic. The manager looked confused, sneered, and said no, but that I was fired anyway. I asked her if she was firing me because she didn’t know what a vape pen was, and assumed it had pot (I don’t smoke pot and never have) in it. She didn’t answer me, but looked angry and just kinda sat there glaring.
So I left.”