Last year when I learned of a need for staff in the meat department of a local supermarket, I decided to apply for the job. I had worked my way through college in butcher shops, so I felt well qualified and was soon hired. 

On my first day at work, I learned that it would be just the manager and me running the shop. The tasks included unloading pallets and filling refrigerated cases. The work was physically demanding, and I was given no instruction. I learned mostly from trial and error, usually after unpleasant reprimands. 

It was soon evident that my new boss had a volatile temper. Arguments erupted frequently. Some employees refused to interact with him, and there were times when customers vowed never to return. I tried to smooth ruffled feathers but wasn’t always successful.