After 4 years with @ATT and consistently strong performance, I was terminated over a one-time situation involving staffing and safety concerns.
On February 9, 2026, I was placed in a situation where I could not properly operate the store alone after management coverage became unavailable and my coworker went on lunch. I could not control another employee’s decision to clock out and leave for lunch, and I was unable to safely and properly run the store by myself. To avoid potential timekeeping issues, I clocked out as well but remained inside the store and never left the premises until management returned.
Later that evening, the exterior lights at the store were damaged and visibility outside the entrance was extremely poor. There was already a ticket submitted to have the lights repaired, but at the time I could not clearly see outside the store or identify who was outside.
Around 7:30 PM, I was alone on the sales floor actively helping a customer while my coworker was in the back. Because of the visibility issues and safety concerns, the doors were locked while we continued assisting customers already inside and allowed customers in as needed.
A few minutes later, an individual aggressively tried opening the doors, and due to the darkness and inability to clearly assess the situation, I genuinely did not feel safe being alone on the floor with a customer at that moment.
I understand store closing time was 8:00 PM, and I take accountability for the judgment calls that were made. However, the decisions were based on staffing limitations and what felt safest in the moment, not intentional misconduct. After 4 years of dedication, strong performance, and no prior disciplinary issues, I wish there had been more understanding regarding the circumstances and safety concerns involved.
@ATTHelp #ATT
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