Fired for Vaping

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Free6413

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Dec 29, 2013
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Spring, Texas
It does suck. I took it like a man, but I just needed to vent about it.

Sorry to hear that bro! With the logic that you offended someone could also be interpreted as your hair, smile (or lack thereof) or just about anything about you as a whole would be grounds for termination. Some people just can't keep their mind on their job and leave everyone else alone. Society today is so worried about offending someone and not about personal freedoms and rights. I would have thought an apology would be sufficient but it seems that someone already had an axe to grind and you gave them the stone. Ocala is full of people that don't have enough to do with their time anyway (born and raised in Lakeland, Fl and hunted the forest since before it was unsafe). It sux but dust yourself off and find another job that better suits you. I have found that when one door closes another opens and what lies beyond is usually better! Good luck and understand the employee manual entirely before signing at your new job.
 

DustyZ

Suspended
Jul 5, 2013
2,896
18,391
Ocala, FL, USA
Hi Austin,
I'm a reporter for a national news organization and am writing a story about vaping at work. Most employers don't have policies about this yet so there's a lack of clarity about what's allowed, what's not, etc. Could I interview you for my story? I can be reached at nycjournalist11369 @ gmail.com. Thanks. Hope to hear from you.
Lauren

I'm sorry but it never cease to amaze me that people don't actually read everything before making further comments on the subject matter. While I hate the fact that he lost his position due to a device that we that we know is substantially less harmful then cigarettes, the fact is that on Dec 6th The Marion County Board of Commissioner adopted an ordinance that states the e-cigarettes are banned from use where ever cigarettes are banned. In addition what makes this more difficult is the fact that the OP worked for the County Clerks Office and admittedly did in fact vape on premises. As much as well all know these types of actions are done due to flawed logic, misinformation and political BS, it does in fact fall under the ordinance and would have to abide by the policies as set for cigarette smoking. This means that we can no longer vape while in stores on any property that is not designated as a smoking zone. This is a prime example as to why it is so important that those of use who use these devices as our only effective way to stop smoking when everything else fails need to get off their butts and let their voices be heard. Sadly the OP doesn't have any recourse on this matter and as much as well all know and think what happened is wrong, the fact is that it does at this point fall under the policies set forth not only by the employer but also is an ordinance in this County!
 

i-technology

Full Member
Dec 9, 2013
43
10
France
I'm sorry but it never cease to amaze me that people don't actually read everything before making further comments on the subject matter. While I hate the fact that he lost his position due to a device that we that we know is substantially less harmful then cigarettes, the fact is that on Dec 6th The Marion County Board of Commissioner adopted an ordinance that states the e-cigarettes are banned from use where ever cigarettes are banned. In addition what makes this more difficult is the fact that the OP worked for the County Clerks Office and admittedly did in fact vape on premises. As much as well all know these types of actions are done due to flawed logic, misinformation and political BS, it does in fact fall under the ordinance and would have to abide by the policies as set for cigarette smoking. This means that we can no longer vape while in stores on any property that is not designated as a smoking zone. This is a prime example as to why it is so important that those of use who use these devices as our only effective way to stop smoking when everything else fails need to get off their butts and let their voices be heard. Sadly the OP doesn't have any recourse on this matter and as much as well all know and think what happened is wrong, the fact is that it does at this point fall under the policies set forth not only by the employer but also is an ordinance in this County!

True, but it does make for a nice story and exposes the fact that people with no priors get fired without any warning at all. It also gives more exposure to e-cigs and stupid laws like that.. Maybe some blessed soul will snatch him up and offer him a job as an outcome. But up to him to decide if he wants to take up the reporter on his invitation or not.
 

DustyZ

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Jul 5, 2013
2,896
18,391
Ocala, FL, USA
True, but it does make for a nice story and exposes the fact that people with no priors get fired without any warning at all. It also gives more exposure to e-cigs and stupid laws like that.. Maybe some blessed soul will snatch him up and offer him a job as an outcome. But up to him to decide if he wants to take up the reporter on his invitation or not.

I never stated that he shouldn't talk to a journalist, and I do wish him all the best at finding employment as I know how that is. My point is that the fact of the matter is that the Marion County Board of Commissioners had passed that ordinance and there is little at this point that can be done as the way it is worded and the fact that his employer is part of the City Government which is as close as you can get the ground Zero without directly working for the Board of Commissioners, and that people need to start taking more action to try and head off these types of irrational and unwarranted actions. This action was started due to 1 particular commissioner that was using fear mongering as a tactic and during the time of the Public Hearing nobody showed up in defense to fight this ordinance, I attended the first meeting and was unable to physically make the Public Hearing as that was the first day of a new job for me, but I had sent all of the 5 commissioners the rebuttals to statements used in passing the argument. The saddest part of this was the only 1 B&M in the area that would have thought would be the first one there, did not attend. Sitting back and hoping someone else will pick up the slack seems to be the norm when it comes to anything political but there are plenty that complain after the fact!
 

ah64ace

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Dec 22, 2013
93
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SC
I vape at work even though it is banned. I go into the men's room and sit in a stall and vape away. The vapor dissipates before it leaves the stall in most cases. In those cases when I'm more careful, like when someone is in the stall next door, I fold some toilet paper into a square and exhale into that. The vapor doesn't go through the paper.
 

DustyZ

Suspended
Jul 5, 2013
2,896
18,391
Ocala, FL, USA
I vape at work even though it is banned. I go into the men's room and sit in a stall and vape away. The vapor dissipates before it leaves the stall in most cases. In those cases when I'm more careful, like when someone is in the stall next door, I fold some toilet paper into a square and exhale into that. The vapor doesn't go through the paper.

Thank you, that is extremely helpful and addresses all of the issues regarding vaping at work! :?:
 

i-technology

Full Member
Dec 9, 2013
43
10
France
I never stated that he shouldn't talk to a journalist, and I do wish him all the best at finding employment as I know how that is. My point is that the fact of the matter is that...

That's why i said "true"

Personally ..fired for a valid reason or not, i think that any news that can get out to ppl to remind them that there's a bunch of stupid and unjust things out there is good news (as it makes bad new for those doing these things), and should be taken advantage of, whether it's for the vaping or getting fired without a warning.
 

molimelight

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Nov 11, 2013
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I handed over my badge and apologized if I offended anyone and that I didn't think I was breaking any rules. He then tells me that it won't be documented. I then go back to my desk, get my stuff, and tell the perplexed audience good bye.
No matter whether it was right or wrong to get fired for this, it's still an experience that sucks like almost no other. (Personally, I think a suspension of a few days would have been the absolute most I could see being done here, but I don't know all of the circumstances.) I've been fired from one job and it was totally my fault and I knew it was my fault at the time, and the guy was really nice about it but it still sucked big time. Your whole world is suddenly different and all of the fear of joblessness comes crashing in, and it's embarrassing no matter who knows or what the circumstances. I just wanted to let you know you're not the only one who's experienced this and to wish you well in the coming year. Get your resume together, maybe find something temporary to get you through and maybe you can find something secure and more pleasant than the County Clerk's office. He sounds like an officious jerk anyway. Good luck to you. And keep vaping!
 

molimelight

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Nov 11, 2013
260
427
Columbia, MO
I vape at work even though it is banned. I go into the men's room and sit in a stall and vape away. The vapor dissipates before it leaves the stall in most cases. In those cases when I'm more careful, like when someone is in the stall next door, I fold some toilet paper into a square and exhale into that. The vapor doesn't go through the paper.
You sound like an excellent employee ;) but considering the content of this thread, please don't post here if you get fired, OK?
 

J-Nee

Full Member
Dec 26, 2013
7
2
Dallas, TX USA
Dude thats a load of BS but you have to also understand their point of view… i was vamping at a Dallas Stars hockey game once and the two ladies next to me were interested, asked me questions, said it was a better choice and less offensive than smoking a traditional cigarette. That was a great experience. but there have been times where people will say some pretty ....ty things about it even though I'm keeping to my own business and not doing anything to them. its simply lack of understanding and possible ignorance, sorry about the job though man keep your head up
 

cantstopwontstop

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Dec 31, 2013
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That sucks man. I've personally decided to stop vaping inside any where. People just do not understand it, which is ridiculous. In a country completely rampant with smoking and smoking related illness you think people would do everything they could to in some way put a dent in that. The bottom line is people are offended by just about anything they dont understand and until vaping is better understood by the public (educate!) vapers will be persecuted. I would however try and get that boss to still give you a recomendation, in all fairness if you're a good employee it would be an ...... move to prevent you from getting a future job. Good luck!
 

Ebweaver

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Dec 29, 2013
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Colorado
Today my employment was terminated at the local Clerk of Courts Office for vaping. In the employer manual there is strict no smoking policy within the confines of the building or 50 feet around it, but as we all know vaping isn't smoking. I had just recently purchased an electronic cigarette, and figured that since it wasn't smoking that I could use it. I take it out of my pocket and take two puffs, holding it in so that no vapor comes out when I breathe. One of my employees ask what it is and I strike up a conversation about vaping and then I told her if it made her uncomfortable then I would stop. She said that it seemed like more of a break time activity, so I put it away. Next thing I see is 4 women huddled up together talking and occasionally glancing over at me, then one walks out of the office. 10 minutes later I'm called into a room with the clerk and his second in command. Immediately he tells me that he cannot believe I broke so many rules and that at this office his workers represent him, I responded that I hadn't and didn't know what I was called in for. "The E Cigarette" he responded, I then said it isn't smoking and it isn't Tobacco. "Doesn't matter, you offended someone. You're done, give me your badge." I handed over my badge and apologized if I offended anyone and that I didn't think I was breaking any rules. He then tells me that it won't be documented. I then go back to my desk, get my stuff, and tell the perplexed audience good bye.

Now Florida is an at-will work state, but he has made it seem like you will not be fired for something unless it is wrong and breaks a rule in the employer manual. I'm still in shock about today, I have only worked there for a year but have never even had a warning.

I generally ask before vaping inside of a building - and most of the time people don't really care because they know exactly what it is.
 
I'm sorry, but I see an e-cig as something that takes away from distractions, making employees a bit less disoriented and a bit less worried about watching the clock. Besides, employers should realize they could make a buck off this thing. The need to have a cigarette break for office employees is gone. The need to let frizzled employee who's just been chewed out on the phone go smoke so they can function a little better is usually lessened, and generally speaking I can see customer service agents being a little less on edge at any given time. Happiness is a very important factor in any good working environment and anything that distracts from that will distract from the companies productivity, and usually it will be noticeable if the happiness is even increased a little. Personally, if they outlaw it anywhere I'm going to just take it to the bathroom on a regular basis. They'll have to put steam detectors in the stalls. :p Then again, I'm a bit more of a rebel than most companies like to begin with. lol.
 

HecticEnergy

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Sorry to hear about you losing your job. I know vaping isn't smoking, that being said I try to use common sense when it comes to vaping. If I am not sure that it is allowed at said place I am at I will ask. If not then I will step outside, find a bathroom or dark corner where no one will see me. And no, I do not stealth VAPE. No matter how good you think you are at stealth vaping you can bet either a little bit of vapor will escape or someone who is ignorant to the whole vaping thing will see you doing it. No matter what you do, there will always be people afraid of vaping just like they were of smoking, they will never understand it until the FDA, government, or someone else can prove that it is 100% safe. Good luck & VAPE ON:vapor:

I agree. Ask for permission if it's a non smoking place. It isn't the same, courtesy should dictate our behavior. If everyone vapes where smokers smoke, why wouldn't those ignorant to vaping associate it with smoking? I'll go one step further and clear it with people around me, and I try to keep it away from children. Most say it's not harmful, but not enough research has been done for me to Vape around my son, so I try not to expose other children to it.

More related to this thread:
I agree the guy leveled the building when he could have just fixed the faucet. A warning sounds like it would have worked.
I'm sure you have legal options, but I think if I were in that situation I would just move on. You don't want to work with people like that anyway.
Personally, I Vape in the bathroom where it doesn't seem to be socially acceptable to Vape. This sounds like it goes against what I said above, but I'm talking about an airport, where everything out of the ordinary is a terrorist threat, or one of my clients buildings, things like that. As a patron of a business I expect a bit more leniency (customer is always right kinda thing... Unless the customer is an ...... lol)
 

HecticEnergy

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I'm sorry, but I see an e-cig as something that takes away from distractions, making employees a bit less disoriented and a bit less worried about watching the clock. Besides, employers should realize they could make a buck off this thing. The need to have a cigarette break for office employees is gone. The need to let frizzled employee who's just been chewed out on the phone go smoke so they can function a little better is usually lessened, and generally speaking I can see customer service agents being a little less on edge at any given time. Happiness is a very important factor in any good working environment and anything that distracts from that will distract from the companies productivity, and usually it will be noticeable if the happiness is even increased a little. Personally, if they outlaw it anywhere I'm going to just take it to the bathroom on a regular basis. They'll have to put steam detectors in the stalls. :p Then again, I'm a bit more of a rebel than most companies like to begin with. lol.

I'm with you. Take it to the bathroom if not acceptable.
I do think there is a line though. It seems unprofessional for store clerks to be vaping while checking out your groceries. Not saying I'd have a problem with it, just seems unprofessional is all.
 
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