Chapter 1: The Quest for Employment

After being unemployed for several months, I found myself in need of quick cash as summer approached. I wanted to make the most of the longer days and warmer evenings.

While strolling past a stationery store, I noticed a sign advertising part-time summer jobs. Without hesitation, I stepped inside and completed the application form right there.

To make a strong impression, I requested to speak with the manager personally, hoping to be memorable when they were considering candidates. At that moment, I would have accepted any position that paid! This one was particularly appealing due to its half-day shifts that started early and ended by lunchtime. It allowed me to enjoy the rest of my day.

The work schedule was set from Monday to Friday, which seemed perfectly manageable. A few days later, I received a call for an interview, indicating that the store was as eager to hire me as I was to find a job. The interview went smoothly, and the following day, I received an offer that I gladly accepted. I was instructed to come in by the end of the week to collect my gear and finalize my contract.

However, before the call ended, the manager mentioned a change: “Oh, by the way, we’ve altered the working days from Monday to Friday to Wednesday to Saturday. We've been analyzing customer trends and found these days to be the busiest during summer.”

I replied, “Oh, okay,” still feeling fortunate to have a job, and continued on with my day without further thought.

Once I began working, I quickly noticed a series of modifications and adjustments to my schedule. Initially, I wasn’t too concerned; as long as I could leave on time and receive my pay promptly, I was content.

However, I soon discovered that the reason for the shift in my work days was not due to customer demand, but because those were the days when the manager was absent, and I was expected to handle her paperwork! Had they been upfront about this from the start, I wouldn’t have minded, as I was in need of work, and I saw all jobs as fundamentally similar, provided I got my breaks and could leave on time.

This situation illustrates how small untruths can pave the way for larger deceptions. I suspect they avoided mentioning this detail initially to prevent deterring potential hires by asking them to take on managerial responsibilities (which, in reality, involved simple tasks like organizing spreadsheets and invoices).

Ultimately, it serves as a reminder: if your future employer is willing to mislead you from the outset, even in minor ways, it’s wise to remain alert for further surprises throughout your employment. Once you become aware of being misled, you may choose not to confront it directly, but it’s essential to stay observant and trust your instincts.

Understanding the reasons behind why people lie can help you navigate similar situations in your own life.

Chapter 2: The Psychology of Lying

In this chapter, we'll explore the motivations behind dishonesty and how common it is in our daily interactions.

Delving into the reasons why individuals lie can aid in recognizing and addressing these issues effectively.