I spent about a year after college working for an outdoor gear distributor. A few years back this would have been a dream job back in that small junior college town. I promised myself that I would work there just for a little bit. Buy all the tents, backpacks, water bottles, knifes and climbing gear that I needed. After a few months, I fell into the groove of waking up going to work, and hardly ever applying for better jobs when I got home.
It was easy to stay though; after all I was spending all my money on these really cool toys.

Trying to live on $8.00 dollars and hour is hard enough without having all of the temptation to spend it right there at work. Payment for this discounted gear could come straight out of the paycheck if I wanted it to, just like one of my good friends child support payments comes out of his paycheck. In the end I probably brought back enough money for gas and the occasional road trip. I had a truck full of gear that would last me more than a long time, but I learned quickly that buying gear soon turns into an addiction. The collection begins to grow into enormous proportions. Some deals are too hard to pass up, and you would be a fool not to buy at the lowest price. Enough to keep me busy, not enough to keep me interested. Eventually, I got to the position in the company where the wanted to get me out of the warehouse and onto the sales floor. About this same time, I was interviewing for a good job with another agency.

In the end I ended up leaving the company for a more interesting summer job. They were even gracious enough to let me keep the employee discount. I still find myself spending quite a bit of money buying things from their company. While picking up an order today, they asked me if I would come in and work the next day. There is something a little humiliating about working at a company you left. Then again I feel a little grateful for the work while I am in need. Something should be said for leaving a job on good terms.