HIRED OR FIRED: Workplace Reality Edition

First Day at Work

100

You arrive 15 minutes early, introduce yourself, and ask where to begin.

HIRED

Prompt discussion:

• Why do employers value being early?

• How would this look on your first day at TRC class or a job?

200

You arrive right on time but spend the first 10 minutes checking your phone.

FIRED

Prompt discussion:

• What message does this send to a supervisor?

300

You don’t understand a task, so you politely ask questions.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why is asking questions better than pretending you know?

400

You complain loudly that the job is boring.

FIRED

Prompt:

• How could someone handle boredom professionally?

500

You take notes while your supervisor explains instructions.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why does this show professionalism?

Phones at Work

100

Your phone rings during instructions and you silence it immediately.

HIRED

Prompt:

• What does this show about respect?

200

You text during a team meeting.

FIRED

Prompt:

• How does this affect teamwork?

300

You check your phone only during your break.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why do workplaces have phone policies?

400

You watch videos while coworkers are working.

FIRED

Prompt:

• How might coworkers feel about this?

500

Your supervisor asks you to put your phone away and you respond politely and comply.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why is responding professionally important?

Teamwork Drama

100

You help a teammate who is struggling with a task.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why do employers value teamwork?

200

You refuse to help and say, “That’s not my job.”

FIRED

Prompt:

• When might teamwork be necessary even if it’s not your main task?

300

Your team disagrees, but you help find a solution.

HIRED

Prompt:

• What skill is this demonstrating?

400

You blame your teammate for a mistake you made.

FIRED

Prompt:

• What would accountability look like instead?

500

You encourage your team and help keep everyone focused.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why do teams perform better with positive attitudes?

Respectful Workplace

100

You greet coworkers politely.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why do small behaviors matter at work?

200

You roll your eyes when your supervisor gives instructions.

FIRED

Prompt:

• What message does body language send?

300

You stay calm during a disagreement.

HIRED

Prompt:

• What workplace skill is this?

400

You gossip about coworkers.

FIRED

Prompt:

• How can gossip affect a workplace?

500

You listen carefully and respect different opinions.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why do diverse workplaces require respect?

Career Readiness

100

You arrive on time every day.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why is reliability important to employers?

200

You skip work without telling anyone.

FIRED

Prompt:

• How should employees handle emergencies?

300

You ask for feedback to improve your work.

HIRED

Prompt:

• Why do employers like employees who seek improvement?

400

You ignore instructions and do things your own way.

FIRED

Prompt:

• Why are procedures important in workplaces?

500

You set goals for your career and work toward them.

HIRED

Prompt:

• What steps help someone become career ready?