Ex-employee weighs blowing whistle
Dear Abby: A year ago I was working at a small wholesale bakery with maybe 15 employees. While I was there, the place was overrun with food-safety issues, including mice, allergen cross-contact issues and poor employee hygiene practices. The owner was working on fixing some of the problems, but not fast enough for my taste.
Now that I have been gone for some time, I’m on the fence about whether I should leave an online review or comment detailing some of the problems. I don’t want to hurt a struggling business, but there is no way for me to know for sure because I am no longer there. Personally, I think customers should know about these issues before purchasing their products, but I don’t want to stick my nose where it shouldn’t go. Even if I leave a review anonymously, there is always a chance they will find out. Advice?
Possible Whistleblower
Dear Whistleblower: I agree customers of that bakery should know there are possible problems. Rather than leave an anonymous review, contact the health department in your city and report the conditions you observed. It should trigger an inspection of the place. Your personal feelings about the owner have nothing to do with this.
Dear Abby: My 53rd high school class reunion is coming up. Former classmates have been emailing me about participating. I do not want to go. I went to my 50th and that was enough catching up for me. I like hearing about the lives of my former classmates from our class correspondent, but 50 years ago I moved more than 1,000 miles away and began a new life. So did my parents and siblings.
Today, my parents are gone, and my siblings and I are spread around the country.
There’s nothing left in my hometown for me other than the graves of my father’s family, our old family home and memories.
Is there something wrong with me because I’d rather spend time with my friends and travel to the remaining places on my bucket list? Should I be ashamed of my attitude, or am I “normal”? Feeling Guilty
in Texas
Dear Feeling: It is normal and healthy to want to concentrate on the present rather than keep revisiting the past. I see nothing shameful about it and nothing to feel guilty for.