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Boss warns employee with termination over breaks on busy sales floor - Internet comes up with great advice
Global Desk | January 24, 2026 6:57 AM CST

Synopsis

A New Jersey dispensary employee shared a strict break rule message from management online. The boss warned staff not to take breaks during busy hours. The post sparked strong reactions on Reddit. Many people said the rules were too harsh and showed poor staffing. Others advised the worker to find a better job.

An employee at a dispensary in New Jersey shared a strict message they received from upper management on Reddit. The message said it is a “formal directive” and starts immediately. Management said they saw workers taking breaks while the sales floor was busy and customers were waiting. The boss clearly said this practice must stop right away.

The email said breaks are not automatic and not guaranteed. The message added that breaks can only be taken when business is slow and only with a manager’s approval. Management also said all breaks must be taken on-site, and workers are no longer allowed to leave the premises during breaks.

Strict break rules from boss

The email listed clear rules for breaks, starting with: if the store is busy, the employee is not on break. It also said if customers are waiting, the employee is not on break. Another rule said if there are not enough staff on the floor, breaks are not allowed. The message added that if a manager asks an employee to return to work, the break ends immediately.


Management warned there will be no discussion or argument when an employee is told to return to the floor. After posting the screenshot online, the employee said they work at a dispensary in New Jersey. The employee agreed that New Jersey law does not require breaks for workers over 18. They also said their breaks are paid, not unpaid.

Employee asks for advice online

Still, the employee said the message feels extreme and asked people online for advice. Many Reddit users reacted strongly and said the worker should start looking for another job. Several people said if a place is too busy for basic breaks, it means the store is understaffed. Some users added that understaffing while staying very busy means management may be making extra profit from workers’ effort.

One commenter said if this rush happens once a year, the rule is an overreaction. Another user said if it happens every week, the company needs better staff coverage. Overall, many online users supported the employee and criticized the management’s strict tone.

FAQs

Q1. Can an employer stop workers from taking breaks in New Jersey?

Yes, New Jersey law does not require breaks for workers over 18, but strict break rules can still raise workplace concerns.

Q2. Why are people criticizing the boss’s break policy?

Many say the rules suggest understaffing and put too much pressure on workers during busy hours.


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