Anetria McDuffie wasn't even looking for a new job when she saw a "Now Hiring" sign at McDonald's advertising a $13-per-hour starting wage.
The fast-food restaurant had been her first job 20 years ago, but despite more than a decade in manufacturing, the Alexander City McDonald's was offering more than she made at Wellborn Cabinetry.
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Earlier this year, Jamie Piper was unsatisfied with her marketing job, so she did something …
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