That means low-level work experience at whatever price which is often the critical first rung up the work-force ladder.

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Meanwhile, the jury is still out on whether the company's foray into more upscale goods, a move aimed at retaining customers who have begun to climb the economic ladder, will work.

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"I'm not the ambitious type like Alison, so I'm happy for her to make more money because there is no pressure on me to have to work my way up the ladder to become vice president, " Jon says.

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