A Reddit user recently shared their chaotic experience after joining a new corporate job, highlighting the unexpected theatricality of office politics. The employee revealed that after informing their manager of a 10:00 AM arrival due to a prior 1 hour 45-minute transit meeting, the manager allegedly complained to co-workers, insisting they follow a strict 9-5 schedule like everyone else.
The user said, “My manager also started a rumor that I had a 2nd job because my home office looks like a corporate office.”
During a meeting with a colleague, they even had to unblur their camera to prove they were working from home. Reports were made to the director about these incidents.
Minute Presentation Adds to Workplace Stress
In addition to the ongoing scrutiny, the manager asked the employee to present with just five minutes’ notice before a major meeting. Although the presentation went smoothly, the user noted that colleagues found the situation unusual.
Reddit User comments
The post sparked discussion among Reddit users about corporate dynamics. One user shared, “I can so relate to this! I took time off for an emergency dentist appointment, and my colleague couldn’t get a hold of me for two hours one afternoon, in an asynchronous job. Next thing I know my manager is grilling me about interviewing at other places. The colleague who couldn’t get a hold of me reported me to HR for avoiding him. Wild times. Needless to say I had to move on from there.”
Another user noted, “In my experience, when someone lower in the hierarchy is highly skilled or performs exceptionally well, those above them sometimes start to feel threatened. If the manager or boss is contributing very little and is only role playing and holding the position for the sake of authority and money, they may become insecure. As a result, they might try to undermine, frame, or push out the competent employee to prevent being exposed.”
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