Sometimes managers need to chill. If you’re not available when your manager wants you, it’s not your fault. They have no right to overreact. If you explain you were in the bathroom and they insist on doubling down, your manager might be acting a bit crazy.
At OP’s previous job in the Air Force COMSEC, they handled top-secret gear but weren’t required to report every move. Sharing an office with their boss, OP was surprised when asked by their manager why they weren’t at their desk after a bathroom break. From then on, OP diligently informed their manager every time they left their desk, even for minor tasks. This included notifying for restroom breaks, water fountain visits, and even desk-to-printer trips. The constant notifications eventually led their manager to request OP to only report when leaving for lunch breaks, marking the end of the amusing, albeit excessive, reporting routine.
Scroll down below to read the story in OP’s own words.
1. OP’s manager annoys him with strict rules, malicious compliance ensues.
2. At OP’s job, they handled top-secret gear but didn’t have to notify their boss when leaving their desk, unlike some jobs.
3. The story might not have juicy fallout, but it’s funny to OP. They worked in COMSEC in the Air Force, which was like glorified inventory management with strict penalties.
4. At a temporary facility, not all COMSEC staff could fit in the secure room. OP shared a small office with their supervisor, while their manager had a different one.
5. One day, OP took a bathroom break, and upon returning, their supervisor informed them that Sergeant Smith was looking for them. OP headed to Sergeant Smith’s office.
6. OP inquired why they were needed, their manager questioned their absence from their desk, OP explained they were using the restroom, and the manager emphasized the need for notification when away.
7. At that time, besides email, they used Skype for communication, so OP made sure to inform her every time he left his desk as she requested.
8. Every bathroom break, every drink from the water fountain, even when leaving the desk to talk to her as requested—every single time, OP notified her.
9. OP informed the manager they were getting up from the desk to retrieve a form 16 from the printer in a different room, clarifying they weren’t using a printer there.
10. That was the final straw; she’d had enough and instructed OP to stop informing her when leaving the desk, except for lunch breaks.
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. Don’t forget to share your own opinion at the end of this article.
11. Take permission? Where are we, in a school?
12. In the annals of office lore, OP’s tale of teaching the manager a lesson will be remembered for generations.
13. RIP to all the people working under them.
14. OP’s journey from pupil to professor: a case study in assertiveness.
15. A clock watcher is the right word for her.
16. Sometimes you got to do what you got to do.
17. People who have worked for the similar role can relate better and understand OP’s pain.
18. Good choice, mater.
19. OP’s workplace wit really made him win this time.
What are your thoughts on this story? What would you do, or how would you react if you were in OP’s position? You know that your feedback means a lot to us; therefore, we want you to share your thoughts in the comment section below. For more such articles, keep visiting Defused. Have a nice day!
