I (20 M) have beef with my distant (we work in different departments) co-worker (48 M) we will name him "Bruce".
In order to understand my side of the story, you will need some backstory. Me and Bruce *never* got along, I always tried to befriend him, but he always gave me attitude like, ignoring me whenever I ask him questions, making sarcastic remarks about my intelligence, and always saying "No, go away." when I have items for him to bring to the second floor of the department store.
So basically, it’s holiday season, I’m working on returns. I’m dealing with people from his department asking me questions HE should be answering and trying to put Christmas lights back on the shelf – Bruce comes over showing a customer something and makes the remark "You know while you put those back you can just face the isle too." and I’m already having a bad day and we’re understaffed in my department, so I tell him; "Sorry, I have a lot of work to do, so I’m kind of rushing it." INTENDING TO FIX IT after I put all of them back.
Bruce says, "Well yeah but you can just do it."
I tell him, "Yeah, but I have five *full* carts of returns I have to do for your department!" I’m trying to go as fast as I can WHILE doing a good job. He gets mad at me after I suggest that he could take one of his carts to help lighten the load.
While he leaves, I whisper under my breath, "It’s YOUR job to face the shelves in YOUR department." but apparently, I didn’t say it quiet enough because he ended up reporting me to my manager and they had a talk with me about being better and being more ‘tidy’.
I admit I could’ve been nicer, but I was already stressed.
But it makes me mad the ONE time I get angry at him he *reported* me, while every time he was unpleasant towards me, I just let it go.
So, Reddit, AITA?
NTA, but you should document every single interaction you have with this guy from now on and report him for every unprofessional remark he makes towards you…i don’t think this will get any better and he will probably go out of his way to get you in trouble as much as possible from now on, so you need to start documenting every interaction, otherwise he’s likely the type to try to get you fired over petty bullshit
Thank you! that’s good advice!
NTA and I’d start complaining about Bruce. He’s a bully with a thin skin. Start poking him with HR.
Exactly
I think your first mistake was being nice. /s
NTA, but take a lesson here if you can, and make something of it. This guy is working retail at 48. He probably isn’t living the life he imagined for himself and is very, very unhappy.
Also, keep track of him being an asshole, etc.
Perspective – you’re 20 with the same job as him. It’s not right if he is mean to you but, having worked with people like that before, it’s hard for them to see so many young people come and go while they have to stay. That said, maybe he has some helpful advice. I’d try to listen a bit more and just be kind to him as much as you can. NTA
Yeah, you’re right, I should definitely think on this some more! Thank you!
He knows you are younger, faster. It makes him mad and makes him worry about you showing him up. If he is not you boss just ignore him.
Just say ok, then ignore what he told you to do. He will walk away, you will later say “ sorry I got busy and didn’t get it”. He will catch on.
How a grown man like this can be so immature?
NTA, be careful and keep tracks on things between you tho, it looks like he could just report you for mundane reasons like this in the future.
NTA but now he’s escalated to reporting you, only fair you return the favour
And stop doing his work for him