Cutting the Cord: How One Woman Reclaimed Her Employee Discount (and Her Power) from Her Entitled Ex
Breakups are rarely clean, but for one Redditor, the digital loose ends were sneakier than most. Imagine calling your internet provider for a simple WiFi fix and stumbling onto a whole new level of “ex-tra” nonsense: your former fiancé, still living at your old address, has been quietly enjoying your employee discount—all this time. If you’ve ever fantasized about the perfect, painless act of petty revenge, buckle up: this story has everything from hilarious community commentary to a satisfyingly righteous conclusion.
The Accidental Discovery: When WiFi Troubleshooting Turns into Justice
It started innocently enough. Reddit user u/disjointed_chameleon just wanted better WiFi. But during the call, the ISP representative casually asked if she’d like to end her employee discount at her former residence and activate it at her new place.
Cue the record scratch: What do you mean, “former residence”? Turns out, her ex-fiancé—yes, the one with the six-figure salary, lucrative side hustles, and zero chill—was still cashing in on her work perk. And this wasn’t just any ex. As OP detailed, this was a guy whose relationship résumé included wall-punching fits and, more disturbingly, attempts to force unwanted intimacy. Financially, he wasn’t hurting either, with $160K+ in salary, $3K/month from a side gig, $1.5K+ from investments, and a recent $100K windfall.
So when the rep asked, “Would you like to transfer the discount?” OP’s answer was a resounding, “Why yes, kind sir, thank you very much.” A small victory, yes—but for her, a meaningful step toward administrative closure and regaining control.
Reddit Reacts: Cutting Off the Moochers
If there’s one thing Reddit loves, it’s a cleanly executed act of digital retribution. The r/PettyRevenge community erupted with praise, stories, and a few well-placed zingers. As u/MusketeersPlus2 put it, “Cutting people off of things they shouldn't have access to anymore is one of my favourite things!” Turns out, this phenomenon is more widespread than you’d think—Netflix freeloaders, exes with lingering insurance discounts, and even former tenants who just can’t let go.
One particularly relatable story came from u/WeirdImmediate2179, who, after being asked for a password, changed it to “NameIsAFreeloader” and sent it to the mooch in question. Others like u/Puzzleheaded-Memory8 went with “momwhopaysbill.” If revenge is a dish best served cold, then the modern update is to serve it with an impossibly petty password.
But beyond the laughs, the community offered real support. As u/GrumpyOldTech1670 wrote, “You are worthy. You are deserving of good things. You are a warrior. You are amazing for walking away from him.” Sometimes, reclaiming your own digital territory is about more than saving $10/month—it’s a symbolic act of self-respect.
Not Petty, Just Fair: The Ethics of Taking Back What’s Yours
While the post was tagged as “petty revenge,” many commenters argued this wasn’t petty at all. As u/Solid_Caterpillar678 said, “You don't have to give us a breakdown of his income nor your health to justify cutting him off. None of that is relevant. It's your discount, not his and you aren't together any more. Period.” The consensus? You don’t owe anyone an explanation for reclaiming what’s rightfully yours—especially not someone who’s crossed your boundaries both financially and emotionally.
Others pointed out that, technically, OP was just correcting an oversight. “It’s not even revenge,” noted u/Flux_My_Capacitor, “It’s just taking back something that was always yours.” More than one commenter suggested that the only thing pettier would have been reporting him for tax evasion on his mysterious side hustle (which, for the record, OP suspects the authorities are already aware of).
There were also practical reminders: check all your accounts, change your passwords, and make sure your ex isn’t still enjoying your streaming services, insurance, or—heaven forbid—your Costco membership. As u/Nuasus outlined, “Log out of everything, iPads, phones, watches etc. change all passwords. Emails, Netflix, anything with a password... Basically anything they may get access to.” OP replied that she’d already swept through her accounts, closing every possible loophole.
The Small Victories That Matter
For OP, this wasn’t about the money—it was about closure and a tiny, symbolic recalibration of justice. As she reflected in the comments, “I consider my newfound single-hood a promotion. I’ve gained back freedom and liberty.” The act of reclaiming her discount became a stand-in for reclaiming her sense of control after a turbulent and, at times, traumatic relationship.
And she’s not alone. From Netflix to insurance to internet discounts, the stories poured in: exes trying their luck, tenants overstaying their welcome, and the sweet satisfaction of finally cutting the cord. As u/NoItsNotThatJessica quipped, “Well you didn’t off him, so cutting off the internet discount is a happy medium.”
Conclusion: Take the Win—And Don’t Look Back
When it comes to breakups, tying up loose ends isn’t just about finances or digital accounts—it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind. Whether it’s changing a password, ending a discount, or just blocking someone who doesn’t deserve access to your life (or your perks), these small acts add up. They’re not petty; they’re necessary.
So next time you’re tempted to feel guilty for closing a door (or an account), remember: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting your space. And if you do it with a dash of humor and a whole lot of self-respect? Even better.
What’s the pettiest (or most satisfying) way you’ve reclaimed your power post-breakup? Sound off in the comments!
Original Reddit Post: Discovered (by accident) that my ex-fiance is still using my employee discount.