Fired by Doreen: How One Ex-Intern’s Petty Google Reviews Became the Best Revenge
Let’s be honest: Most of us have fantasized about getting back at a former boss who did us dirty. Maybe you dreamt of sending an “accidental” reply-all, or perhaps you plotted a less subtle, more public takedown. Well, Reddit user u/Rude_Artist_4098 didn’t just dream—she made it her mission, and her weapon of choice is as deliciously modern as it gets: the Google review.
Her story, which recently went viral on r/PettyRevenge, is a masterclass in how to turn a firing into a slow-burn soap opera—one that plays out in the most public corner of the internet. And it all started with a little “pearl of wisdom” from her ex-boss, Doreen.
When "Talkative" Means "Suck Up" (And You Refuse)
Picture this: You’re a diligent, punctual, ever-accommodating intern at a tiny real estate law firm. You got the gig because your late grandfather (a literal partner in the business) opened the door for you. You say yes to every task—big or small—and you even write fake five-star reviews to bury the firm’s blemished online reputation.
Then, without warning, you’re let go. The only feedback? “You need to be more talkative.” Apparently, at this firm, “talkative” is code for “play our game, or else.” Ouch.
But the real kicker? The person delivering this wisdom is Doreen, the same woman your grandfather respected. Betrayal, thy name is Doreen.
From Five-Star Faker to One-Star Avenger
Here’s where this story flips from “sad intern tale” to “Shakespearean petty revenge.” Our protagonist, having been unceremoniously booted from the law firm, decides to wield the very tool she once used for her boss: the Google review.
But instead of writing glowing, generic praise, she starts penning scathing, detailed one-star reviews—each more damning than the last. And every time the firm manages to get a review removed, she comes back with a new, sharper barb, always ending with a cheery “Hi Doreen! :)” for good measure.
Is it petty? Absolutely. Is it effective? You better believe it. In the world of small businesses, a handful of honest, negative reviews can turn away dozens of would-be clients. And when those reviews are specific—calling out the lack of training, the dismissive management, the toxic office culture—potential clients are far more likely to take their business elsewhere.
The Ethics of Petty Revenge (And Why We Love It)
Now, some might argue that this is all a bit much. Shouldn’t we just move on, let bygones be bygones? Maybe. But there’s a delicious justice here: After all, the firm had no qualms about faking five-star reviews to mislead the public. Now, the truth is out—and it stings.
What makes this story so satisfying isn’t just the cleverness of the revenge. It’s that our ex-intern isn’t fabricating anything. She’s telling the truth. In fact, she’s doing future clients a public service by giving them a peek behind the curtain, warning them that all may not be as “five-star” as it seems.
And with every deleted review, she gets to up the ante—making it clear that Doreen and company can’t scrub away a bad reputation if they never earned a good one in the first place.
Lessons for Doreens Everywhere
There’s a moral here for every “Doreen” in the workplace: Be careful whom you dismiss, and never underestimate the power of a well-aimed review. In the digital age, word-of-mouth has gone global, and a disgruntled ex-intern can do more damage with a keyboard than any watercooler gossip ever could.
Plus, let’s face it: If you ask someone to write fake reviews, don’t be shocked when honesty bites back.
Closing Thoughts: Petty or Perfectly Justified?
So, is our protagonist a petty villain or a folk hero? Maybe both. But as long as she’s being honest, and Doreen keeps giving her reasons to keep writing… well, we say let the one-star games continue.
Have you ever gotten revenge on a former boss—or wanted to? What’s your take on using Google reviews for workplace justice? Share your stories in the comments below!
And to Doreen: Consider this your wake-up call. The internet never forgets.
Want more tales of workplace revenge and internet justice? Subscribe for weekly stories that prove sometimes, the best revenge is just a click away.
Original Reddit Post: I write Nasty Google Reviews At My Former Employer's Small Firm...