Fueled by Spite and Podcasts: How One Hour-Long Commute Served Sweet Petty Revenge at Work
There are few things more universal than the struggle to dodge extra work at the office—except, perhaps, the satisfaction of watching someone get their just desserts when they try to dump their responsibilities on you. In a recent viral post from r/PettyRevenge, u/pagewithani delivered a masterclass in subtle vengeance, fueled by nothing but sheer spite and a killer podcast list. This is the story of how an hour-long commute became the most satisfying act of office pettiness you’ll read this week.
If you’ve ever had a coworker who’s allergic to accountability, grab your popcorn. This one’s for you.
The Rise of Reluctant Chauffeurs
Let’s set the scene: our hero, a hard-working woman in a male-dominated, non-American industry, is already juggling unpredictable shifts and complex logistics. Her senior coworker, whose job it is to coordinate a crucial supplier visit, seems less interested in planning and more interested in getting someone else—preferably our protagonist—to drive him around.
Despite the senior’s not-so-subtle hints (“You ever been out to that side of town?”), our narrator stands her ground. She’s already handled all the planning, and she’s not about to add “personal Uber driver” to her resume. You’d think the matter would resolve itself, but no—her coworker continues to procrastinate, whispering vague promises about “figuring something out” while dumping more work on her plate.
Spite: The Ultimate Motivator
Now, some might have confronted the issue head-on, but as u/pagewithani notes, being blunt in her workplace would only backfire. Instead, she devises a plan that’s as ingenious as it is petty: she ditches her car and endures a grueling hour-long commute by public transport for several days. Why? To create the perfect illusion that she simply can’t drive—her car is “lent to her brother,” who’s conveniently in town for some sightseeing.
Fueled by spite and the dulcet tones of her favorite podcasts, she turns the tables. When her manager finally notices her sudden reliance on public transport, she spins a tale about her brother’s love life and whips up an email asking the supplier for help with transport because “our plans fell through.” The result? Her manager explodes—not at her, but at the senior, who’s left with no excuses and a mountain of shame.
Lessons in Petty Justice
There’s something universally satisfying about this story. Not only does our narrator avoid being the default driver, but she exposes her coworker’s irresponsible behavior—without ever having to raise her voice. It’s a masterclass in letting actions speak louder than words, and sometimes, taking the long way (literally) is the best way to get under someone’s skin.
The postscript is the cherry on top: after the supplier visit (to which the senior had to drive), our heroine’s “brother” conveniently leaves town. The next day, she rolls into work in her own car, leaving her coworker none the wiser but surely a little more cautious about shirking duties in the future.
Office Petty Revenge: A Global Phenomenon
What’s particularly striking is the context: this isn’t just any office, but a toxic, male-dominated environment in a country where direct confrontation can be career suicide—especially for women in non-traditional roles. The creativity and patience it takes to execute such a plan aren’t just petty; they’re strategic and, frankly, inspiring.
It’s also a reminder that petty revenge doesn’t have to be mean-spirited. Sometimes, it’s about restoring balance, setting boundaries, and making sure that repeat offenders think twice before pulling the same stunt again. And yes, sometimes it requires an extra hour on the train, a fake brother, and a well-timed email.
So, What’s the Pettiest Thing You’ve Done at Work?
Stories like this resonate because most of us have been there—stuck with a lazy coworker, a useless boss, or an unfair workload. The next time you’re tempted to take the high road, remember: sometimes, the long road is the one that leads to the most satisfying destination.
Have you ever pulled off a petty office revenge? Or do you have a story that tops this one? Drop your tales of workplace justice in the comments below—let’s keep the petty spirit alive!
Original Reddit Post: I Took an Hour Commute To Get My Coworker in Trouble