Karma on LinkedIn: Why You Shouldn’t Be a Jerk to Your Coworkers (Especially If You’ll Need Them Later)
We’ve all encountered that one coworker—the office tyrant, the backstabber, the “I’m just here for me” type. They’re the person who schedules 2 AM emails to look like a go-getter, but wouldn’t lift a finger for anyone else. You might daydream about the day karma catches up to them. Well, buckle up, because sometimes, karma arrives with a notification from HR.
Let’s dive into a real-life tale of corporate retribution, courtesy of Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge, where a former victim of office tyranny gets the last laugh—professionally, of course.
Picture this: Years ago, our storyteller, u/Lonely-Clerk-2478, endured the not-so-delightful company of a truly insufferable coworker at a high-profile organization. This was the kind of person who mastered the art of performative productivity—scheduling emails at ungodly hours, making it seem like they were burning the midnight oil, while in reality, they were probably just burning bridges.
This coworker wasn’t just showy; they were also the opposite of a team player. Need help with a project? Good luck! Looking for a little camaraderie in the office trenches? Not here! In short: toxic, selfish, and utterly forgettable—except for the scars they left on colleagues’ patience.
But, as the universe loves a twist, fast forward a few years. The jerk gets laid off. Tough break, sure, but sometimes the universe clears its own clutter. Both our hero and the villain remain in the same industry, connected only by the digital threads of LinkedIn. And then, the plot thickens.
Without so much as a courtesy message, the ex-coworker uses our storyteller’s name as a referral while applying for a job at their current company. Bold! Shameless! Clearly, self-awareness isn’t a skill on their resume. The company’s HR system, Workday, pings our hero: “Would you recommend this candidate?” A simple yes or no.
Let’s savor this moment. The power dynamic has flipped. Our protagonist now holds the fate of the office nemesis in a single, satisfying click. Did they hesitate? Not for a second. “No.” And just like that, the circle of (work) life is complete.
Workplace Karma: The Realest Employee Benefit
What makes this story so delicious isn’t just the petty revenge—it’s the reminder that your actions in the workplace have a way of catching up with you. Today’s intern might be tomorrow’s hiring manager. That quiet analyst could be running a department in five years. And the person you treated like a disposable task rabbit? They could be the gateway (or gatekeeper) to your next big gig.
This isn’t just about burning bridges; it’s about understanding that careers are long, industries are smaller than you think, and reputations linger like microwaved fish in a break room. Being decent to people isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also the smart, career-savvy move.
Referrals: The Double-Edged Sword of Networking
Let’s talk about referrals. They’re the golden tickets of job applications. A good referral can fast-track your resume past HR gatekeepers and into the hands of decision-makers. But using someone as a reference without their permission? That’s a faux pas that can backfire spectacularly, as our antihero just discovered.
If you’re thinking about leveraging a professional connection, do yourself a favor: ask first. If you burned bridges, maybe try a little humility (and possibly an apology) before expecting a favor. Otherwise, you might get a “no” faster than you can say “workplace karma.”
The Petty Revenge We All Secretly Crave
Sure, some might call this story petty. But is it? Or is it simply justice served cold—with a side of schadenfreude? In a world where office politics often reward the loudest voices, it’s oddly satisfying when the quiet, decent folks get their moment to shine (or, at least, to click “no”).
Don’t Be That Guy (or Gal): The Moral of the Story
If you take one thing away from this tale, let it be this: Your coworkers are not just background extras in your career drama. They’re real people, with real memories, and—sometimes—real power over your future. Be kind. Be helpful. Or at the very least, don’t be an asshat. You never know who’ll be holding the keys to your next opportunity.
Have you ever had a moment of well-deserved workplace karma or delicious petty revenge? Share your stories in the comments—we all need a little inspiration (and entertainment) to get through the workweek!
Original Reddit Post: Asshole former coworker now needs my help… nope.