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When IT Took Away My Access, I Gave Them ALL My Work—And Watched the Chaos Unfold

If you’ve ever worked in a corporate environment, you know how “risk management” sometimes means “randomly break things that work perfectly well.” But what happens when a company’s own policies backfire so hilariously that the only solution is... total capitulation? Enter Redditor u/stemcella, who recently found themselves at the center of an IT power struggle—and served up a delicious helping of malicious compliance that had the entire office scrambling.

Let’s just say: if you’re going to cut off someone’s admin access, you better be ready to do their job. All. Of. It.

The Setup: The Accidental Saboteurs

Our hero, u/stemcella, isn’t your classic IT wizard—or so the org chart says. But in reality, they function as the behind-the-scenes maestro for a key chunk of company software. While not officially IT, they handle system configuration, craft business rules, and even sling some code to keep things humming. In short: They’re the only person who really knows how the system ticks.

One day, without warning or a courtesy Slack message, IT swoops in and yoinks their admin access. The reason? Something about “risk” and “board decisions.” Classic. Of course, this move means the company suddenly loses its in-house expert and will likely be on the hook for expensive contractors—or, worse, face a productivity nosedive as the learning curve claims its next victim.

The Malicious Compliance: "Here’s Allllll My Work"

Now, most of us would have stomped down to IT, pitchfork in hand, demanding our access back. But u/stemcella took a different route—the kind that makes for legendary r/MaliciousCompliance posts.

Instead of fighting, they simply accepted the decision… and then sent IT a painstakingly detailed list of every task they’d now be responsible for. Thirty hours a week’s worth of configuration, scripting, and early-morning system tweaks. Oh, and IT would need to join all the meetings (yes, even the 6am ones), since u/stemcella wouldn’t be repeating themselves. No delays would be tolerated—after all, business must go on!

It’s the ultimate “be careful what you wish for” moment: IT didn’t just inherit a few tickets; they inherited an entire workload, complete with the expectation that nothing would slip through the cracks.

The Aftermath: Backpedal, Reverse, Retreat!

How long did IT last under this new arrangement? A mere 30 minutes. That’s about the time it takes to realize that a task you thought was “no big deal” is actually a Herculean effort when you don’t have a clue where to start.

Suddenly, the “risk” of one person having admin access paled in comparison to the risk of nobody knowing how to keep the business running. The decision was instantly reversed, and u/stemcella got their access back—no questions asked.

Why This Works: The Power of Institutional Knowledge

This story is a brilliant reminder of the invisible labor that keeps organizations afloat. There’s a tendency in large companies to focus on process and policy—sometimes at the expense of pragmatism. When IT swooped in, they overlooked the fact that systems are only as good as the people who run them. And sometimes, the real risk isn’t giving someone access—it’s taking it away from the wrong person.

Malicious compliance, in this case, served as a reality check. By turning the tables and highlighting exactly what would be lost, u/stemcella didn’t just make a point—they made it impossible to ignore. And let’s be honest: there’s a certain satisfaction in watching bureaucracy eat its own tail, even for just half an hour.

Lessons Learned (and a Few Tips)

  • Document your value: Whether or not you’re the only one who can do the work, keeping a log of your responsibilities can come in handy when higher-ups forget how essential you are.
  • Don’t underestimate “soft” skills: Knowing how a system works is often more valuable than just knowing the code. Institutional knowledge is a superpower.
  • Malicious compliance can be a tool: When wielded wisely, showing the consequences of a decision—without being overtly confrontational—can lead to fast, positive change.

Have You Ever Maliciously Complied?

Ever been in a situation where following the rules exactly proved a point? Or maybe you’ve seen bureaucracy grind to a halt over a simple oversight? Share your stories in the comments below—because sometimes, the best way to get things done is to do exactly what you’re told.

And for IT departments everywhere? Maybe keep the admin keys where they belong—or be ready to clock in at 6am.

Enjoyed this story of workplace shenanigans? Hit like, share with your favorite office warrior, and let’s keep the tales of corporate karma rolling!

Original Reddit Post: Access Removed - Here’s allllll my work