When Petty Revenge Is Served Hot: How 'Taking My Break' Taught a Lazy Coworker a Lesson He Won't Forget
Let’s face it: we’ve all worked with a Brian. You know, the coworker who somehow manages to always be on break, disappear when things get hectic, and emerges just in time for the applause after the hard work is done. But what happens when the tables finally turn? Over on Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge, one care worker decided enough was enough—and her story is as satisfying as a hot cup of tea after a long shift.
Picture this: a small care home, six residents, two staff members required on duty at all times for safety. The job is demanding, the hours are long, and breaks are precious. But what happens when one coworker keeps stretching his unpaid break far beyond the allotted time, leaving the other to pick up the slack, day after day? Enter u/agedpunkfairy, our unlikely hero, and Brian, the king of the extended lunch hour. What follows is a tale of subtle, delicious revenge that’s sure to make anyone who’s ever worked with a slacker cheer.
The Set-Up: A Recipe for Resentment
The story begins in a care home where routine is everything. Residents need careful attention, especially during transitions like afternoon bed rest and dinner time. The rules are clear: two staff must always be present, and breaks are to be carefully coordinated.
But Brian—the subject of this petty masterpiece—has his own interpretation of “break time.” He regularly takes an hour and a half for lunch, leaving his coworker with half the break she’s due and twice the work she’s owed. For months, u/agedpunkfairy endured this injustice, watching Brian clock out for his extra-long siesta while she hustled through the busiest part of the day.
The Boiling Point: Enough Is Enough
But everyone has their limits. After the sixth time Brian returned from his “hour” break with a suspiciously well-rested glow, our narrator decided it was time to serve up some justice—petty revenge style.
On the fateful day, Brian predictably vanished for his 90-minute rest, leaving all the heavy lifting to his coworker. But this time, when he returned, u/agedpunkfairy went straight to the manager: “I’m taking my break now. I’ll be back in an hour.” The manager, caught off guard, questioned who would prepare dinner and tend to the residents. With a smile, she replied, “Brian will handle it.”
And off she went, leaving Brian to juggle two jobs at once—something he’d conveniently avoided for months.
The Revenge Is Served (With a Side of Sweat)
What happened next? Pure, unadulterated satisfaction. Upon returning, our hero found Brian in a state of disarray—sweaty, stressed, and desperately trying to prepare dinner while managing resident care. For once, Brian got a taste of what it means to actually work a full shift. The best part? The sweet anticipation of whether he’d try to pull the same stunt the next day.
Why This Revenge Hits Home
Why does this story strike such a chord? Because it’s relatable. We’ve all worked with someone who coasts while others carry the load. But instead of reporting Brian or causing drama, u/agedpunkfairy let natural consequences do the talking. There’s an art to petty revenge—it’s subtle, it’s fair, and it leaves everyone (except Brian) with a smile.
But there’s more here than just a funny story. Petty revenge, when done right, isn’t about cruelty—it’s about restoring balance. Sometimes, a little taste of someone else’s medicine is the only way to make them realize the impact of their actions. In workplaces everywhere, it’s a gentle reminder: teamwork matters, and fairness is worth fighting for.
What Can We Learn?
- Stand Up for Yourself: If you’re being shortchanged, don’t suffer in silence. Find a way to reclaim your time—ideally with a bit of flair.
- Let Karma Work: Sometimes, all it takes is letting someone experience the consequences of their actions to effect real change.
- Petty Can Be Powerful: Not all revenge needs to be grand. Sometimes, the smallest acts can be the most satisfying.
Conclusion: What Would You Do?
So next time you’re faced with a workplace Brian, remember this story. Maybe your own brand of petty revenge will be the wake-up call your coworker needs. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll inspire others to stand up for themselves, one well-timed break at a time.
Have you ever had a coworker pull a “Brian”? How did you handle it? Share your own stories of workplace justice in the comments below!
Inspired by a viral post from r/PettyRevenge. Read the original here.
Original Reddit Post: Taking my break