by Chicago, IL – Imagine working full-time summer hours at a clothing store only to have your manager cut them in half. This is exactly what happened to one high school senior in the 1970s, leading to a bold act of revenge that highlights workplace frustrations many can relate to—even decades later.
The student, whose manager favored his niece by reducing her hours, refused to accept the unfair treatment quietly. After quitting and securing a new job nearby, she masterminded a plan to disrupt the old store’s operations by taking the store’s key, leaving the manager locked out in the morning rush.
From Trusted Employee to Frustrated Worker
Starting as a trusted closer at the mall clothing shop, the high schooler was responsible for locking the store up at night, with the only key hidden at the entrance for the opening shift. The manager, however, hired his niece Katy and shifted more hours to her, gradually cutting the student’s time from 40 to less than 20 hours weekly.
- Worked full-time summer hours initially
- Manager cut hours in favor of his niece
- Student complained but was told to quit if unhappy
A Clever Act of Revenge
The student decided to quit but held on to her frustration. Weeks later, she seized an opportunity when both she and Katy worked closing shifts at their stores. After confirming Katy had locked her shop and left, she retrieved the key hidden under the store gate and discarded it in a trash can outside the mall.
“The manager should just be happy that she didn’t go into the store and damage anything or take anything. All he has to do is make another key.”
This act left the old store closed until noon the next day, the manager having to cut his trip short to open the store personally. When confronted about the missing key, she denied involvement, slyly shifting the blame back to Katy.
Workplace Dynamics and Justice
This story resonates with many who have faced unfair treatment at work. The cleverness and daring of the student’s retaliation make it a memorable example of standing up against perceived injustice—even in a low-stakes summer job environment.
- Shows frustration with nepotism in the workplace
- Highlights creative forms of non-destructive retaliation
- Reflects on the 1970s work environment, before modern security cameras
Read Also: Los Angeles Driver’s Risky TV Transport Sparks Safety Concerns and Social Media Buzz
Community Response and Reflections
The story, shared widely online, sparked various reactions. Some praised the student’s cleverness, while others felt different responses might have been appropriate. The tale even invited comparisons to similar workplace revenge stories.
For more on this intriguing story and similar workplace anecdotes, visit TwistedSifter.
What Can We Learn?
This incident highlights the importance of fair treatment at work and how power dynamics can affect employee morale. It also reminds employers to consider the consequences of their decisions carefully.
Key Takeaways:
- Employee frustration can lead to unexpected consequences
- Fair scheduling is crucial for maintaining staff morale
- Creative but harmless acts can serve as outlets for employee grievances
What do you think about this story? Have you ever faced unfair treatment at work? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
