When tensions run high and emotions reach their breaking point, the aftermath of a termination can sometimes lead to unexpected and downright outrageous behavior. In the workplace, the departure of an employee can occasionally be accompanied by a dramatic spectacle that leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it.
From acts of defiance to vengeful stunts, former employees have been known to unleash their frustrations in ways that defy logic and societal norms. In this collection of anecdotes, current and former employees recount the wildest and most unforgettable incidents they have witnessed when someone went off the rails after being handed a pink slip.
Brace yourself for tales of revenge, rebellion, and pure unadulterated chaos as these accounts shed light on the extraordinary lengths some individuals will go to leave an indelible mark on their former workplace.
All content has been edited for clarity.
Artists Are Often Misunderstood
“At my previous workplace, a popular sandwich shop, an incident unfolded that left everyone bewildered and questioning the sanity of one recently terminated employee. It was a day like any other, with the usual hustle and bustle of customers placing their orders and employees working diligently behind the counter.
Amidst this routine, tensions simmered as rumors circulated that one of our coworkers had just been let go. The atmosphere was already tense when this particular employee, brimming with resentment, returned to the shop shortly after their dismissal.
With a mischievous glint in their eye, the disgruntled ex-employee approached the sandwich counter. As they ordered their usual sandwich, a sense of defiance filled the air. It was clear that they had something entirely different in mind.
Without warning, the individual seized a handful of pickles, typically used as a condiment, and with remarkable accuracy, launched them towards the wall. Pickles splattered and stuck to the surface, creating a surreal sight and adding to the confusion that had gripped the shop. Amidst the chaos, their voice boomed, proclaiming, ‘I’m the godda*n best sandwich artist you’ll ever have!’
The employees and customers stood frozen, their jaws dropping in disbelief as he stormed out of the restaurant.”
The Kitchen Brings Out The Worst In People
“I’ve spent the majority of my life working in various restaurants, and amidst the hustle and bustle, I’ve witnessed my fair share of dramatic exits. However, the most spectacular display of defiance came from a former kitchen manager who decided to leave his mark in the most unforgettable way.
On what started as an ordinary day, tensions had been building between the kitchen manager and the restaurant management. It was clear that the relationship had reached a breaking point, but no one expected the dramatic sequence of events that followed.
In a moment of sheer audacity, the kitchen manager, consumed by frustration and anger, impulsively tossed his keys into the sizzling depths of the deep fryer. As the keys sizzled and crackled, a symbolic act of severing ties, he proceeded to activate the kitchen’s fire suppression system. The deafening sound of alarms filled the air as the suppressant showered down, dousing everything in sight.
Pandemonium erupted as staff and diners alike scrambled to understand what was happening. The kitchen, once a bustling hub of culinary activity, was now a chaotic scene of dripping foam and confusion. The fire suppression system, designed to quickly extinguish any flames, had been triggered without a fire in sight. It was a shock to everyone present, and the extent of the damage was yet to be fully realized.
Word spread quickly, and the authorities were promptly alerted to the incident. By the time the kitchen manager arrived home, still likely fueled by a mix of adrenaline and defiance, law enforcement was waiting to apprehend him. He was swiftly taken into custody, facing charges of felony vandalism and destruction of property.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, the kitchen manager managed to negotiate a plea deal. His defense argued that his actions were driven by a ‘crime of passion,’ a burst of emotion that clouded his judgment. As a result, the charges were reduced to a misdemeanor, though the repercussions of his explosive departure still lingered.”
The Best Way To Handle Being Fired
“One of my co-workers, seething with anger and resentment after being fired, devised a devious plan to torment their former managers. With a stroke of malicious genius, they manipulated the voice mailbox system to unleash a relentless barrage of ranting and disparaging voicemail messages.
Utilizing the ‘future-delivery’ feature, the employee meticulously composed a series of scathing diatribes, carefully scheduling them to be sent on a weekly basis. Each voicemail was a venomous reminder of their discontent, as they unleashed their frustrations upon their unsuspecting managers.
Week after week, the managers found themselves besieged by the employee’s cutting remarks and vitriolic rants. The messages were a constant intrusion, disrupting their workflow and inflicting emotional distress.
I personally found it hilarious.”
A Little Delusional
“A couple of years ago, I found myself in a challenging situation with a warehouse employee who consistently made mistakes. Despite my efforts to address the issues by having multiple discussions and going over procedures to rectify the errors, there was no improvement. Regrettably, I had to make the difficult decision to let him go.
On a Friday morning, I called the employee into my office and explained the situation. I made sure to handle the conversation with empathy and respect, assuring him that he would be paid for the day and allowing him to gather his belongings. I walked him to the door and bid him farewell, thinking that the difficult part was behind us.
However, by lunchtime, he unexpectedly returned to my office in tears, sharing that he couldn’t let his wife know he had been fired. I sympathized with his predicament, understanding the challenges that come with job loss. Yet, I reiterated that the mistakes he had made were significant and had necessitated the decision. He left the office, and I assumed the matter had been resolved.
To my surprise, at the end of the day, he burst into my office, filled with anger and raising his voice. He accused me of feeling threatened by him and adamantly declared that he wasn’t going anywhere. At this point, my sympathy had worn thin. I had gone above and beyond to assist him in performing his job correctly, and his outburst was uncalled for.
Despite my attempts to reason with him, explaining that continuing to stay on the premises would only escalate the situation, he refused to leave and continued to curse at me. With no other recourse, I made the decision to involve law enforcement. I informed him that if he didn’t depart, I would have to call the police. Strangely, he seemed unfazed by the prospect of getting arrested, and his refusal to comply persisted.
Reluctantly, I contacted the authorities, who swiftly arrived and took him out of the office, ultimately leading to his arrest. It was a regrettable end to a challenging situation that I had hoped to resolve peacefully.
The most surprising twist in this entire ordeal came later when he listed me as a professional reference.”