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It’s bad enough that the average employee's salary has not kept pace with inflation in recent years. On top of that stress, many people also have to deal with a boss who makes their life a living hell. 

It’s why reading stories of evil managers getting their much-deserved comeuppance can be quite satisfying, and here are some examples. Most of these come from different Reddit users who’ve endured a miserable time under a horrible supervisor. 

If this is something you’ve likewise experienced, these stories should be an enjoyable read for you.

#1

Reddit post in petty revenge subreddit about fixing thermostats everywhere except the boss’s office for workplace temperature control.

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Doug Moyer
Community Member
6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grow up, there's nothing that can be done about it...

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    #3

    Reddit post describing petty revenge on boss by dyeing hair blue to avoid blame for hair in customer's food.

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    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All hair that’s long should be tied up around food no exceptions!,

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    Disgruntled employees tend to lump all toxic bosses into one type of evil, and understandably so. But according to executive coach Manzar Bashir, there are actually four different archetypes: the authoritarian, the bully, the manipulator, and the narcissist.

    #4

    Reddit post in r/antiwork where a user shares a petty revenge story on their boss after leaving the job two months ago.

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    Jeff White
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I asked for 5x what I was paid. They were so desperate that I got of couple of weeks of work at that 5x rate.

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    #5

    Screenshot of a user sharing a petty revenge story about handing in a 2 weeks notice before a boss’s holiday.

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    Nicola Roberts
    Community Member
    11 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Without context, this appears to be spiteful.

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    #6

    Reddit comment about injecting milk into a boss's chair as a petty and savage way to get revenge.

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    Nea
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are such great ideas, I am wishing I had a terrible boss.

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    In his Forbes article, Bashir gave brief descriptions of each type. The authoritarian, he says, is the boss who creates a fear-based environment through micromanagement and demands of unquestioning obedience. The bully boss is the type who targets specific individuals, making them constantly feel threatened. 

    The manipulator uses deceit and office politics to advance their agenda, playing mind games and even pitting employees against each other. Finally, the narcissistic boss takes credit for their subordinates’ work while dismissing others’ contributions.

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    #8

    Text post showing a petty and savage way people got revenge on their bosses by quitting with immediate notice.

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    Miss Ann Thrope
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do employers offer all sorts of incentives after someone says they are quitting?

    #9

    Comment detailing a petty and savage way of getting revenge on a boss by quitting and not training a replacement.

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    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not a leaving bonus. It's money he was attempting to steal from you

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    It goes without saying that toxic bosses significantly impact their employees’ health and well-being. According to organizational psychologist Dr. Ella Washington, such an environment can lead to feelings of insecurity, instability, and mental unwellness. 

    “Toxic leaders contribute to an environment where an employee doesn’t see the best in themselves, feels inadequate, or has unrealistic expectations placed upon them— such as working until they burn out,” Dr. Washington said in an interview with Verywell Mind.

    #10

    Comment describing petty and savage revenge on a boss for unpaid superannuation contributions after a roofing apprenticeship.

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    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    TIL that an Australian pension system is called "superannuation." Neat! I <3 BP!

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    #11

    Screenshot of a revenge story where an employee exposed employer’s misuse of foreign worker benefits after leaving the job.

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    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for you and all, but having worked in China too, I can guess nothing came of this. The local government offices will just take a bribe from the local company, and they'll give the foreign workers the run-around.

    #12

    Reddit post sharing a petty and savage revenge story about dealing with a difficult boss in retail sales.

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    Nizumi
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd've called her in just to see her face as soon as she realised who would be conducting the interview.

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    Many bosses see no wrong in micromanaging their employees. For them, it’s a way to show “hands-on leadership.” But according to experts like licensed psychologist Dr. Jolie Silva, it does more harm than they perceive. 

    “Micromanaging can be considered a toxic behavior in leaders and often gives employees the impression that they are not trusted, reliable, or proficient at their job,” she said.

    #13

    Screenshot of a Reddit post describing a petty revenge story involving a rejected vacation and quitting the job.

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    Doug Moyer
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's always nice to have that bargaining chip!

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    #14

    Reddit post describing a petty and savage way someone got revenge on their boss by manipulating budget spreadsheets.

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    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I spent 15 minutes trying to figure out what a Thai budge was before I realized this was a typo.

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    #15

    Text post describing a person saving inappropriate comments from their boss to get revenge by reporting to corporate.

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    JL
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ol' Javier could have assumed you were going to resign in a week.

    As satisfying as it is to read about, it’s not always a good idea to get even with a horrible boss. Instead, Bashir urges focusing on personal growth and career development, maintaining a positive mindset, and protecting oneself. 

    “Your worth and potential extend far beyond the toxic confines of difficult leadership, so take charge, believe in yourself, and create a brighter future,” he wrote.

    #16

    Reddit user shares story of coworkers quitting after boss cuts their hours, showcasing petty and savage revenge on bosses.

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    Pyla
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's how you do it. It's a common practice to slim hours down rather than fire. But they still expect you to show up. Our manager of our front office does this. Beach.

    #17

    Screenshot of a social media comment describing petty and savage ways people got revenge on their bosses.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my past subordinates got a management job above me that I had declined years before when it was open. He soon saw why I had declined it, and he's back at his old job.

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    #19

    Mechanic refuses to sign unsafe plane inspection, quits job, reporting issue to FAA in a savage revenge on boss story.

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't it odd that if YOU falsify documents you get fired, but if THEY do it, it's "not a big deal".

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    #20

    Screenshot of a Reddit post describing a petty and savage way someone got revenge on their boss after being unfairly fired.

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    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It being Walmart, I'm surprised they didn't cancel OP's accrued PTO when they were fired.

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    #21

    Screenshot of a Reddit post describing a detailed exit interview letter as a petty revenge on a manipulative boss.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP's description of their boss is sadly often a fair characterization of many HR vps. It how they got to be a vp, in fact.

    #22

    Screenshot of a Reddit post describing petty revenge on a boss by pretending not to hear her until she yells.

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    Bianca
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That my lovely, deserves a medal!

    #23

    Text post describing a petty and savage way an employee got revenge on a boss by using a popcorn-scented USB drive.

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never heard of a USB drive with scented oil. I like stuff that's unscented.

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    #26

    Reddit post describing petty and savage ways people got revenge on their unpleasant boss by damaging his keys and locker.

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our boss at our auto mfg plant took all the chairs we used during line gaps after we cleaned and tidied up. Me and a dude went upstairs where their offices were during a meeting up front and removed all the chairs from the office. Somehow they ended up in the top rack in the warehouse, and 'magically' reappeared when we got our line chairs back(union shop).

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    #28

    Reddit post sharing a petty and savage way an employee got revenge on their boss by slacking during heavy workload.

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    Pyla
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Managers think we don't care about money. Like really? I'd be here all day if I could be home? Cop a freaking clue?

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    #30

    Comment about slowly replacing a boss's expensive coffee beans with cheap ones as a petty revenge story on bosses.

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    Nizumi
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a boss who swore he could taste the difference between caf and decaf - in a cappuccino. His wife said his doctor told him to cut down the caffeine (he was a coffee an hour person). I got him cut back to just the first cappuccino of the day had caffeine, all the rest were decaf. He never knew the difference. Later they fired me first day I was back from vacation. I never told anyone about the wife and doctor's orders. Wonder if the old fat fart had palpitations when he started getting all his coffees fully caffeinated again.

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    #31

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment describing a petty revenge on a boss by quitting and making them hire five people to cover the work.

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    C .Hunger
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the internet stood up and clapped. Yeah sure, 5 people...

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    #34

    Text conversation describing a petty and savage way an employee got revenge on their boss with a paper trail.

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    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like they're both terrible at communication.

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    #38

    Reddit post describing petty revenge on an old boss by ignoring him at a conference after changing jobs.

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    Pyla
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was recruited out of my old banking job and a week later the two managers waddled over to make a donation to just see what I was doing. No one ever donated before as they had a dedicated commitment to another org across town. Insane.

    #39

    Reddit post describes petty and savage revenge on toxic bosses before quitting a toxic job after workplace bullying.

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    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I question the OPs getting bullied and harrassed. It may well be the case but it sounds like they have behavioural issues. Ignoring management. Overslept (how many times I wonder?) and yes that would be 'neglecting your job duties'. Keeping the camera off, keeping it on mute, lying down next to the laptop..... All don't paint the OP in a good way. I strongly suspect they've been 'bullied' and 'harrased' at every job they've ever done 😕

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    #42

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment describing stealing office supplies as petty revenge on a boss over a bonus dispute.

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    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still theft for which You can be done unfortunately 😞

    #44

    Reddit story of employee's revenge on bad bosses by resigning and securing a winning project with a competitor company.

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    JSL
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't believe any of this. Most employers are not going to let you take all that vacation then turn in a 2 week notice and use remaining vacation for that 2 weeks.

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    #47

    Alt text: Reddit story of petty and savage revenge on a micromanaging boss involving hot chocolate mix choice and consequences.

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No constitution! Give me a large and get out of my way!

    #48

    Screenshot of a revenge comment about marking 20 inconspicuous places with initials as a petty way to get back at a boss.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because there is no other reason for the staff to remember OP?

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