Colleague Can’t Take No For An Answer So Man Pettily Answers His Video Call From The Hospital

Over the past decades, our work has entered deeper and deeper into our lives. Email, smartphones, and expansive intranets have made it much easier to stay connected to our jobs even when we’re not physically there. This can be great for people who don’t want to rot in traffic jams and for companies that are disappointed with the size of the local talent pool.

However, the downside is that it can interfere with parts of our day we’d rather keep private—like doctor appointments. A few days ago, Reddit user Changeurblinkerfluid uploaded a story on r/traumatizeThemBack about an annoying colleague who insisted on calling him despite the clear out-of-office alerts. So, he answered and turned the camera on at the oncologist’s to make sure the guy realized what he was doing. And it was effective!

When this employee accompanied his wife to her cancer treatment appointment, he set a clear out-of-office alert at work

Man in a suit angrily talking on phone, expressing frustration in a modern office.

Image credits: Tiger Lily (not the actual photo)

However, one colleague from the sales department didn’t care about it

Text screenshot discussing an incident where a tech manager addresses an entitled coworker disrupting out of office hours.

Text describing a man's role after his wife's rare lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.

Text about a coworker supported by a boss, highlighting flexible work hours for personal reasons.

Person in a blue gown sitting on a bed, looking contemplative in a softly lit room, showcasing an introspective mood.

Image credits: Tima Miroshnichenko (not the actual photo)

Text describing a situation where a guy embarrasses an entitled coworker by responding to messages from an oncologist's office.

Text conversation about a call becoming non-urgent after revealing location, discussing coworker's entitlement.

Text message about a wife's humorous comment related to an entitled coworker story.

Image credits: Changeurblinkerfluid

Many of us remain “on demand” outside of our work hours

In other countries, the numbers might be different, but in the United States, people are often on their corporate emails and messages when they’re off the clock.

According to a survey of 2,000 office employees, 70 percent are okay with receiving work notifications at any hour of the day. Maybe this also explains why the average person answers work emails 12 minutes faster than personal ones.

When asked to name their ideal schedule, respondents provided a variety of arrangements, like working “remotely with full flexibility of my work,” “whenever I want to meet my production,” or as specific as “8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.”

They stay connected during their free time to feel good about being on top of their responsibilities (48 percent) because they’re hoping to move up within the company (47 percent)—or because they don’t like leaving things unfinished (45 percent).

However, people need to remain aware of their habits because “remote and hybrid work can definitely blur the line between work and personal time, often shifting employer expectations for after-hours availability,” Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now—an online platform that provides useful tools and resources to job seekers—told Bored Panda.

“Remote tools have made employees more accessible and reachable than ever, sometimes leading managers or colleagues to assume instant responsiveness. Fortunately, this assumption is often driven by workplace culture, and many organizations have recognized the importance of supporting work-life balance, causing them to focus on outcomes delivered rather than hours worked.”

Indeed, 72% percent of us still rate their work-life balance as either “good” or “excellent.”

But, a 2024 poll of almost 3,000 employees discovered that irritating colleagues are even more common.  Its numbers showed that 85% of people have dealt with an annoying coworker, with 58% saying their behaviors significantly affect their productivity. The research categorized five main groups:

• Credit Stealer (33%);
• Micromanager (32%);
• Chronic Complainer (30%);
• Personal Space Intruder (30);
• Lunch Thief (27%).

As we can see, the salesperson belongs on the list as well.

“Setting boundaries between work and personal time is essential, primarily to protect your mental and physical well-being,” Keith Spencer from Resume Now added.

“Constant availability can lead to stress, fatigue, and, eventually, burnout – all of which can negatively impact your quality of life and work. By establishing boundaries and giving yourself time to rest, recharge, and engage in the things that bring you joy, you can enhance your focus, boost productivity, improve problem-solving, and increase job satisfaction.”

Hopefully, for both the salesperson’s and his company’s sake, he can improve.

Image credits: Campaign Creators (not the actual photo)

As the story went viral, it has received many different reactions

Reddit conversation about a guy embarrassing his entitled coworker with clever remarks.

Reddit conversation about a guy embarrassing an entitled coworker by discussing workplace dynamics.

Reddit users discussing a bone marrow transplant experience and support.

Guy responds about entitled coworker, confirming it was his wife's idea during a Reddit discussion.

Text comment stating, "Some people don't see the difference between 'want' and 'need'," related to entitled coworker.

Reddit comment praising how a guy embarrassed an entitled coworker effectively.

Text exchange about an entitled coworker being embarrassed, with humorous and sarcastic remarks.

Reddit comment criticizing an entitled coworker, suggesting he should be reported for his behavior.

Reddit comment about a coworker, praising a witty response to an entitled colleague.

Comment on coworker's behavior highlighting respect for Out of Office emails.

Social media comment reacting to a story about a guy embarrassing an entitled coworker.

Text comment from user discussing cancer survival and offering supportive words.

Reddit comment praising someone's wife, expressing respect and appreciation.

Reddit comment about salespeople being coin operated, mentions brother-in-law and wife's well-being.

Text exchange showing a guy's witty response to an entitled coworker's request.

Reddit comment thread expressing well-wishes and support.

Comment criticizing entitled coworker for messaging expectations.

Comment praising someone's wife for a recommendation.

Some people shared their own similar experiences

Text discusses a guy confronting an entitled coworker about chemotherapy not being a vacation.

Text discussing how someone declined early meetings due to radiation treatment, leading to an apology from an entitled coworker.

Text exchange highlighting a guy embarrassing an entitled coworker during a work-related situation.

Text exchange about a coworker being embarrassed over software training demands.

Text exchange where an in-house lawyer embarrasses an entitled coworker by sharing a personal situation involving a doctor's visit.

Text from social media about a guy handling an entitled coworker's question.

Text recounting an incident of a college student undergoing cancer treatments, asked to remove his hat by a professor.

Comment by user discussing response to a difficult coworker situation.

Text exchange showing a story about a guy responding to a coworker's urgent call from the ICU.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!