15 People Share the Fastest They’ve Seen Someone Go From Hired to Fired
Starting a new job can be nerve-racking. There’s paperwork to finish, coworkers to meet, and a whole list of rules you’re expected to remember. Most people manage to get through their first day without causing a scene, but apparently that’s asking too much of some new hires. On Reddit, people shared stories about employees who barely had time to learn their coworkers’ names before getting fired. Some ignored basic safety instructions, others picked fights with management, and a surprising number couldn’t resist taking something that wasn’t theirs. A few didn’t even make it to lunch. Here are 15 stories about remarkably short-lived careers.
Wrong Person to Yell At
During his first week, a new employee sped through the company parking garage, nearly hit the managing director, and rudely dismissed his warning to slow down. He was fired before lunch.
Safety Glasses Were Apparently Too Much
On his first day, a worker refused to wear safety glasses and a dust mask while cutting chipboard, then insulted a coworker for wearing them. The operations manager overheard everything.
The Sandwich That Cost a Job
Two hours into his first day, a new employee stole a labeled sandwich from the office refrigerator, unaware it belonged to the HR director who had just given him a tour.
A Very Short Career in Retail
A new cashier lasted just 30 minutes on the sales floor before getting caught photographing customers’ credit cards and sending the information to her sister.
The Chef Who Wouldn’t Follow Orders
On his first day aboard a ship, a cook refused the captain’s request to serve lunch an hour earlier, insisting that his cooking was art. He was gone that afternoon.
Mondays Were Not an Option
One employee skipped their scheduled January 4 start date, showed up the following day, and explained that they simply hadn’t felt like beginning a new job on a Monday.
One Signature Too Many
During his first week, a salesman closed a deal but forgot to get the client’s signature on a required agreement, so he forged it instead. He was fired within 24 hours.
He Refused to Work for a Woman
A new employee immediately insulted his female supervisor, then told the manager he wouldn’t work under a woman. Security escorted him out after he refused to cooperate.
The First-Hour Outburst
A newly hired social media manager shouted at her supervisor when he interrupted her to request some HR paperwork. She was fired roughly 15 minutes later.
The Phone That Couldn’t Stay Away
A bank call center trainee repeatedly ignored warnings about bringing phones onto the work floor, secretly using his inside a headset box. He was escorted out during training.
Caught Snacking on the Job
A new restaurant employee was caught eating chips and salsa directly from the kitchen’s food preparation station during a surprise visit from the regional manager.
A Teacher’s Social Media Mistake
On the first day of school, a newly hired teacher posted pictures of her first-grade students online, identifying them by name despite school policy. She was fired by day two.
Keep Your Fingers Out of the Grinder
A new coffee shop worker ignored instructions and repeatedly pushed coffee beans into a grinder with their fingers. After a second warning-worthy attempt, management fired them immediately.
The Wrong Shoes for Demolition
A temporary worker arrived at a demolition site wearing dress shoes instead of appropriate work footwear. According to a coworker, his entire employment lasted about eight minutes.
An Insult Within Earshot
A new employee made an unflattering remark about an older man in the workplace, unaware he was talking about the company owner, who could hear him. He was gone by day’s end.