In the relentless grind of managing a demo and cleanup job, a man sought reliable hands to help meet a looming deadline. With only three full-time workers, he urgently posted an ad for two more, hoping to shore up his team. When a hopeful response came from a man and his roommate, promising $22 an hour, he saw a glimmer of relief. But as the morning wore on, empty promises replaced presence, and a creeping frustration took hold—the men never showed, their excuses fading into silence.
Months later, fate twisted the tale when the same man reappeared, seeking work once more. Instead of anger, the foreman chose a different path—a test wrapped in a trap, sending him to a false address in the hills. When the man called, furious and lost, it was a moment of poetic justice, a powerful reminder that actions have consequences, and trust is a fragile thing not easily mended.
I’m a gc and had a guy from Craigslist screw me on a job, I got him back though
A business owner is left in a difficult spot when two workers do not show up for a job. Their failure to do what they promised costs him time and causes a lot of stress.
Months later, the owner finds a way to get revenge when one of the workers asks for a job again. He decides to trick the worker to make him feel the same frustration.
Dr. George Simon, a psychologist who studies how people manipulate others, says that revenge is a common way to react when someone feels cheated. In this story, the contractor felt the worker stole his time by not showing up. By tricking the worker later, the contractor wanted to show him how it feels to have your time wasted. Dr. Simon notes that acting like the person who hurt you can make you look unprofessional. It changes a business problem into a personal fight.
The contractor’s choice was understandable, but it was not the best professional move. Instead of playing games, it is better to simply not hire the person again. A business owner should tell the worker that their past behavior is why they are not being hired. This keeps the owner’s reputation clean and avoids more arguments.
THE COMMENTS SECTION WENT WILD – REDDIT HAD *A LOT* TO SAY ABOUT THIS ONE.
The contractor feels that his actions were right because the worker had treated him badly first. He is caught between wanting to stand up for himself and following the rules of being a professional business owner.
Is it okay for an employer to trick a worker to teach them a lesson, or should they always stay professional and just walk away?
