Man Deletes Thousands Of Hours Of Work After Being Fired From "Old Toxic Job" For Requesting A Raise

Working in a toxic environment is something that some people have to endure in order to make ends meet. Grabbing everyone’s attention is a story from one Reddit user who worked as a videographer for "a 7-figure organization."

Sharing his story on the r/antiwork subreddit, he wrote about how little they were paid, the toxicity of the working environment, and the huge workload he faced. Despite these challenges, the videographer persevered and continued to push through.

According to him, he couldn’t understand how he managed to do the job for half a year, especially given how poorly he was compensated. Naturally, the time came for him to request a raise, and this is where the story takes a turn for the worse. 

Not only did the company fire the videographer, but they also told him that he wasn't doing his fair share, which is the last thing anyone who has worked hard wants to hear. After being fired from a toxic work environment, this Redditor, who worked there as a videographer, discovered that the organization had continued to use his work.

Continue reading for the full story, which concludes with long hours of work being wiped out with a single click of the delete button.

He was so tired of the entire situation that he erased long hours of work.

Guillaume Issaly (not the actual photo)

This post gained massive attention, receiving 152K upvotes and more than 12K comments in just 12 days.

The story begins

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The OP was not paid enough for his work

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Understanding Toxic Work Environments

Toxic work environments can significantly impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that employees in such settings often experience decreased job satisfaction and heightened emotional exhaustion. The study highlights how factors like poor management, lack of support, and interpersonal conflict contribute to a negative workplace culture.

Furthermore, chronic exposure to these toxic elements can result in long-term psychological effects, including depression and anxiety disorders. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both employees and employers who aim to foster healthier workplace environments.

And it was a lot of work

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Fighting as a form of entertainment

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Pitching in order to get a raise

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The decision to delete thousands of hours of work after being fired can be understood through the lens of psychological reactance, a theory proposed by Dr. Jack Brehm in the 1960s. This phenomenon occurs when individuals perceive their freedom to choose as being threatened, leading them to assert their autonomy in defiant ways.

In this case, the individual’s act of deleting his work can be seen as a reclamation of power in an otherwise disempowering situation. Research in social psychology suggests that when people face perceived threats to their autonomy, they may engage in extreme behaviors to regain a sense of control, often leading to decisions they wouldn't have made under different circumstances.

Comparing my ideal salary but got fired instead

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Finding another job was not easy

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The discovery

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The Role of Emotional Expression

Emotional expression plays a crucial role in how individuals process workplace trauma. Dr. James Pennebaker, a psychologist known for his work on expressive writing, found that articulating one's feelings can lead to improved mental health outcomes. His studies show that when individuals express their emotions related to stressful life events, they often experience a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms.

This suggests that for individuals who have left toxic work environments, finding healthy outlets for their feelings—whether through writing, speaking, or therapy—can be beneficial. Engaging in activities that promote emotional expression can help facilitate healing and recovery from workplace-related stress.

The company was actively using my files

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This is my work and I choose to wipe it

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While some members of the online community supported his actions, others suggested what he could have done instead. Here are some of the comments on the post:

Someone wants to be kept updated

levi241

It's essential to recognize the concept of 'self-efficacy,' as described by psychologist Albert Bandura. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish tasks. In the context of leaving a toxic job, this belief can be significantly challenged.

When someone is fired or feels undervalued, their self-efficacy may plummet, leading to feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. Research indicates that fostering a strong sense of self-efficacy can be a protective factor against the negative effects of job loss. Individuals can build this confidence through skills training, setting small achievable goals, and seeking social support from peers or mentors.

Just make the whole drive private

tayI0rs

An anti-work

BubulleW

A perfect ransom for the situation

Cactastrophe

Coping Mechanisms and Recovery

When faced with the aftermath of a toxic work environment, individuals can benefit from implementing effective coping strategies. According to Gretchen Rubin, a happiness researcher, "The most effective way to cope with stress is to focus on what you can control and to cultivate a sense of gratitude." Various coping methods, including problem-solving, emotional regulation, and seeking social support, can significantly bolster resilience. For instance, engaging in mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioral techniques can help individuals reframe their thoughts and reduce stress. Additionally, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes that "connecting with supportive friends or counseling services can provide emotional relief and guidance, allowing individuals to navigate their feelings post-employment more effectively."

Seeing how dumb they are

Retro_Super_Future

The company would really hate you for this move

I29

An invasion of privacy

And the OP gave his reply.

Jinsmag

The phenomenon of 'toxic workplace culture' often correlates with poor organizational outcomes. A study conducted by researchers at the Harvard Business School indicates that when employees perceive their work environment as toxic, their overall engagement and productivity decline significantly. This underlines the importance of fostering a positive organizational culture that prioritizes employee well-being.

Leaders in organizations can actively work to change toxic dynamics by promoting open communication, providing feedback, and ensuring that employees feel valued and heard. Implementing regular check-ins and creating channels for anonymous feedback can help identify and address workplace issues before they escalate.

What you did was great and tell us more about how it goes

ghostzombie3

A way to handle the situation if anything occurs

rticul8prim8

Someone's day has been made

ladycarpenter

The Importance of Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries is an essential skill for maintaining mental health, especially after experiencing a toxic job environment. Clinical psychologists emphasize that healthy boundaries help individuals protect their emotional well-being and clarify their personal limits. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology indicates that individuals who effectively establish boundaries report lower levels of stress and improved emotional regulation.

Learning to say no, prioritizing self-care, and recognizing one’s limits are fundamental strategies that can aid in recovery. Workshops or therapy focused on assertiveness training can be beneficial for those struggling to establish these essential boundaries.

Here's an update from the OP after his post received a lot of engagement

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The fears of not having the option to secure another job, of ending up in a similarly awful work environment, if not worse, or even the fear of the employer's response and how it could affect your resume are all genuine. Nevertheless, there are few things as liberating as the freedom that comes with gathering the courage to confront those "what if uncertainties" in order to free yourself.

Psychological Analysis

The man's decision to delete his work after being fired is a clear example of psychological reactance. When people feel their freedom is being compromised, they often respond by asserting their autonomy, even if it's in ways that seem drastic or defiant. In this case, deleting his work was the man's way of regaining some control in a situation where he felt disempowered.

Analysis generated by AI

In summary, navigating the complexities of leaving a toxic workplace requires understanding both the psychological implications and practical coping strategies involved. Research from the field of organizational psychology indicates that fostering an environment of respect and support can mitigate the effects of workplace toxicity, benefiting not only individuals but also the organization as a whole.

Dr. Amy Edmondson from Harvard Business School highlights the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, arguing that organizations must prioritize healthy communication and support systems to ensure employee well-being. Recovery from toxic environments is possible, but it typically requires a multifaceted approach that includes emotional expression, boundary-setting, and the development of self-efficacy—each of which plays a critical role in promoting resilience and recovery.