New Guy in Warehouse Learns the Hard Way: AITA for Letting Him Figure It Out?

AITA for not explaining instructions to a new warehouse coworker? Controversy arises over lack of guidance leading to mistakes.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
25 Dec 2025

New Guy in Warehouse Learns the Hard Way: AITA for Letting Him Figure It Out?

In the bustling world of warehouse work, new employees often face a steep learning curve. One Reddit user recently shared an encounter with a new coworker that sparked a heated debate about workplace communication and mentorship.

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The original poster recounted a situation in which a new hire repeatedly questioned instructions, only to receive frustration and terse responses. The crux of the matter lies in a few key moments: when the new employee was instructed to return some boxes to the storage fridge, he hesitated and asked why.

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Instead of explaining that the fridge was complete, the original poster chose to dismiss the inquiry, leading to a series of miscommunications and mistakes. This pattern persisted, leaving many users wondering whether the experienced worker's approach was fair or helpful.

As the thread unfolds, commenters share their perspectives, highlighting the importance of guidance and patience when working with those just starting. The reactions range from support for the new employee's desire to learn to criticism of the original poster's lack of empathy.

This discussion raises essential questions about the dynamics of teaching and learning in the workplace. How much responsibility do seasoned employees have to foster a supportive environment for their less-experienced colleagues?

Original Post

I work in a warehouse and there was a kind of new guy. it was like his 9th shift.

We had to put some boxes in a fridge the area were full. So I didnt even bother unloading it from my forklift.

He asks "what's with this?" And I said "bring it back to the storage fridge". This is out giant fridge where we keep all our stuff.

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And he goes "why??.... why???".

So i tell him "alright, try putting it in the fridge then". Without checking if there is space, he put all the boxes on a dolly and when he makes it to the fridge, he yells from across the place "heyyy!!!

There is no space!!!... Heyyy!!!..." Then he walks back and tell me again "there is no space...".

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And I tell him "alright then, do whatever you want with the boxes. I already told you what to do and you didnt want to do it so..." He brought it down.

This isnt an isolated event, a few days before, he was about to start pumping a pump truck that had a pallet on it. The pallet was inserted the worng way.

So i told him "youre going to break the skid". He stopped for a second, took a look at the skid.

And then he proceeded to start pumping. Very quick the skid started making a cracking sound and he looked so embarrassed.

Another coworker asked "why did this happen?" I gave him the explanation, because the pump truck is inserted on the wrong side.