‘Called Me A**hole’: Intern Opens Up About Boss’s Verbal Attacks And Toxic Workplace

A 21-year-old intern recently took to Reddit to share his distressing experience of workplace bullying by his boss, shedding light on the toxic behaviour he has endured. His story, shared on the platform’s “IndianWorkplace” community, has sparked widespread discussion about workplace harassment and how to address it.

Harsh Words Over Minor Errors

The intern, who graduated recently and joined a consultancy firm, recounted how his boss berated him during a presentation. The boss, frustrated over a minor mistake in a draft, reportedly used offensive language, calling him an “a**hole” and blaming the intern for inefficiency.

In his Reddit post, tagged under “workplace toxicity,” the intern explained:
“While I was presenting my draft, my boss said, ‘Which mth3r fck**g a$$hole did this?’ He later apologised for his language but justified his reaction by saying it was inefficient for him to redo tasks he handled decades ago.”

The intern revealed that this was not an isolated incident. He described a pattern of verbal jabs, threats, and constant criticism that has left him frustrated and unsure of how to proceed.

Seeking Solutions: Escalation or Endurance?

The intern is now grappling with whether to escalate the matter to the Vice President, request a team transfer, or endure the toxic environment until he secures another job. His concerns stem from potential repercussions and the fear of disappointing his parents, who have supported him financially in pursuing this opportunity.

“Going back home isn’t an option. I don’t want to disappoint my parents or make them think I made the wrong decision,” he wrote, expressing the emotional toll the situation has taken on him.

My boss just called me M**th*r F*ck3r
byu/fuxk_veggies inIndianWorkplace

Advice and Outrage from the Online Community

The Reddit community responded with a mix of advice and empathy. Many encouraged the intern to stand up for himself and confront the behaviour directly. Others suggested reporting the issue to HR or even taking legal action if necessary.

“No, bro. Don’t stay silent. This behaviour persists because no one calls it out,” commented one user.
Another added, “Report this to HR. If they don’t act, go higher. Workplace bullying should never be tolerated.”

Some offered practical advice, urging the intern to demand an apology or insist on professional communication standards.

Broader Implications of Workplace Toxicity

The intern’s post has sparked a larger conversation about toxic work environments and how they can impact young professionals. It underscores the need for companies to foster supportive and respectful workplaces while addressing harassment complaints effectively.

As the debate continues online, the intern’s story serves as a reminder that standing up against workplace bullying is not just a personal battle but a collective step toward improving corporate culture.