Starting a new job is stressful enough. But for many employees, the bigger challenge begins after the onboarding ends, especially when workplace politics, unclear expectations, and favoritism start affecting daily work. One Reddit user says that is exactly what has been happening at their company over the last six months, sharing a post on the r/antiwork forum describing how they increasingly feel like the “team scapegoat” during a difficult management transition.
According to the post, the employee joined the workplace shortly after leadership changes reshaped the company structure. Since then, they claim their manager has repeatedly provided incomplete instructions or failed to communicate important details entirely, only to later blame newer employees when problems arise.
“My manager gives me incomplete instructions or no instructions at all so that he can blame me or one of us new ones for all that goes wrong,” the employee wrote.
Worker says they were questioned over mistakes linked to ‘star employee’
The Reddit user also claimed they were unexpectedly pulled into discussions about older cases mishandled by a senior “star employee” from the previous year. “He wants us to handle the finances, budget, and all so that we are answerable for it,” the post stated.
The worker suggested their manager was fully aware of what had happened in those earlier cases but was now redirecting scrutiny toward newer hires.
Complicating matters further, the employee said they frequently work with freelancers who are significantly older and reportedly close friends with the manager. According to the post, communication has become a major problem.
“They almost do not want to discuss things with young women,” the employee alleged, adding that repeated requests for updates or information were often ignored. The user said management then appeared surprised when they lacked the information needed to complete the tasks.
Employee questions whether introversion and office politics are hurting career growth
Beyond communication issues, the Reddit post also reflected frustration over workplace culture and perceived favoritism. The employee speculated that their introverted personality and reluctance to engage in excessive workplace socializing may be affecting how they are viewed internally.
They contrasted themselves with a colleague they described as the manager’s “star employee,” claiming the coworker “leaves no stone unturned” to build rapport by watching films the manager likes, speaking his native language, and “false laughs at jokes.”
The post ended with a direct question many workers facing toxic environments eventually ask themselves: “Is there a way out or should I look for a backup?”
Reddit users advise documentation and job applications
The discussion quickly attracted responses from other Reddit users, many of whom advised the employee to begin documenting workplace communication more carefully.
One commenter recommended creating written records of interactions and missing information requests. “Start putting these interactions or the lack of interactions in writing,” the user advised. “Email others reminding them of information they haven't yet sent you.”
The commenter also suggested forwarding copies to a personal email account for recordkeeping.
Another Reddit user offered more blunt advice: “Every day, from your desk, apply to a job.” That same commenter jokingly added, "Only poop at work, and do not waste breaks making coffee. Coffee is for worktime only.”
While some commenters encouraged the worker to continue documenting issues and protect themselves professionally, others suggested the situation may already signal a deeper cultural problem within the organization.
For the employee at the center of the discussion, the unresolved question remains whether better communication can repair the situation or whether finding a new workplace may ultimately be the safer option.
