I've been working for a company for 2 and a half years now, it's not bad, just have had frustrations throughout this time, one in particular, quite recently, has been on my mind.
Little bit of context, been working 3 days of overtime, my normal scheduled shifts are on the weekend, friday-sunday 12 hours. Which means 10 hour shifts for 3 days.
I'm tired and can only think at this point I am in for a heavy load this week doing these shifts on top of my regular scheduled shifts.
Anyway, I came in in a good mood on this day, supervisor wasn't sure at this time where they needed me just yet, asked me to complete a small task which ideally would only take about 5 minutes, then went to go figure out what I would be doing for the day. I started the task, when I got to a point where I needed some equipment to finish the task, I looked around saw only one available close by but a coworker was getting ready to use it himself but was going to be a couple of minutes before he actually needed it, so I went over grabbed it and told him I'm going to use this, and bring it back as soon as I'm done, immediately was faced with an aggressive attitude, he was saying he needed it right then and there so he could finish his task, so he could load a truck with what he was working on, I understood, but also could see that he wasn't going to need it for a few minutes, I could complete my task and have the equipment returned to him by the time he actually needed it. I was also roughly about 10 to 15 feet away from where he was working, so not super far, also close enough for me to bring it back if in less than a few seconds if he was ready to use the equipment before I completed my task. I tried to be nice and explain this to him, he would have none of it, still having an aggressive attitude towards me about taking the equipment, at which point, being at work for less than an hour and having to deal with this as early as it was, I told him to SHUT THE FUCK UP and walked away with the equipment, as I was walking, he said he is going to get the manager, like boss man manager. I told him to do that.
Started working on my task, few minutes later manager came along and asked what happened, I told him, and that was the end of it.
No verbal warning, no write up, nothing, just wanted to know from my side what went down.
Little more context, this coworker has worked for the company for like 10 years or so, has had multiple instances where management has had to talk to him about his additude towards others, but continues to work there.
Also have heard from many other coworkers that he has had a bad attitude towards them, and to my knowledge has been happening as long as the 2 and a half years that I have been there, he seems to get away with it.
If you've read this far, I guess I would just like to share an opinion with you..
Be better than us both, even when faced with the challenges of such frustrations, be kind and polite about the way you approach any situation, do NOT fight fire with fire as I did, but also don't be upset at small inconveniences as he was. I personally believe that the people who have shared their stories on this sub have the mentality to ascend above such instances as the better person, with kindness and compassion. Even if you are pushed by others, to your breaking point, to the edge, stand your ground but don't show aggression.
There will always be points in your life where you will be in these types of situations, how we chose to act or respond is what matters.
Anyway, this is just my opinion, it is entirely up to you who have read this far to take it as you please. Thank you for your time.