January 6, 2026 at 6:35 pm

An Off-Duty Fast Food Employee Was Confronted By A Customer Who Wanted Help, But They Told Her They Weren’t On The Clock Yet

by Matthew Gilligan

woman wearing a hat

Shutterstock/Reddit

When you’re off the clock, you’re not obligated to do any work if you don’t feel like it, right?

You’re darn right!

This fast food worker knows all about it, but they got some blowback when they didn’t help a customer when they were off the clock.

Did they act like a jerk?

Read on and see what you think.

AITA for not getting a customer a refill while I wasn’t working?

“I work at a fast food restaurant.

I was there an hour before my shift started and I wasn’t in full uniform. I had the shirt on, which is how they knew I worked there, but I had different pants on and I was not wearing my non-slip shoes.

We’re technically not allowed to go behind the counter not wearing non-slips. I had ordered food and I was sitting down to eat it when I realized I needed napkins.

You know what’s coming next…

I got up and went to the condiment stand, and a customer stopped me and asked me for sauces, a bag, and a refill of their drink.

My food waiting on the table, I politely informed her that I was not currently working. She gave me an evil glare and then went back to her own table, loudly proclaiming that I was rude, and that this fast food chain should fire and ban me.

Well, sorry…

I just wanted to eat, and I suppose the reason she was so upset was that this one is known for hospitality, but I was eating and wasn’t in uniform in the first place.

AITA?”

Reddit users shared their thoughts.

This person had a lot to say.

Screenshot 2025 12 17 at 8.43.22 AM An Off Duty Fast Food Employee Was Confronted By A Customer Who Wanted Help, But They Told Her They Werent On The Clock Yet

Another individual said they’re NTA.

Screenshot 2025 12 17 at 8.43.36 AM An Off Duty Fast Food Employee Was Confronted By A Customer Who Wanted Help, But They Told Her They Werent On The Clock Yet

This Reddit user spoke up.

Screenshot 2025 12 17 at 8.44.01 AM An Off Duty Fast Food Employee Was Confronted By A Customer Who Wanted Help, But They Told Her They Werent On The Clock Yet

And another individual weighed in.

Screenshot 2025 12 17 at 8.44.10 AM An Off Duty Fast Food Employee Was Confronted By A Customer Who Wanted Help, But They Told Her They Werent On The Clock Yet

They weren’t gonna move an inch until they were officially on the clock.

Thought that was satisfying? Check out what this employee did when their manager refused to pay for their time while they were traveling for business.