September 22, 2025 at 7:55 pm

Annoying Customers Constantly Complained About Employees Working Long Hours, But The Staff Had To Smile Through The Chaos Anyway

by Benjamin Cottrell

employee working at a supermarket

Pexels/Reddit

Everyone knows retail can be a grind, but some customers seem to forget that employees are humans too.

One worker found themselves repeatedly reminded that being open late was “awful” by customers were quick to take for granted how essential their shift was.

And the situation quickly turned frustrating.

Read on for the full story.

A gold star for all of the retail workers today that had to hear..

“Why are you guys open today? So late? That’s awful! You should be home and have the day off with your families or friends!”

That’s something you hear from a customer while you’re ringing them up or serving them—and somehow you manage not to roll your eyes.

The retail worker reflects further on other customers they’ve had.

I realize some people are genuinely grateful for the money or hours we’re putting in. I definitely am, especially since things can get rough after the holidays.

Some people really suffer from missing out on family time.

But my coworkers with young kids had a tough time hearing this over and over again today and tonight.

If you’re coming in and shopping, you’re the reason we’re open!

But there is a silver lining.

On the positive side, it was nice to hear some customers say things like, “I’m so grateful you’re open for the last-minute people like me, I hope your day goes well.” Those little moments made it worthwhile.

Some customers just don’t get it, which makes the ones who do all the more appreciated.

What did Reddit think?

This commenter found a way to reward a few retail workers in their area.

Screenshot 2025 08 27 at 3.53.16 PM Annoying Customers Constantly Complained About Employees Working Long Hours, But The Staff Had To Smile Through The Chaos Anyway

Customers like to make their lack of planning some poor retail worker’s emergency.

Screenshot 2025 08 27 at 3.54.44 PM Annoying Customers Constantly Complained About Employees Working Long Hours, But The Staff Had To Smile Through The Chaos Anyway

Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it.

Screenshot 2025 08 27 at 3.57.11 PM Annoying Customers Constantly Complained About Employees Working Long Hours, But The Staff Had To Smile Through The Chaos Anyway

Some customers will never be happy, no matter what happens.

Screenshot 2025 08 27 at 3.58.10 PM Annoying Customers Constantly Complained About Employees Working Long Hours, But The Staff Had To Smile Through The Chaos Anyway

It was stressful dealing with entitled shoppers, but some genuine gratitude reminded the employee why they kept showing up.

Sometimes all you need is a little encouragement to keep pushing through a difficult situation.

If you liked that post, check this one about a guy who got revenge on his condo by making his own Christmas light rules.

Benjamin Cottrell | Assistant Editor, Internet Culture

Benjamin Cottrell is an Assistant Editor and contributing writer at TwistedSifter, specializing in internet culture, viral social dynamics, and the moral complexities of online communities. He brings a highly analytical, editorial voice to his reporting on workplace conflicts, malicious compliance, and interpersonal drama, with a specific focus on nuanced stories that lack an obvious villain.

As a published author of rhetorical criticism, Benjamin leverages his academic background in human communication to dissect and elevate viral social media threads. Instead of simply summarizing events, he provides readers with balanced, deep-dive commentary into why the internet reacts the way it does. In addition to his cultural reporting, he is an experienced fine art photography essayist and video game reviewer.

When he isn’t analyzing the latest viral debates, Benjamin is usually chipping away at his extensive video game backlog, hunting down the best new restaurants, or out exploring the city with a camera in hand.

Connect with Benjamin on Instagram and read more of his essays on Substack.