Reliable employee refuses to cover coworker, Jenna's, future shifts, after discovering she lied about having a "family emergency" and instead attended a 3-day music festival, leading to workplace tension: 'I open Instagram and guess who’s posting stories'

Author image for Emma Saven
Emma Saven
Oct 10, 2025 6:00 PM EDT

If your goal is to never have someone cover a shift for you ever again, here is the step-by-step guide on how to achieve it. Firstly, try by telling your kind and reliable coworker that you have a "family emergency" and cue the fake tears, then ask them politely if they could please cover your weekend shifts. When they instantly agree (just like you knew they would), pack your bags, grab the tent, and get ready for the biggest 3-day music festival your state has ever seen. Don't forget to take tons of pictures showing off your fun and carefree weekend full of glitter...

Then post them all over your Instagram for your shift-covering coworker to see. Once she discovers that you completely lied about having a serious family emergency and that Grandma Jill is extremely fit and healthy, prepare for her to confront you at work…and when she does, laugh it off as if you did nothing wrong. And there you have it, folks, you've just created more of a chance of pigs flying than having your generous coworker ever cover for you again. 

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  • The entitlement of some people is truly baffling. How is her emotional intelligence so low that this coworker sees no issue with what she’s done?…how does the guilt not eventually creep in one way or another? It seems that maybe some people are more used to using others, taking their kindness for weakness. But not anymore, this employee is putting her foot down, while simultaneously reminding the coworkers who defended her entitled colleague, that next time she needs an ‘emergency’ shift covered, they should be happy to volunteer. 

  • Woman working on her computer and laptop
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    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • AITA for refusing to cover my coworker’s shift after she lied about why she needed time off?

    I've worked at my job for almost three years now, and I've always been known as the "reliable one." I'm the person everyone goes to when they need someone to cover a shift, swap schedules, or help meet deadlines.
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • I don't mind helping — as long as people are honest about it. Last month, my coworker "Jenna" asked if I could cover two of her weekend shifts.
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • She said her grandmother had suddenly fallen ill and she needed to be with family. Of course, I said yes without thinking twice.
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • I even canceled some personal plans because I didn't want her to stress while dealing with something serious.
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • Well, fast-forward to the following week – I open Instagram and guess who's posting stories from a three-day music festival out of town?
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • Jenna. I thought maybe it was old footage, but the posts were clearly timestamped, and mutual coworkers commented things like, "You look amazing!
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • Two friends at a music festival
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    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • So glad you finally made. it!" When I asked her about it, she first laughed and said, "Oh, you weren't supposed to see that!" Then she told me she just really needed a break and that I wouldn't have agreed if she'd told the truth.
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • I was shocked by how casual she was about lying. I told her I'd help others when I can, but I won't be covering for her again especially after that.
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • She rolled her eyes and told me to "relax" because "it's not that deep." Now she's telling other coworkers I'm selfish and "don't know how to have fun." A few people have hinted that I should just let it go since it's "not a big deal." But to me, it feels like a major breach of trust.
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • AITA for refusing to ever cover for her again, even if she actually does have a real emergency next time?
    via Significant-Rock-503
  • Woman sitting in bed and scrolling through her phone while she sips tea
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    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Plus_Faithlessness 16 NTA. Never cover for her again. I would also never cover again for the coworkers who are telling you to let it go. They are telling on themselves with their attitudes. They have likely taken advantage of you too.
    via Plus_Faithlessness
  • Zestyclose-Height-36 Nta. if she asks again, tell her you already have your own concert tickets.
    via Zestyclose-Height-36
  • Bearliz NTA. She lied to your face. If others agree with her, just tell them to ask her next time they need yo switch and quit being so accommodating. It looks like they think nothing of your generosity.
    via Bearliz
  • Glittering-Sugar-07 NTA. Do NOT cover for Jenna ever again. She is just trying to take advantage of you. And to those coworkers who say you need to let it go, DO NOT cover for them either. Let them be the "team player" and cover Jenna's shifts to keep the peace.
    via x
  • YesterdaySimilar2069 You don't have to declare that you'll never cover for her again. It just so happens that every time she needs coverage you are too busy. Don't rock a boat if there's a chance it could rock you back.
    via x
  • Substantial-Draw2395 The problem is LYING. She could have booked time off instead of lying.
    via Substantial-Draw2395
  • TheWorldExhaustsMe I don't get the coworkers defending her. It's easy to say it's "no big deal" when you're not the one being taken advantage of. You're NTA, never cover again and home girl can go pound sand. If she's got any sense, she'll realize she burned that bridge.
    via TheWorldExhaustsMe
  • types-like-thunder I would let EVERYONE know you will no longer cover anyone because she lied to you and others defended her for doing it. They all disrespected your time off and your family. Let those who defended her deal with her absences.
    via types-like-thunder
  • BeachinLife1 All those "hinting" that you should just let it go, are the ones she needs to go to when she needs a weekend off for a fake grandma- illness. I would tell her that and I would tell them that as well.
    via BeachinLife1
  • Suspicious_Habit_447 NTA. You have a life too. It sounds like there'll a group of your co-workers who have been taking advantage of you. The person who made up that story to gull you is especially a j. That's shameful.
    via Suspicious_Habit_447

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failblog Music comments covering-shifts FAIL excuses instagram askreddit horrible coworkers employees exposed workplace festival workplace drama dishonest Reddit grandmother
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