Security employee works 19 hour shift when relief doesn't show up, management complains when he says he's unable to work his next shift: 'I had to fight just to get my timecard fixed'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jul 31, 2026 9:15 AM EDT

Some employers have no problem in making it obvious that you are nothing more than a cog in a machine.

Unfortunately, in many jobs, management is not hesitant to test how far an employee will go to keep their paycheck. They operate on the principle that every worker is entirely replaceable, even if finding somebody who is as reliable and competent as whoever is working in the position currently turns out to be a gargantuan task. You might think this isn't good business strategy, but they do it nonetheless.

Working in a role where it is abundantly clear that the company does not care for your welfare can be demoralizing, to say the least. It is the ultimate stuck between a rock and a hard place situation, where the two choices seem to be either unemployment or continuing to tolerate disrespect. At its worst, it can even end up being unsafe. The obvious solution is to find another job as soon as possible, but that can be easier said than done. Careful planning is required to get out of a bad workplace in a way that is going to benefit the employee. At the end of the day, you never know what they might be capable of.

 

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  • The back of a security guard, wearing a jacket that says ‘security’, using a flashlight to look at boxes in a warehouse
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    The back of a security guard, wearing a jacket that says 'security', using a flashlight to look at boxes in a warehouse

  • A security guard at a warehouse facility worked a nightmare shift recently, when the 8 hours they were supposed to cover overnight turned into nearly 19 because the coworker who was supposed to relieve him never showed up. He felt like he had to stay to work another shift so that the building wasn't left unsecured.

    Due to these extended hours, he told management that he didn't feel capable of working his next night shift. They took offence to this and claimed they would not allow him to work overtime if he didn't work his scheduled shifts. He was left wondering what his future at this job was.

  • I worked an 18.75-hour shift because I want to be a reliable employee. Management retaliated when I said I needed to sleep.

    Background: I work as an unarmed security officer at a major logistics warehouse. We have a strict policy that you cannot leave your post until your relief shows up- otherwise, it's job abandonment and creates a massive liability. I commute an hour each way just to get to this site for my standard 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
    via Jmtjadm
  • shift, but management constantly refuses to properly fix or manage my shifts. Whenever there is a problem, their go-to excuse is always that "it takes 24 hours to update the schedule."
    via Jmtjadm
  • The History: This isn't the first time they've left me hanging. I've stepped up to help them out multiple times in the past when things fell apart. I even completely missed my wife's appointment to get her car fixed because, once again, no one showed up to relieve me, and I refused to abandon the post.
    via Jmtjadm
  • The Incident: A few days ago, it happened again. My 6:00 AM relief completely ghosted. I contacted local management. The boss actually texted me saying he was "on his way," but proceeded to string me along. It took him five hours to finally get to the site. Because I take pride in my work and want to be a reliable employee, I didn't walk off. I ended up
    via Jmtjadm
  • working a grueling 18.75-hour shift straight just to keep the site secured and make sure everything was done by the book.
    via Jmtjadm
  • The Retaliation: Because I was completely exhausted from working almost 19 hours, I told my manager I was too tired to safely work my next scheduled night shift. Instead of recognizing my dedication, local management got hostile. First, I had to fight just to get my timecard fixed so the massive overtime was properly logged. Then, the site
    via Jmtjadm
  • manager sent down a retaliatory directive stating: "You won't be able to work overtime if you can't make it in for your regular scheduled shifts." So, let me get this straight: I pull an emergency 19-hour shift, sacrificing my own time and getting strung along for hours by my own boss, all because | actually care about doing my job well- and my reward is getting my future
    via Jmtjadm
  • overtime restricted because my body physically required sleep? My Thoughts on Quitting: I live in an at-will state, meaning I can walk at any time. I am seriously thinking about driving up to the site tonight, exactly 10 minutes before my next shift is supposed to start, and
    via Jmtjadm
  • dropping a trash bag full of my uniform shirts right on the security desk. I'd snap a picture for my receipt and send a group text to all three managers saying my resignation is effective immediately. Has anyone else dealt with retaliation like this? Am I right to be thinking about just walking away tonight?
    via Jmtjadm
  • Close-up of the back of a security guard wearing a jacket that says ‘security’ shining a flashlight
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    Close-up of the back of a security guard wearing a jacket that says 'security' shining a flashlight

  • ElectronicRabbit7 that "You won't be able to work overtime if you can't make it in for your regular scheduled shifts." is going to bite him in the athe next time somebody fails to show up and you go home bc you're not allowed to work OT.
    via ElectronicRabbit7
  • TheLocalHater I would have walked off way before that and for sure after they retaliated against me. F them and that job. Dont even drive the hour on your own gas. Just dont show up and block all numbers from them. The corporation always wins and will be fine.
    via TheLocalHater
  • Poundey11 Dont cut your nose off to spite your face- Retaliating that way doesn't shut the business down but DOES leave you unemployed Play a longer game that doesnt hurt you financially if leaving is what you genuinely want...:)
    via Poundey11
  • Proud-Mode8707 I would actively work on getting another job lined up. Unless you're in a financial situation we're your comfortable walking away with limited impact, then do your best to take the high road but be clear that you will no longer suffer for management's
    via Proud-Mode8707
  • poor scheduling or the other choices of employees who don't decide to show up to work. You have a life and family obligations outside of work. That should not suffer because of your company's incompetence.
    via Proud-Mode8707
  • Brief_cat_6411 What is your process when someone doesn't show up for their shift? Clarify by email, the process with your manager and then follow it. If you're ever in this situation again, only work 2 hours over, then tell them you have to leave to get home. No further
    via Brief_cat_6411
  • explanation needed. If they asked, tell them you're only able to stay that long and they need to get someone else to cover. Don't quit in haste. Find another job first. In interviews, say you're looking for something with a shorter commute with a smile. Then give your notice properly and move on.
    via Brief_cat_6411
  • morbidcuriosity86 Save that message where they said you wont get overtime if you dont show up and the next time someone doesnt show up to relieve you, leave and they say anything forward the screenshot of that message.
    via morbidcuriosity86

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workplace warehouse bad bosses security guard
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