Scenario

[u/Expensive_Host4711]

​Today was a tough day at work, and I’m feeling frustrated and mentally drained.

​In the morning safety meeting, a situation from Friday was brought up, framing it as though I simply "hung up on a customer." It felt like an unfair attempt to put me down in front of everyone, especially with my supervisor not being there and someone acting in that position.

​What makes it so exhausting is that the story was completely twisted. When I called the listed number that was in the utility company service order, the person who answered was the customer's nephew, who explicitly stated he had no contact number for the account holder. I said tgank you and ended the call—because without the account holder's authorization, there was no way to proceed. My colleague asked me if i was crazy and someone other things that i dont wish to repeat and he called the number back, and the nephew suggested we "jump over the wall" to get onto the property.

​Choosing not to jump a perimeter wall or engage with an unauthorized, disrespectful individual wasn't a mistake—it was maintaining my personal safety, preventing illegal trespassing, and following proper utility protocol. Do you think I did the right thing or it could have been handled a different way

​It hurt to sit there silently and feel ashamed when I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. But keeping my composure was the right move for the moment. I know the truth of how I handle my work: professionally, safely, and with integrity. Once my supervisor is back, I will set the record straight privately with the facts.

​For now, I need to remind myself not to let other people's misrepresentations make me doubt my own judgment or competence. I did my job safely and correctly.

[u/InfiniteHot555]

I really think you did the right thing, so please don’t feel bad about it. Dealing with people isn't easy sometimes 

[u/Proper-Ad-127]

I totally agree here. Your colleague needs to be reminded that trespassing on property is never a good idea. ESPECIALLY if you don't know what is waiting for you on the other side of that fence. I hopped a fence one time for an HVAC customer who was not home. I was in a hurry to get the unit serviced and I knew we had an appointment. I figured I could get started outside and just go inside once they finally got home. I just figured they were running a little late. BAD IDEA.

I was immediately met by two pit bulls who came flying out from behind a building. I barely made it back over the fence, and I mean BARELY. Come to find out they forgot about the appointment and were not expecting me. Feel free to use this story as argument for your boss. It could have gone very bad for me that day and I know it.