AITA for reading during my lunchbreak then getting a bit snarky with a colleague?

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Is Reading a Book at Work Really Stealing?

When a teacher takes a few moments during her lunch break to unwind with a book from her classroom’s mini-library, she never expects to be accused of theft by a colleague. This unexpected confrontation raises questions about workplace norms and the boundaries of professional behavior. As tensions escalate, the teacher grapples with whether her love for reading is worth the potential fallout. This relatable scenario highlights the often blurry lines between personal time and workplace expectations, making us ponder what truly constitutes “stealing” in a school setting.

Conflict Over Classroom Mini-Library Use

In a recent incident at my workplace, a conflict arose regarding the use of the mini-library in my classroom. This situation has led to some family drama among colleagues, and I am left questioning whether my actions were inappropriate.

Setting: I work at a school where each classroom has a mini-library for students.
Personal Routine: During my lunch breaks, I enjoy reading books from this mini-library for about 10 to 15 minutes to unwind before the afternoon classes.
Incident: A colleague, who is not in a supervisory position, observed me reading and accused me of “stealing” the books, claiming they are meant solely for students.

Despite my explanation, the colleague insisted that if I continued this practice, she would report me. Here are the key points of our discussion:

My Defense: I clarified that I do not remove the books from the classroom and always return them after my reading session.
Student Access: The students are not allowed in that part of the building during lunch, so they are unaware of my reading habits.
Previous Interactions: Other colleagues, including members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), have entered my classroom while I was reading without any objections.

Despite my attempts at conflict resolution, my colleague remained adamant. She stated, “there’s no excuse for stealing from work,” and compared my reading to stealing a school laptop, which I found to be an extreme analogy. I responded with laughter, questioning the validity of her comparison.

My Response: I asked if there was a specific rule against staff reading from the mini-library, noting that staff can borrow books from the main library.
Colleague’s Reaction: She reiterated her stance, stating that “stealing is stealing,” and expressed her disgust at my attitude.
Final Remarks: I told her to report me if she felt strongly about it, suggesting it would be a source of amusement for others.

In the aftermath of this confrontation, I feel conflicted. While I believe that reading a book during my lunch break does not constitute stealing, I also regret being dismissive towards my colleague. The tension surrounding this situation has left me questioning my actions and whether I am in the wrong. AITA?

This is Original story from Reddit

Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)

Story

At the school where I work, as well as the main library, we have a mini-library in each classroom. During my lunch breaks, I like to sit in my classroom and read a book from my classroom’s mini-library for about 10 or 15 minutes, as it helps me relax ahead of the afternoon.

Today, one of my colleagues, not a superior, saw me doing this and accused me of “stealing,” as the books are for students, not us staff. She said that if I do it again, she’ll report me.

I don’t remove the books from the classroom, and I put them back after my short reading time. I don’t try to discourage kids from borrowing books; even if it’s the one I’m currently reading, I can continue it when the kid brings it back. The students aren’t allowed in that part of the building over lunch, so they don’t even know I do this and would have no reason to feel discouraged from borrowing books.

Several colleagues, including members of SLT, have come into my classroom to ask me something while I’ve been reading, and no one has had a problem with it before. I explained all this to my colleague, but she said, “there’s no excuse for stealing from work.”

I reminded her that staff can borrow and even take home books from the main library, so why wouldn’t I be allowed to read books from a mini-library? I asked if there was a rule against it. She said, “you shouldn’t have to be told that stealing is wrong,” and asked whether, if she caught me swiping a school laptop, I’d expect her to turn a blind eye?

I laughed at this; I couldn’t help it, and asked if she was seriously comparing me reading a book with stealing a laptop? She said, “stealing is stealing.” I told her to report me if she wants, and it’ll give everyone a good laugh.

She got angry and told me that “stealing is no joke,” that my attitude is disgusting, and reiterated that if she finds out I’ve done this again, she will report me, before walking off.

Feel free to disagree, but I still don’t think reading one of the school’s books over my lunch break is stealing. However, I feel a bit bad for being rude to my colleague. AITA?

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments indicate a strong consensus that the original poster (OP) is not at fault (NTA) for reading a book from the mini-library during their break. Users emphasize the absurdity of the colleague’s accusation of theft, noting that the school implicitly allows borrowing from the mini-library and that OP was merely engaging in a personal activity during their own time. Many commenters suggest that OP should proactively inform their superior about the situation to prevent any potential misunderstandings or embellishments from the colleague.

Verdict: NTA

Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict

Conflicts in the workplace can be challenging, especially when they involve misunderstandings about policies and personal boundaries. Here are some practical steps to help both you and your colleague navigate this situation effectively:

For the Original Poster (OP)

Document Your Actions: Keep a record of your reading habits, including the times you read and the books you choose. This can help clarify your intentions if the situation escalates.
Communicate Openly: Consider having a calm and respectful conversation with your colleague. Acknowledge her feelings and explain your perspective without being defensive. For example, you might say, “I understand you feel strongly about this, but I see reading as a way to unwind during my break.”
Seek Clarification from Administration: Approach a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to discuss the mini-library’s intended use. This can provide you with official guidance and may help alleviate any concerns your colleague has.
Propose a Policy Review: If there is ambiguity about the use of the mini-library, suggest that the school establish clear guidelines for staff use. This can prevent future misunderstandings and create a more harmonious environment.
Maintain Professionalism: Regardless of your colleague’s approach, strive to remain professional. Avoid making jokes at her expense, as this could escalate tensions further.

For Your Colleague

Reflect on Your Concerns: Encourage your colleague to consider why she feels so strongly about this issue. Is it a matter of principle, or is there a deeper concern about fairness or rules?
Engage in Dialogue: Suggest that she have an open conversation with you to express her concerns. This can foster understanding and potentially resolve the conflict amicably.
Consider the Bigger Picture: Remind her that the mini-library is intended to support both students and staff. Reading during breaks can enhance staff well-being, which ultimately benefits the students.
Seek Guidance: If she feels uncertain about the rules, encourage her to approach the SLT for clarification rather than making accusations. This can help her understand the policies better and reduce her frustration.

Conclusion

Workplace conflicts can often be resolved through open communication and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives. By taking proactive steps and fostering a respectful dialogue, both you and your colleague can work towards a resolution that benefits everyone involved.

Join the Discussion

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What do you think? Would you have handled this differently?
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