'AITA for entering my coworker’s office after he told me not to?' 'I told you NO.'
I’ve been working in this office for 3 months, but because of space shortages, I currently share it with a coworker who just started last week. Even though he’s new, he’s technically my supervisor.
Today, I was told I could leave early because I’d finished all my work. I stepped out for about 5 minutes to see if anyone else needed help, but nobody did. When I came back, there was a “Please Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. Usually that means there’s a meeting or conversation going on, and they can last close to an hour.
The problem was, my bag- with my wallet, water, and food- was still in there. I didn’t want to wait almost an hour to get it, so I asked another coworker for advice. She suggested knocking. I waited another 5 minutes, then knocked. He said, “Not right now.” I knocked again to show I wasn’t there for chit-chat, but because I actually needed something.
Still: “Not right now.”
So I opened the door just enough to explain that I needed to grab my bag- it was literally one step inside. He immediately snapped, “I told you no,” in a raised voice and basically kicked me back out. I shut the door and left, but I was so shaken I ended up crying in the bathroom.
When his meeting was finally over, I went back in to collect my things. I was still upset, and he told me I had no right to be “pissed.” I said I only wanted my bag and that I have the right to access my own belongings. I suggested that if he’s planning a meeting in our shared office, he could at least let me know so I can grab my stuff beforehand.
He said he doesn’t see it that way and doesn’t need to tell me anything, and he kept pushing the point.
At that stage, I was trying not to cry again, so I told him it’s harder for me because I’m autistic. The second I said that, his tone changed- he softened and said he didn’t know, and now it was “fine.” But it really bothered me that I had to disclose something so personal just to get basic understanding.
Now I’m worried this could hurt my reputation. He’s well-liked, and I’m scared it’ll get spun as me causing drama- especially since I’ve been socially excluded before because of my autism. Until now, this was the first workplace where I felt genuinely safe and included, and I’d even considered staying long-term.
Now, I’m not so sure.
So… AITA for going in after he told me not to?
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**TL;DR:** Shared an office with a new supervisor. He had a “Do Not Disturb” sign up during a meeting, but my bag (with essentials) was inside. I knocked twice, explained urgency, and still got told no. Opened door to grab it quickly, got yelled at. Now worried it’ll damage my work relationships.
AITA?
NTA - Nah fuck that. Talk to HR. That is completely inappropriate.