“Never Ever Trust Anyone at Work”: Abroad-Based Nigerian Man Shares Shocking Experience That Exposes the Dark Politics of the Workplace

A Nigerian man living abroad has sparked massive reactions online after narrating a workplace experience that left him warning others never to trust anyone in a professional setting again. The man, identified on X (formerly Twitter) as @KenChuk, shared his story in a thread that many have described as “the most relatable office drama of the year,” shedding light on the quiet betrayals, competition, and subtle power plays that often occur behind the polished smiles of corporate life.

According to Ken, the incident began innocently. “This person made themselves look like my guy at work,” he wrote. “I fell for it and opened up a bit — asked for guidance on something I didn’t know.” Like many new employees eager to settle into a new work environment, Ken sought advice from a colleague who appeared friendly and helpful. But little did he know, his supposed ally had other intentions.

“Barely a week into working together,” he continued, “they have tried to make me a subordinate when we are on the same level.” The tone of his tweets grew more frustrated as he explained how the colleague — instead of maintaining collegial cooperation — began subtly undermining him. In an unexpected twist, the person sent a message to a public group chat that included their superiors, suggesting that Ken’s work should be reviewed before being submitted to the boss.

The move, according to Ken, was clearly an attempt to embarrass or undermine him in front of management. “Unprovoked, this morning they sent a message to a public group which has our bosses, asking to review my work before I send it to the boss,” he recounted. For anyone who has ever worked in a corporate environment, this type of maneuver will sound all too familiar — a passive-aggressive power play disguised as helpful oversight.

Ken, however, wasn’t about to let himself be made a fool of. Instead of responding with emotion, he handled it with quiet confidence and strategy. “I responded by sending the work to the general group and tagging the boss as a reminder I have done the work. Now everyone is silent as boss reviews the work,” he wrote. The final sentence — “Now everyone is silent” — carried an unmistakable air of poetic justice.

But beyond the individual incident, Ken’s story resonated deeply with many online who have experienced similar betrayals in their workplaces. His concluding words — “This is your daily reminder never ever to trust anyone at work. Keep that shit moving” — became a rallying cry for those who have been burned by office politics, manipulative colleagues, and the cutthroat competition that defines so many modern workplaces.

As his thread gained traction, another user, @PinkPsychonaut, chimed in humorously asking, “Question. Were they a woman of the paler complexion?” Though the question was tongue-in-cheek, it reflected how some people tend to attribute workplace behavior to cultural or demographic dynamics. Ken didn’t elaborate on the identity of the person involved, choosing instead to maintain focus on the broader message — trust is a fragile thing in professional environments, and sometimes the friendliest face can be the sharpest blade.

His experience has reignited conversations around workplace trust and the dangers of oversharing with colleagues. Many Nigerians in the diaspora responded in agreement, sharing their own tales of being sabotaged or betrayed at work. One user commented, “This story hit home. I learned the hard way that you can’t be too open, even when people seem nice. Office friendships are sometimes strategic alliances.” Another added, “The moment you show vulnerability, some people see it as a weakness to exploit.”

What makes Ken’s story particularly relatable is its subtlety. It’s not about open hostility or overt conflict; it’s about the quiet, everyday manipulations that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. In many workplaces — especially abroad, where corporate culture often prioritizes competition and visibility — being naïve can cost someone not just their peace of mind, but their professional reputation.

Ken’s tweet also touches on a harsh truth that many employees, both at home and abroad, have come to realize: competence alone isn’t enough. The politics of perception often carry as much weight as the quality of one’s work. A friendly colleague can suddenly turn into a rival when recognition, promotions, or opportunities are at stake. And because these power games are often cloaked in professionalism, victims can be made to look paranoid if they speak up.

Several workplace psychologists have noted that such dynamics are fueled by insecurity and competition. A colleague who feels threatened by another’s skills or confidence may try to subtly discredit them — often under the guise of offering help or ensuring “quality control.” These tactics can take many forms: unnecessary corrections, forwarding emails to bosses without permission, or inserting themselves into tasks to take partial credit.

For migrants like Ken, who may already be navigating cultural differences, these experiences can be even more disorienting. Many Nigerians working abroad face an unspoken pressure to prove themselves in environments where their competence might be questioned or underestimated. This often leads them to overextend goodwill, trying to be approachable and cooperative — sometimes at their own expense.

Yet, Ken’s measured response shows a valuable lesson in professional composure. Instead of lashing out or withdrawing, he let his work speak for itself. By confidently sending the completed task directly to the boss and publicly demonstrating accountability, he neutralized his colleague’s attempt to undermine him. The silent aftermath, as he described it, was its own kind of victory — one earned not through confrontation, but through professionalism and quiet strength.

The virality of his post proves that workplace betrayal is a universal experience that transcends geography or industry. From Nigerian banks to British law firms, from tech startups to government offices, the same patterns emerge — a smiling colleague who becomes a competitor overnight, a “team player” who quietly takes credit for your ideas, or a supposed mentor who turns into your harshest critic when opportunities arise.

Ken’s parting advice, blunt as it is, reflects a growing cynicism among young professionals: “Never ever trust anyone at work.” While some may find this extreme, others see it as hard-earned wisdom. In a world where everyone is hustling to climb the ladder, keeping emotional distance may be the only way to stay sane.

Still, some users cautioned against complete isolation, noting that genuine professional relationships do exist — they just take time and discernment to build. As one commenter put it, “Not everyone is fake, but you have to test people with small things before trusting them with big ones.”

Ken’s story may be just one man’s experience, but it’s one that mirrors the silent frustrations of millions who have learned — sometimes painfully — that not every smile in the workplace is sincere. His tale is both a warning and a reminder: in the corporate jungle, loyalty is rare, alliances are fragile, and trust, once broken, is never the same again.

In the end, perhaps the most powerful lesson from Ken’s experience is not to stop being kind or collaborative — but to be wise, observant, and cautious. After all, as his story shows, even a simple request for guidance can become the spark for office politics you never saw coming.