When someone makes a set of rules but acts like those rules don’t apply to them, things can backfire fast. That’s where malicious compliance comes in. These stories show what happens when people finally get held to the same standards they try to force on others. If you’ve ever had to deal with a power-hungry coworker or manager, you’ll appreciate this one.
1. Sorry, I Don’t Make The Rules, Karen
I work in college dorms in a first response role—part security, part medical, part fire, part psych. It’s tough but rewarding. The dorms are set up like a gated village, and at the top sits a hub where staff are based. It doubles as an event venue, gym, catering spot, and meeting space. Behind the hub are staff and disabled parking spaces.
One night, all the staff spots were filled because HR had a big event. Visitor parking was locked overnight, and student parking was off-limits. My only option to avoid being late for my shift was a disabled bay. Normally, I’d never do that—it’s a scummy move—but nobody uses those spots at night without prior arrangements. So, I parked farthest from the door, fully prepared to move if needed.
