While most bosses bellyache over slacking employees, one instead offered to help and made a life-changing impact.
A hard day's night
A Reddit video titled 'Oh Dear Monday…' recently went viral. It shows a drowsy Subway employee slumped over and snoozing on the sub she's preparing.
Redditors reacted with a mix of sympathy and snickers. The mood changed when user 'LiquidMotion' chimed in with a personal story.
The business owner explained to the thread readers how he too had an employee who would constantly fall asleep on the job.
"I had coworkers and customers both tell me they thought he was on drugs because he'd nod off right in the middle of something like that"
- Reddit user 'LiquidMotion'
A dream promotion
Instead of scolding him, the boss instead reached out to find out what was really going on. He discovered that his employee wasn't on drugs, but had just fallen on hard times.
It turned out that the employee was homeless and living out of his car. Since the police were harassing him for sleeping in it, he had to constantly move throughout the night and was never really getting proper rest.
Seeing an opportunity to help, this boss gave him a private parking space instead so he could sleep undisturbed.
He even covered for his employee, explaining to managers that the man was in temporarily between flats.
Ask instead of assuming
That was just the boost the drowsy employee needed to get back on this feet, says the boss.
"It only took the kid a few weeks after that to get on top of himself and get a room."
It is so easy to draw incorrect assumptions. Most Redditors were convinced that the employee was either on opioids or incompetent.
The truth turned was that he needed neither sympathy nor scorn, but just a break to get his life together.
As this empathetic boss showed, it's a truth that's only found by taking a step back and caring enough to ask. Only then can you really make a difference.
"Some people just need a little help"
- LiquidMotion
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.