A TikTok creator goes viral after refusing to coach the 25-year-old coworker who was promoted over her, arguing that firms routinely exploit skilled staff whereas favoring youthful and cheaper staff.
The creator, who goes by The Unobsolete (@theunobsolete), stated her employer anticipated her at hand over a long time of information without cost, regardless of passing her over for the position.
Within the Feb. 10, 2026 video, she defined why she stated no and the fallout that resulted from her determination.
“They anticipated me to show her the job they stated I wasn’t adequate for,” The Unobsolete stated.
She went on to say that in the event that they needed her 25 years of information, they must pay her appropriately. Moreover, she was not going to be handed up for somebody youthful, keen to work for a fraction of her wage, after which use her expertise to coach them.
“I’m not your free coaching program,” she defined. “Need me to smile whilst you humiliate me? Mistaken particular person.”
The creator obtained backlash from her firm for her determination, however she advised viewers that she didn’t care.
“They stated (I used to be) not supporting crew. I stated (the) crew didn’t help me.”
The video concluded with some phrases of recommendation for navigating the company panorama: “The second you cease being helpful, they cease pretending to care,” she stated.
“So cease pretending you owe them something.”
TikTok rallies behind her refusal
The video instantly went viral, receiving almost 4 million views and 400,000 likes. Most feedback have been in help of the creator, applauding her for setting boundaries and pushing again towards age discrimination.
“Can’t be a crew participant for a crew that performed you,” stated one person. One other stated, “Somebody ought to inform company America that’s unlawful.”
One other merely wrote, “ageism may be very alive and properly.”
Others recounted their very own office inequities. “They employed 6 individuals to interchange me and the work I used to be doing & needed me to coach them.” One TikToker recounted. “Nope.”
“My aunt sued the state of Ohio for the precise scenario and he or she gained her swimsuit,” stated one other. “You probably did the appropriate factor.”
Forbes reported that 99% of staff over the age of 40 reported ageism within the office. This included navigating ageist stereotypes, bullying, and feeling stress to cover their age.
Moreover, based on the AARP 22% of staff over 50 years outdated say they’re being pushed out of their job due to their age.
What occurred subsequent
A day after posting the TikTok, The Unobsolete posted an replace to her scenario, garnering over 2.3 million views.
She shared that she had a gathering discussing her “angle.” Whereas she didn’t get fired (which might be unlawful), after the assembly, she started being excluded from firm features and given much less work.
Moreover, her interactions have been consistently being scrutinized. This was no shock, as she was warned within the assembly that the corporate’s tradition may not be a “good match” for her.
“I agree,” the Unobsolete stated within the assembly. “A tradition that exploits expertise isn’t a match for me.”
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