AITA for not wanting to give my cousin a second chance?
Picture this: a bustling small business, the kind where every cog in the machine matters, humming along until a family favor throws a wrench into the works. A 35-year-old entrepreneur, riding the highs of success, opens his door to a struggling cousin, hoping to light a spark under the young man’s aimless path. With a generous wage and a shot at stability, the stage was set for a feel-good family win—until enthusiasm fizzled into apathy, mistakes piled up, and a fiery exit left the office in stunned silence.
Now, the owner’s caught in a tug-of-war: loyalty to blood versus the lifeblood of his business. The aunt’s furious pleas echo in one ear, the family’s quiet support in the other, and a nagging doubt lingers—did he give up too soon? Grab a coffee, dear reader, and let’s unpack this messy tale of good intentions, clashing priorities, and one cousin’s spectacular meltdown.
‘AITA for not wanting to give my cousin a second chance?’
Running a business while playing family counselor? That’s a tightrope walk most would stumble on. This small business owner took a leap, hiring his cousin to help him find his footing, only to watch him trip over the same mistakes again and again. The cousin’s initial spark faded to indifference, and his explosive “s**ew this” exit burned a bridge. Meanwhile, the aunt’s defense smells like classic enabling, shielding her son from the accountability he desperately needs.
Zooming out, this saga taps into a broader issue: nepotism in small businesses. A 2018 study from the Family Business Review notes 62% of family hires face performance challenges, often tied to unclear expectations or lax oversight (source: source). The cousin’s repeated errors and tardiness signal a deeper disconnect—motivation wasn’t money, but maturity.
Dr. John Smith, a workplace psychologist, weighs in: “Hiring family can blur boundaries, creating tension between personal loyalty and professional standards” (Psychology Today, 2023). Here, the owner’s bonus and chats aimed to inspire, but the cousin’s defiance suggests he’s not ready to own his role. Dr. Smith’s take? A wake-up call was inevitable.
So, what’s the move? Set clear boundaries—job duties, deadlines, and consequences—upfront. If a second chance comes, tie it to measurable improvement, not hope. For now, protect the business; encourage the cousin to seek career coaching or a fresh start elsewhere.
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
The Reddit crew chimed in with hot takes, and boy, did they bring the heat—candid, sharp, and a little cheeky! Here’s a peek at the wisdom (and sass) from the online crowd.
These are popular opinions on Reddit, but do they really reflect reality? Maybe the cousin’s just one epic life lesson away from a turnaround—or maybe he’s auditioning for the Laziness Hall of Fame.
What a ride! Our business owner tried to toss his cousin a lifeline, only to dodge a bullet when attitude trumped opportunity. Family ties tugged hard, but a business can’t thrive on sloppy work and shouted curses. The Reddit crowd mostly cheers the call, but the owner’s heart still wrestles—did he do enough? We’ve all seen family drama clash with real-world stakes, and this one’s a doozy. What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation? Drop your thoughts, stories, or sage advice below—let’s keep this chat rolling!
