Unrealistic demands from employers are becoming a growing concern among workers, especially when companies expect high-level dedication without offering corresponding rewards. The corporate phrase “think like an owner” is often used to inspire greater responsibility—but when not backed by compensation or support, it can leave employees feeling exploited. A recent Reddit post has reignited this debate, drawing widespread criticism online.
Boss Pushes for ‘Ownership Mentality’
A Reddit user shared a personal workplace encounter in the r/antiwork and r/EntitledPeople communities. In the post, they recalled being told during a one-on-one meeting to “stop acting like an employee” and instead adopt the mindset of an owner. At first, the user assumed this was leading up to a raise or promotion. But what followed was only a motivational talk—no salary hike, no new title, and no additional support.
The employee expressed frustration, stating that while they care about doing a good job, they were unwilling to give more than what they were being paid for. They emphasized that genuine ownership comes with real stakes, such as equity or profit sharing, not just empty encouragement.
Reddit Users Respond with Sarcasm and Criticism
The post quickly gained traction, drawing hundreds of reactions from other users who criticized the manager’s approach. One comment that resonated widely suggested that the employee should’ve fired the boss instead—a remark that the original poster admitted they wished they had said in the moment.
Other users chimed in with sarcastic advice. One suggested the employee start leaving early for “important meetings,” referencing how top executives often justify flexible hours. Another commenter mockingly proposed implementing a pay cut for the boss while granting the employee a raise—if ownership was truly being emulated.
The central message from many was that if companies expect workers to act like owners, then compensation must reflect that responsibility. Several users suggested asking for a percentage of profits or equity shares, while others questioned whether the company would be willing to offer real financial involvement.
Phrases like “ownership mentality” are often used to push unpaid responsibilities onto workers under the guise of team spirit or loyalty, without offering anything substantial in return.
One commenter pointed out that executives usually monitor profit and loss statements to determine their bonuses, but expect frontline staff to care about performance metrics without any share in the outcomes. Another user remarked that if employees are expected to care about quarterly revenue, they should be compensated accordingly.