‘My personality is being smothered by corporate America’: This controversial OOO is going viral on TikTok

With the holidays around the corner, do you have your OOO prepped and ready to go? If you were in need of inspiration, one employee has gone viral on TikTok for their rather unconventional approach.

“OOO keeps getting me in trouble,” @chefmoisehere wrote in a caption over the video with over 2.7 million views. “So I keep getting the same talking to from my boss about the exact same situation that I apparently am not learning from,” they explain. “So I’m going to bring it to you.”

@chefmoisehere Like who wants to write some boring ah email #chefmoise #corporatelife #oooemail ♬ original sound – Theo🇭🇹🏳️‍🌈

@chefmoisehere Like who wants to write some boring ah email #chefmoise #corporatelife #oooemail ♬ original sound – Theo🇭🇹🏳️‍🌈

Like who wants to write some boring ah email #chefmoise #corporatelife #oooemail

The creator went on to share their playful approach to crafting out-of-office emails, describing them as “super cute.” “At first, they were fun little stories about adventures with squirrels and sharks,” they explained. However, their boss wasn’t amused, deeming the emails neither funny nor professional.

Taking the feedback on board, @chefmoisehere switched up their OOO emails, replacing the whimsical stories with “fun facts” that included historical context. But their boss still wasn’t satisfied. Determined to find middle ground, their latest attempt featured wellness tips, offering advice on desk-friendly stretches and mindfulness practices.

“Tell me why I had another conversation with this man today about how unprofessional that is,” @chefmoisehere vented in the video. “I feel like my personality is being smothered by corporate America right now.”

The TikToker then asks the internet for their opinion on who is in the wrong. Many in the comments sided with the manager. “I don’t understand what you don’t understand,” one wrote. “He gave you three warnings. Just leave it as a simple OOO email before you’re OOO permanently,” warned another. “This isn’t the hill to die on lol,” added a third.

However, others could see the funny side. “Can you please share the OOO squirrel adventure?” one person requested. Others defended the worker, saying, “Your soul’s too beautiful for this world. It’s a shame this is considered unprofessional.” A more diplomatic viewer shared, “I see both sides, but I think you should stop.”