Texas Mom Fired by Boss in Late-Night ‘Drunk’ Text Sparks Viral Outrage

A single mother from Texas was abruptly fired from her job via a late-night text message. Kristin McCarley, a real estate agent, received the shocking message from her boss on a Saturday night. The incident has since ignited a fierce online debate about workplace professionalism.

According to a report by news.com.au, the boss’s text arrived at 10:36 PM. It informed McCarley not to return to work on Monday.

The Bizarre Sequence of Late-Night Messages

The initial text read, “Do not come in Monday.” It continued, “I’ve mage (sic) changes to the office.” The message concluded with the definitive statement, “I have to let you go.” McCarley described the communication as a “drunk” text from her employer.

The situation grew stranger hours later. At 1:07 AM, McCarley received a second message. This one contained no text, only a screenshot of a photo from her social media. The image showed her smiling with a friend.

McCarley shared the story in a video on TikTok. The post quickly went viral. It prompted thousands of comments from viewers worldwide.

Public and Expert Reaction to the Unprofessional Firing

Social media users were overwhelmingly critical of the boss’s actions. Many suggested the mother contact the company’s Human Resources department. Others advised her to pursue legal action against the company for the manner of her dismissal.

One commenter expressed disbelief, stating the firing seemed illegal. Another user called the text “insanely unprofessional.” The public consensus was that the termination process was deeply flawed.

Workplace expert Roxanne Calder spoke with news.com.au about the event. She described firing someone by text as highly impersonal. She indicated it reflects a broader cultural shift in professional communication.

Calder explained that technology can act as a shield. It enables what psychologists call “avoidant communication.” The fear of confrontation can override professional responsibility, she noted.

This communication distance has been normalized since the pandemic. Managers sometimes treat terminations like any other task. They forget they are dealing with a person’s livelihood and emotional well-being.

The incident highlights modern challenges in workplace etiquette. Being fired by text is a stark example of declining professional standards. It serves as a cautionary tale for employers everywhere.

Thought you’d like to know

Is it legal to fire someone by text message?

Laws vary by location, but in many places, the method of termination is not illegal. However, the reason for termination must comply with employment laws. The unprofessional nature does not necessarily make it unlawful.

What should you do if you are fired in this way?

First, save all communication as evidence. Then, contact your HR department to report the incident and understand your official status. You may also wish to seek legal counsel to explore your options.

How did social media react to the story?

The reaction was overwhelmingly supportive of the employee. Thousands of comments condemned the boss’s actions. Many users urged her to sue the company or escalate the issue to HR.

What does this say about modern work culture?

Experts suggest it indicates a shift towards impersonal communication. The ease of digital messaging can lead to a lack of confrontation. This sometimes results in unprofessional and avoidant behavior from management.

Could the employee sue for wrongful termination?

A lawsuit would depend on the reason for the firing, not the method. If the termination violated an employment contract or was based on discrimination, she might have a case. The text message itself is not grounds for a lawsuit.