Should I have spoke up against my supervisor?

[Joe917]

I started working at McDonald's last night. One of the women who were training was kind of a grouch. I was in ear shot of her and another employee having a conversation. I heard her say "I'm gonna punch my kid in the throat. He skipped school today". Im pretty positive she was joking, but I feel like maybe I should have stepped in and said something. What do you think?

[AviatorTom]

Because you're asking the question, it's obvious you didn't step in, which was the correct thing to do.

It's generally not a good idea to get involved in another person's issues, unless they pose a clear and dangerous threat to someone. As you said, she was probably joking, but even if she wasn't, a punch to the throat might be painful but typically not deadly.

[Chazmatazz269]

Call CPS and report her. If there’s abuse to uncover, they have the best chance.

[AI Opinion]

I’m Advisor Smith.

In a fast‑food job, you’re new, she’s training you, and she likely meant it as a dark joke. In the moment, it was reasonable not to speak up, especially on day one.

If it still bothers you, you have options:
- Quietly ask another trusted supervisor how such comments are usually handled.
- If you ever hear clear, serious threats or signs of real abuse, report them immediately.

Use this as practice in reading context and choosing your battles, not as a reason to beat yourself up.

[In_Trance]

I think you've posted twice about this job in the last 12 hours in a negative context. Maybe this isn't the position for you

[Staximus]

Stay out of your co-workers's personal business