So this happened recently at my workplace. We work in shifts, and last month I resumed duty after a few days off. My colleague, Franklin, and our supervisor came to me asking if I could cover Franklin’s next shift because he had an important engagement. I agreed on the condition (right there in front of our supervisor) that Franklin would return the favor by covering my shift in a few weeks so I could attend my cousin's wedding. Both Franklin and our supervisor agreed, and the supervisor even said he would inform our manager.

Fast forward to the day I worked Franklin’s shift, my manager confronted me like, “Are you supposed to be on duty today? Where is Franklin?” I was caught off guard but explained the arrangement and mentioned that our supervisor had approved it and promised to inform her. She claimed she wasn’t told and blamed me for not confirming directly from her. I told her everything again, and she walked off without saying another else.

Then, on the day of my cousin's wedding, Franklin was on duty covering for me as we had agreed. Suddenly, I got a call from Franklin saying the manager was furious and wanted me back at work immediately. I tried calling her—no answer. I even sent a text explaining the situation and reminded her of the swap I’d done earlier to accommodate Franklin. Still no response.

The next day when I resumed work, she threatened to sack me. While I was attending to a customer, she came over and started yelling at me, saying that she will draft my sack letter, that I was so irresponsible for leaving my job “for a party.” That was when I snapped and shouted back, telling her she was being unfair and biased, firstly, for not blaming the supervisor for not informing her, and that secondly, I wasn’t even paid for the extra shift I worked for Franklin, and yet she was still furious at me for taking my agreed time off.

Now some of my coworkers are saying I shouldn't have talked back to her, and that it might land me a query or even cost me my job.

So, AITA for talking back at my manager?