NYC Man Fired After 2.5 Hours for Alleged Hygiene Issues

A Manhattan resident was fired from a new corporate position after only 2.5 hours, with the company citing hygiene issues as the reason for dismissal. Chris Smalls, 35, shared his experience in a Reddit post that gained significant traction online.

Smalls stated that after a nine-month period of unemployment, he secured a position through a temp agency at an AI tech company. He claims he showered the night before his first day and wore a new polo shirt to work. During his brief tenure, which involved initial onboarding, Smalls was asked to take an early lunch. Before leaving the premises, he received a call from the temp agency informing him of his termination due to alleged hygiene issues.

In a phone call with The Post, Smalls recounted that the agency representative sounded confused and did not offer specific details about the dismissal. When asked about his attire, Smalls confirmed he was wearing the new polo shirt. He maintained that he was well-groomed and clean, telling online critics, "I thoroughly washed myself, including my a**." He acknowledged, however, that his pants "could’ve used a lint roller."

Smalls expressed bewilderment over the situation, questioning other potential reasons for his termination, such as scratching his nose or burping. He reported that both his roommate and a friend confirmed he did not smell. He also noted that while he has pets, his apartment is clean and that only one roommate smokes.

The temp agency initially indicated interest in continuing to work with Smalls, but he has not heard back since a follow-up call where he attempted to explain his situation. He has not yet been paid for the short period he worked.

Smalls's Reddit post received over 7,500 upvotes within 24 hours, drawing a range of reactions from sympathy to skepticism. Some users suggested the company might be engaging in a "hire to fire" practice, where employees are hired with the intention of quick termination to meet metrics. Smalls, however, found this unlikely for a short-term contract. He speculated that the company may have misinterpreted an action, such as him picking his nose, as a hygiene issue.

Reflecting on the experience, Smalls commented that employers can invent reasons for termination and that temp agencies can be exploitative. He suggested that employment laws, particularly in at-will states like New York, need reform, stating, "If New York weren’t an at-will state, I’d probably still be employed."