The point here, and of this whole post, being... watch what you say to others, especially people you work with.

The lessons being their coworker blabs any personal info on their coworkers to boss and the boss, apparently, weaponizes this info.

This is something I had to become mindful with when teaching. Had a few students tell me they didn't understand my vocabulary (not related to the course vocab).

Could you elaborate more on your last point? Academia & research have burned my desire to read for pleasure. I read articles and reddit in my free time, but cannot seem to actually open a book anymore...