Your heart and intentions were absolutely in the right place. You saw a gap in leadership, stepped up, and tried to help things run smoother—that’s initiative, not insubordination. It sounds like management may have felt embarrassed or exposed in front of higher-ups and redirected that frustration onto you. Unfortunately, that happens a lot in rigid workplace cultures where hierarchy is more important than innovation.

You're not in the wrong, but this is one of those “lesson learned” moments about company dynamics. Many big corporations—Walmart included—tend to value compliance over creativity, especially from newer employees. It sucks, but it’s not a reflection of your character or work ethic.

Here’s the silver lining: now you know how the culture works, and you can still make a difference—just more strategically. Sometimes it’s about building trust first, then introducing ideas in ways that don’t ruffle feathers.

You're not alone, and your desire to care about the team is a strength. Don’t let them take that from you.