But

What do you really mean to say?

I want to make a contrast between two clauses using but. But has a lot of functions so I want to make sure it works there like 'I needed to work but I couldn't find a job.'

It's more likely that 'It was too harsh that the manager really told them off, but they had it coming.'

LiJ

Your butsseem correct to me LJ.

Yes, I think the buts are fine, but the 1st sentence needs some additions to make sense:

The manager really told them off then, but they had it coming for a long time.

Your usage of but and the comma is correct.

I understand how these additions work, Marius. Thanks

Thanks Doll