Difficult coworker...long

mandatoryfun · 09-20-2009, 06:53 PM

I've been dealing with a situation with a coworker over the past three weeks. Basically, we're supposed to share responsibilities, but she hasn't been doing her work at all. I've been picking up the slack for her, but my ability to do so is kind of wearing thin. I haven't been getting my reading done, I've been occasionally skipping out on my regular job, and I've just been super stressed out in general (can't sleep well, can't concentrate, I'm getting sick easily, etc.).

I've tried being (very) stern with her about it. I've tried being supportive, to help her figure out how to navigate the job. But it hasn't worked so far. And I just found out that she's been lying to me. It used to be about little things (not having access to phone/e-mail, for example), but it's quickly escalated. Last week she told me that she was gang raped by her boyfriend's frat brothers, and that was why she couldn't get her work done. I initially suspected - and later found out for real - that this is a lie.

What would you do in this situation? I've already talked to my superiors, and they said they'd speak to her about it. But I doubt she will shape up, judging on past behavior...and we don't have a replacement for her lined up. I'd feel bad bailing out, especially since they don't have anyone to take my place, but I know that it would be extremely difficult to keep up with it all.

ninja dog · 09-20-2009, 07:11 PM

See if your superiors follow through on "speaking to her" about it. If they don't, and you're drowning, look for another job if you can.

HTH

curlypearl · 09-20-2009, 07:28 PM

Hi Mandatory, STOP doing more than your fair share. I supervised people for many years and almost all the people I supervised had a share position. I know that is easier said than done, but what your doing now is turning you into an "enabler." In other words, you are helping your co-worker to be slothful, regardless of what her reasons are.

If the work doesn't get done, then your supervisors will take some action. As long as you are picking up the slack, they won't be motivated to step in.

I know this is a tricky and difficult situation - good luck!

burgundy_locks · 09-21-2009, 07:02 AM

Wow. she sounds... interesting... Do you have a HR person? I would talk to HR and say that you are worried about this person. Lying about getting gang raped is not one of those regular used lies! i would simply bring that up to them and show ur concern.

Suburbanbushbabe · 09-21-2009, 11:21 AM

If you are sharing responsibilities, make sure you both agree on a clear division of responsibilities, so each of you can be accountable to the other.

mandatoryfun · 09-21-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burgundy_locks

Wow. she sounds... interesting... Do you have a HR person? I would talk to HR and say that you are worried about this person. Lying about getting gang raped is not one of those regular used lies! i would simply bring that up to them and show ur concern.

Hey, nah, it's not like that. There is no HR person, and it's not even like an official "job." We're just co-editors at our college newspaper. I guess I would say I was worried about her, but after having her lie about such a sensitive issue, I mostly just think she's a b1tch and I want her to be fired.

Plus, I'm worried about how I will be perceived if I tell our supervisors that I think she's lying about being raped. I don't want to come off as insensitive, even though she is definitely lying.

mandatoryfun · 09-21-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlypearl

Hi Mandatory, STOP doing more than your fair share. I supervised people for many years and almost all the people I supervised had a share position. I know that is easier said than done, but what your doing now is turning you into an "enabler." In other words, you are helping your co-worker to be slothful, regardless of what her reasons are.

If the work doesn't get done, then your supervisors will take some action. As long as you are picking up the slack, they won't be motivated to step in.

I know this is a tricky and difficult situation - good luck!

This is some really good advice, thanks! I felt kind of bad about leaving them with only half of the work getting done, but you're right - as long as I keep covering for her, it won't make a difference.

I'm thinking of telling them that I'll quit if she doesn't get it together/they can't find an adequate replacement, but I really need this job for my resumé. :-x

automaticflowers · 09-21-2009, 01:36 PM

Curlypearl gave good advice. In fact, I'm kind of in a similar boat, but the other person was hired to replace me so I've just been sucking it up and doing all the work.

Hey, if my replacement is a lazy @ss, then that means I get to keep my job!

Good luck. It's important to learn how to stand up for yourself as soon as possible, because once you get out of school you'll still have people constantly trying to take advantage of your work ethic.