Dependable Co-worker - Annoyed

Question

A co-worker recently left the company for a new opportunity. My workload is pretty busy and a bulk of her duties have now be shifted over to me. I'm annoyed because there are other co-workers whose workload is drastically less than mine, yet they are not asked to assist. (terrible work ethic and chronic complainers) I've communicated this to my supervisor, but nothing has changed. At this point, I'm just biding my time, because I plan to work for myself full-time by next Spring. Has anyone ever felt like they were the only 'competent' co-worker at their job?

Anonymous · Answer

I have the same problem where I work. I am good at what I do show up on time and get a lot done during the day. Every time someone messes up or cant handle their work load I get more put on me by my boss so its hard to say no. I did set up a conversation with him and said that this work that I took over should be temporary and when am I handing it back off to who it belongs too.  Also ask what are my priorities because I have too much and I can not possibly get it all done. I focus on 'my' duties first and only do others tasks if I have time and can really make an actual difference by doing them. I have literally just STOPPED doing some of the tasks waiting for someone to notice and guess what nothing has happened so they must not be that important.

Marie N · Answer

I think many of us have run into this problem a time or two.   Here's one suggestion:  for the next few weeks document everything you are working  and completed; any compliments received, etc.  Then I would sit down with the supervisor and/or whomever discusses raises/bonuses etc.    Do NOT mention anywhere or to anyone your idea of wanting to be on your own by spring.    Let's see if you can earn a bit more before leaving.  Just know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Anonymous · Answer

We had someone for two years that never handled the tech calls that she was trained to do just as we all were. I brought this up to my boss who was *surprised* and *upset* that no one brought it up to him before (which several of us had). Nevermind the fact that we get our stats every week an this is something that is measured. In the meantime I was and still is taking over 23-25 calls daily to the point other work is sandwiched in. This same person would go to the bathroom, spend 20-40 mins in a stall looking at her emails, come back to her desk, spend more time looking at her phone then go out with the smokers for a smoke break.  To be blunt, I'm so burned out and done. She has left the job (for her school) but because it was never handled by management, I no longer trust them and I feel abused and taken advantage of.  I'm starting to revamp my resume and looking for the next opportunity. I too am tired of feeling like the fact that I'm competent in my job duties have, instead of being rewarded, simply become a burden to be added to while others get rewarded for slacking.

Anonymous · Answer

Keep your eyes on the prize! You'll be out of there in no time - try to minimize your stress about this job and focus on your goals.

M Elizabeth Ingram · Answer

Have you created a presentation/listing of the tasks that you currently do and shared that with the supervisor.  I use this tool when I'm up to my neck in projects (with a separate column for my regular tasks) to remind my supervisor that the best thing she can do for me is not put anything more on my plate and suggestions of what might not need to be done at all.

Liz Bui · Answer

This situation is going to happen to me soon! My 'team' has thrown all office management work on my plate, I am an EA. My only friend is leaving end of this week and she has helped me out with Office Management work this past year and on top of that, the EA to the CEO is going on her honeymoon for two weeks. So outside of my usual support for my team of 6 and full office of 30 people, I now have to manage the CEO's calendar and travel (he is a bit more needy and hands on than my current supervisors so it will be a huge transition for me). I have never been one to complain or ask for help since I usually get my work (and more) done, but I think these next two weeks are going to be hard. I will have more than enough to do and my emotional support is moving on to bigger and better so mentally I will be even more introverted and isolated from my current 'team.' Hoping for the best for you and congrats on working for yourself! That's always the best way to go. hang in there.

Anonymous · Answer

I meant to write, that we do NOT backup this person.

Anonymous · Answer

Presently, I have similar issue at work. Of a team of 4 administrators, we have one who is tardy, leaves early (rarely works an 8 hour day), disappears midday, slacks on doing her work, redirects staff to “do it themselves”. The rest of us raised concerns with management. That resulted in a 6 month exercise to examine bottom-up and top-down the tasks that each of us do. Once the analysis was done, it became clear that she was not pulling her weight,  it that did not help. As it turns out, the immediate supervisor is the problem, as he does not hold her to account. He defends her to the hilt if complaints are voiced and throws her under the bus at any opportunity in private.

After two years of frustration, the rest of us have just decided to support or back up this person, since management will not act. She is a short-term employee; the rest of us are long-term employees and do not wish to leave the company.

I feel your pain.

Dependable Co-worker - Annoyed

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