Yes I have experienced all of the above. I try not to volunteer for things anymore because the task will most definitely become mine when I do. Recently I had to be really direct about an issue that was going on for more than a year and it has been stressful ever since. Yes they lightened my workload and spread it more fairly... but there was also some retaliation as a result. So I’ve learned that speaking up and setting boundaries comes with consequences. People often do not like it when you do it and you have to be able to tolerate the discomfort of that.

I wish I had a good answer to all of this. I’ve become better at kindly telling people no up front when I can. Whenever possible, I will leave the room and act really busy as soon as a topic comes up that I want no part of. Lol, you should see me running frantically up and down the halls some days... I also started limiting my interactions with people I just can’t trust. I stay friendly but I am very cautious.

I used to always be willing to help everybody but not anymore. I really enjoy being part of a productive team... but unless we are the bosses or managers, we really can’t do much to influence that. I hope things get better for you. You are right that communication and setting strong boundaries is very important.