I got some grief today because I refused to accommodate a coworker who keeps dumping on me. He either pretends not to know or refuses to learn an aspect of his job. He will conveniently walk away and leave me standing there to do his work. Everybody knows I am efficient and capable and so I often become the default for other people’s work. I get tired of it. Today I walked away first and made a clear statement that he should know how to do this task because I have already shown him. This is something our company trains us to do. He’s had more than a year to learn it. It was never even my responsibility in the first place to show him. He is lazy.

I’m really frustrated because in my job if you set clear boundaries and you refuse to be dumped on... you are viewed as a trouble maker. I guess I just have to sit with the uncomfortable feelings that come when you set a boundary. If you throw a rock into a pond, you’re gonna make ripples.

[saidso]

Yes you made ripples, but you are doing ok! Boundaries are important, and you are working on setting them for your own benefit. I imagine (haven't got there yet) that gradually it comes more as second nature and becomes less remarkable by others.

[downandlonely]

I am terrible at setting boundaries and let people take advantage of me all the time. I am glad you were able to set a boundary with that coworker. It sounds like it was necessary.

Originally Posted by Sisabel

I’m really frustrated because in my job if you set clear boundaries and you refuse to be dumped on... you are viewed as a trouble maker. I guess I just have to sit with the uncomfortable feelings that come when you set a boundary. If you throw a rock into a pond, you’re gonna make ripples.

I think that is every job. You're looked at as not a team player. Good for you.

[Have Hope]

Well done, Sisabel!!! Despite the discomfort and the potential fallout, you did what you needed to do. That is very admirable.... many ppl would shy away from creating boundaries out of fear, but you did it, and that takes courage and strength. I am very proud of you!!! What can they really say to you about it? That you're supposed to do HIS job? NO. I doubt it.

[sarahsweets]

Screw rocking her boat- flip it!

[TJGE]

There is no loyalty from employers.
They only exist for profits.
You are there to save your own job while you earn your paycheck.

Some people skate by at work to get promoted. They don't bother learning where they are now because they don't see themselves staying there at that level.

Do you?

Some people make great workers and others aspire to leadership roles.

I'm not condoning his behavior.

I've seen people like that get ahead by feigning ignorance.

You can set boundaries. Something that is healthy for you may feel uncomfortable at first. Like starting a routine at the gym.

Overtime, it will become second nature. And people will realize, you are there to do your work.

At work, people can be parasitic and take as much as they can get away with.

People are commodities. We're expendible.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the support. I will always be rocking - or flipping over - the boat. I just can’t help myself. It’s not easy but being walked on is not my cup of tea.