Some coworkers seem to specialize in making work harder for others, don’t they? Whether they’re stepping on toes by taking over tasks or just slacking off while acting busy, their stunts can seriously tank team morale.
When people start competing instead of working together, stress goes up, productivity goes down, and even the chillest workplace can start to feel frustrating.
That’s what happened to one Redditor who went on a business trip after asking a coworker to handle a quick client meet-and-greet, only to find out that she’s now demanding half the commission.
More info: Reddit
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One employee has to leave for a business trip and asks a coworker to cover a client meeting, but finds out she’s demanding half their commission for it
The coworker does more than asked to do, then goes behind the employee’s back and complains to the boss about it
The boss sends out an email saying all employees must share their commissions 50/50 if they ask a coworker to cover their work
The employee has a chat with their boss, tells them the truth about their coworker who watches movies at work all day
The OP (original poster), a responsible employee, had to travel out of state for work. Like any decent coworker, they gave their teammates a heads-up and asked for a tiny favor: Could someone greet a visiting client, jot down some basic info, and be a friendly face in the showroom? No heavy lifting, no tough negotiations, no project planning. Just a clipboard, a smile, and maybe a pen that works.
But drama queen Barbie, a 36-year-old going on 20, took that small task and turned it into an Oscar-worthy performance. Not only did she overstep the request, she ran to the boss and somehow twisted the situation into a company-wide policy change. She snitched and exaggerated her role, and now everyone’s being told to split commissions 50/50 when someone fills in.
When the OP got back, they weren’t thrilled to see that their hard work had been hijacked. But instead of going nuclear (tempting, I know), they took the high road and had a calm chat with the boss, laid out the facts, and even dropped a few truth bombs about the coworker’s habit of watching movies during work hours and throwing toddler-level tantrums.
When she realized she’d been exposed, our drama queen took a mental health day because she was suddenly “overwhelmed.” Now, look, I’m all for protecting your peace, taking breaks, and prioritizing wellness. But let’s not confuse emotional hangovers from being held accountable with actual burnout.
Dealing with difficult coworkers is part of the job, that’s true, but it doesn’t have to drain you. Difficult coworkers come in many flavors: the drama queen, the ghost who vanishes when work piles up, or the know-it-all who never shuts up.
The trick is not letting their stunts ruin your mojo. Keep your cool, don’t engage in office gossip, and focus on what you can control – your work and your attitude. If it’s a real headache, ask support from HR or management, but keep your interactions polite and fact-based, and try to deescalate the conflict before it passes a “no return” point.
To gain deeper insight into the situation, We reached out to the poster, who revealed that tensions with the coworker remain high. According to the poster, people in the office believe the colleague may be struggling with mental health issues, as her erratic behavior has continued well past the original commission dispute.
In the weeks that followed, she reportedly faked a family death to avoid a performance review and has made several dramatic exits from the office.
The poster had only been working with her for a short time before the problems began. They explained that the woman was a recent hire and management had hoped they could help guide her through the onboarding process. Unfortunately, the new employee showed little interest in collaboration, choosing instead to do things her own way.
When asked whether they had ever attempted to address the issues directly, the poster said they tried but were met with dishonesty or emotional reactions. Still, they stood firm, particularly when it came to the question of splitting the commission. After explaining their side to management, they ultimately supported their decision not to share the earnings.
The incident led to a sudden company-wide policy change that left many confused. The team had previously operated smoothly, but once the new hire joined, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. According to the poster, their colleague has had similar conflicts with others as well.
“It’s not just a me issue. In fact, there is now a list being compiled of incidents she is involved in. I believe or rather hope they are building a case for reprimanding her,” the poster shared.
Since sharing their story, the situation has only escalated. The coworker’s latest actions include an outburst over being left out of a casual conversation, followed by an accusatory team email. Trust in the office has eroded, especially after it came to light that she had also attempted to claim part of another colleague’s commission.
According to the poster, it wasn’t until multiple team members pushed back that leadership began to recognize a pattern.
What do you think of this story? Was the poster’s coworker entitled to a cut of the commission? Drop your thoughts and comments below!
Netizens side with the employee, saying their coworker’s behavior is infuriating
