Know-it-All about Everything

I'm sure what I'm experiencing is nothing new. In fact, I've suffered through horrible coworkers before. Maybe it's my own character flaw, perhaps I'm too judgmental or practical or what have you. Something I'm learning to accept.

But, I can't help it.

My coworker and I started around the same time, have the same job, report to the same boss. We're two of the most senior people in our department.

Every word out of my coworker's mouth drives me crazy. She talks incessantly, about work, about her husband, about her wedding, about her ideas, about other people. Better still, she constantly interrupts other conversations to inject her own personal experiences, regardless of whether they have any bearing on what the conversation is about.

Is she a good person? Sure. Is she annoying as all get out. You betcha.

I've taken to wearing earphones at work (we work in an open office), essentially avoid any activity that will put me in arm's length of her.

The kicker.

Seems like everyone else loves her. So sadly, I'm left to endure my extreme irritation in solitude. Which then puts some distance between me and the rest of my coworkers. But, I'm starting to understand, that it isn't important that you like who you work with, as long as you like what you do.

And quite frankly, I'm too old to start over somewhere. And I'm sure as heck not going to let this annoying git drive me from a job I like.

So, why am I writing. Cos, I need to vent somewhere. With folks who may sympathize, who may encourage, who may give me somewhere to vent my frustrations.

Goodness knows, an obnoxious coworker can ruin a day quite well whether or not they're trying.

Thanks

POST A COMMENT

JobSchmobber Community Comments

anonymous (02/13/2010) many of these friendly nicey-nice coworkers are all purpose information gatherers. draw your own conclusions when at quitting time there is that exhausted and nauseated feeling. they also get very upset should they feel emotionally distanced. there are tearful meetings with supervisors and other recriminations as in..."but i only want to be your friend".... sob, whine. supervisors will take their story over yours 90% of the time. noname (02/15/2010) Wow, I have to deal with something similar at work too. The only thing is, this co-worker of mine only talks about negative things: her divorce, gossip about others, her new lover's ex-wife, etc. It's a real downer especially when I'm trying to start the day off right. At least your co-worker is in a positive mood about things. I'd rather have a talk-a-holic who is optimistic about things than one who drags my day down because her ex-husband did this or that. What fun. Don't let it affect you. As long as this person is doing their work you should be fine. Try to look busy when this person approaches you to talk or walk away with papers in your hand, step outside the office for a few moments then return. My co-worker not only speaks ill of others but apparently doesn't have enough to do. She updates her blog at work which I'd really like to address with my manager but this would probably result in more negative attitude, towards me! She seems like a very vicious person if you get on her bad side. Ugh, I am looking for another job.