Sarah was the worst co-worker ever

My friend Dan shared a story about his issues with a difficult co-worker. Dan and Sarah worked together for nearly a year. The word interesting comes to mind when describing Sarah. One Saturday morning, she brought him in some breakfast sandwiches. He refused because he had already eaten. He also didn’t know she was going to bring in food. She became angry with him for not taking the sandwiches.

She asked him if he was too good to accept her food. To appease her, he offered to reimburse her. She threw them in the trash and didn’t speak to him for three months. She started speaking to Dan again as if nothing happened.

Months later, Dan and Sarah’s employer had a office Christmas party. Dan, Sarah, and a few others chipped in for some buffalo wings. It worked out to about $3 from each employee. After Dan brought the wings back, he asked Sarah to take her portion out. She said she was too busy and didn’t have time.  By the time had gotten to the wings, they were gone. She was pissed.

She filed a grievance with the union. She claimed her co-workers swindled her out of $3. The union didn’t see things her way since she still ate other party food.

Dan and Sarah’s employer can terminate anyone without cause during probation. Dan could have gotten her fired after she fell asleep at her desk. Another employee told on her. Dan was asked by their manager and said he had never seen her sleep at her desk. And he should know since he sat next to her.

Dan was eventually promoted and moved on. I know how he felt. Everyone has worked with a difficult co-worker. It’s definitely a challenge. Playing nice with others is one of the most difficult lessons in life.