My coworker volunteers me for everything—today I finally said no in front of everyone
I'm the youngest on my team. I've been here 10 months. "Diane" has been here 12 years. She thinks she's my office mom.
The problem? She keeps volunteering me for things. Extra shifts. Weekend coverage. Holiday decorations. Company charity events. She'll raise her hand in meetings and say, "Oh, [my name] would love to help with that!"
Without asking me. Every single time.
I've had to work 3 extra weekends this year because of her. I missed my nephew's birthday party. I spent 4 hours organizing a bake sale I never agreed to.
I smiled through all of it. Because I was new. Because I didn't want to seem difficult.
But last week, she did it again. Our manager asked for someone to stay late every night this week to finish a report. Before I could even process it, Diane's voice cut through: "[My name] is young and energetic! She can handle it."
Something inside me snapped.
I looked at my manager. I looked at Diane. I looked back at my manager. And I said, clearly and calmly:
"Actually, I can't. I've worked late 12 times this month. Diane has never stayed past 5 PM once. Why doesn't she volunteer herself for a change?"
The room went dead silent.
Diane's face went bright red. My manager blinked, then slowly said: "That's... a fair point. Diane, can you handle this week?"
Diane stammered. Said she had "family commitments." My manager replied: "We all do. I'm assigning this to you."
Diane had to stay late every night this week.
Today, she walked past my desk and muttered, "That was unnecessary."
I looked up and said: "So were the last 10 months."
She didn't respond. Just walked away.
I've never felt more relieved in my life.