Work question

[Judith]

At my job at the writing center I'm allowed to do homework when I don't have appointments. Query: What do I do about a coworker who consistantly interupts me while I'm studying in order to bitch about everything in her life, no matter how small the problem is? It's boring and I just don't need that extra negativity in my life...I have enough of my own. When I point out that I'm working on an assignment, she doesn't go away. When I try to stick my nose in a book before she can approach me, she doesn't take the hint. When I respond only in monosyllables she doesn't take the hint. This isn't just harmless small talk...she will often take up an hour of my time just complaining! Is there any way to let her know I just don't care and would prefer to be left alone rather than saying fuck off, since even though this is an informal workplace, I doubt that would be considered within the range of acceptable behavior?

[Pip_The_Great]

I actually work in a similar setting. There's a technical rule where I work that you're not supposed to be visiting with someone for over an hour (no one ever really follows it), but if you have a similar rule, perhaps you could bring that up? Or maybe find a way to slip how unprofessional it looks for workers to be sitting around gabbing and they might take the hint?

[LiLOrion]

Maybe saying, "I apologize, but I really cant listen to you right now, I have work I have to get done".

Though if she cant take the hints youve been giving her, you might need to say "F*ck off" in order for her to get it into her head. :)

[stellar]

There's always the "shut your pie-hole" technique. I've found it effective and comical.

[kechara420]

Try taping a big DO NOT DISTURB note to the outside of your desk/cube/office. Or, just be sweet as pie, and say, "I'm sorry, but I'm really busy. If this is important, could you send me an e-mail?"

If she doesn't take the hint, ignore her. If she starts having an attitude because of this, just remind her that you're busy, and you've asked her very nicely not to disturb you.

[LiLOrion]

Or...you could ask her how SHE would deal with a coworker who kept coming up to her when she was, lets just say for example, trying to do what youre trying to do at that very moment....and then see if she gets the hint. :D

[Kurt_eh]

Three letters: S.B.D.! :innocent:

[kechara420]

Three letters: S.B.D.! :innocent::roflmao: Kurt, I LOVE you man!! :kotc:

[Judith]

Three letters: S.B.D.! :innocent:


Arroooo?

[Emeraldcity]

It would be appropriate just to nicely say that you really have something to finish and you would be glad to speak later............. if being nice doesn't work........try Stellar's "shut your pie hole" technique, that works every time...... :D :D :D usually just the shock factor shuts someone up long enough to get something done ;) ;) ;)

[BrowderChick]

I think you should just simply tell her that what you are doing is important and that she is not letting you get it done. Or politely say, "Can this wait til later?"

[kechara420]

Are you allowed to have headphones at work? Put on a pair, even if you're not listening to music.

[BrowderChick]

Good one. :aok:

[AgentSun]

do what my roommate and i do with our third roommate who does the same thing to us. we put on headphones and plug them into something...even if that thing isn't on, or even if it is, if she doesn't see what it's plugged into and notices that it's not on, she assumes we won't hear her.

[MadWombat]

just act like your crazy, works for me. recite lines from movies in an english accent, that really makes em back off.

[zelbinion]

whenever she comes by just click up a sound byte from Godsmack's "Go the F** Away" Works real well for those who won't take a hint :)