What should I about this situation I have at work?

Question

I've been with this law firm for almost a year now. August 13th will be my anniversary of 1 year. I am a file clerk out of atleast 15. We each have our own department that we share with one more person. The person I worked with was a temp for 2 years until she was finally hired about 5 months after I was hired. She is nice, but she also has a side that i don't think she even knows about. She kind of orders me around in a nice way, but never asking just telling. I get her food and sometimes I do offer. I get her office supplies even if i'm not going down there. If I had a ton of filing it's like she over looks it and say that I have to help her with something pointless. The thing is she has been here longer, but she isn't in charge. Our boss made that very clear that we are on the same level. She completely disregards that and she breaks most of the rules. She has gotten better, but she is still doing some bad stuff. Now, I do go on the computer from time to time and if i have to call my doctor I use my phone. That's not the problem. Right now it's her being a neat freak and trying to involve me. She comes up with these stupid pointless jobs and expects me to just drop my work and help her. And I have been way to busy to help. She also volunteers me to help others while i'm busy. She has me call in things for her. "Jess, call in and get boxes." "Jess, look this up." "jess, go down stairs and get folders." LIke, wtf you are doing nothing! You can do it! It's all because I don't know how to say no. And now it's causing stress and i get this horrible pain in my chest and i can't breath and i want to cry because she is taking advantage of me and i don't know how to stand up for my self because i don't want her to hate me or there to be any problems in my office because I like this job. I'm not sure what to do, but one day i think i might explode on her or my self and end up getting fired. Sometimes I go in another room that is vacant to file just to get away from her. I don't know what to do!

Answer 1

I would tell her to do it herself only after I talked to my direct supervisor. If you give him the heads up as to what is actually going on, he may be able to offer a soloution to you problem. I would just tell her where to stick it but that is just me.

Answer 2

Actually you do know what to do. You're just not doing it. The only way this is going to change for you is for you to stick up for yourself. Ask yourself why are you not sticking up for yourself? This goes deeper than this job I would imagine. If you don't make the decision to stick up for yourself you're going to continue to be miserable and suffer physically as well. Is that what you want for you? To be walked on  for the rest of your life? I know, its not something easy to just up and change about yourself. But, no one is going to do it for you. You deserve better!

You don't have to be mean about sticking up for you. The next time she asks you to do something while you are busy doing your own work say " I'm sorry but you'll have to do that yourself, I'm just too busy with the work I have". Do not say that you are too busy right now. The right now gives her the opportunity to say that you can do it later. With each sentence you say to her make sure you're not giving her an option to have you do it at another time. Before going into work think up some responses that you can give her for the things she gives you to do so you're prepared. And remember you are NOT being paid to do her work. Be strong for yourself and good luck!

Answer 3

First, you need to speak with your boss privately. Tell him/her the situation so that they can be aware of the situation, and perhaps offer advise. Then, the next time she is ordering you around you need to say something to her in a professional manner. There is no need to be rude or snippy; you work in a business environment and should act like it in all situations. Politely tell her that you do not appreciate her giving you orders. Remind her that you two are on the same level and that while you do not mind helping her out from time to time, you do not appreciate being ordered around.