Why doesn't my coworker understand this?

Question

I'm young & I work at a customer service job. Last night, one of my coworkers had to leave at the same time (10 PM). My boss told me to clean front counter, bathrooms, and the lobby half an hour before I left. To me, that's a lot to do in 30 mins. As I was cleaning, my coworker said that she needed help in drive-thru. I told her I had to leave in 10 mins. That doesn't leave much time to clean, help her, plus get orders. She yelled, "Well I have to leave in 10 mins. too!" I understand the job can get stressful but her boyfriend picks her up. My parents pick me up and they had to get up at 6 AM to take my mom to the hospital. I doubt they want to wait a really long time because they need to get some sleep. If I'm not out 15 minutes by clock out time they come into work checking on me which can make me anxious. My dad once talked about me taking a cell & calling them when I'm done but that idea didn't stay very long. Why doesn't my coworker understand?

Answer 1

Is your co-worker older than you? Has she been in her job longer than you've been in yours? If either of those is the case, that's probably why. Also bear in mind that, at least in certain jobs, people who are there long term when there's a constant stream of employees who don't stay long at all start to feel like they're the only ones who care about their job. They can also feel like they've earned the right to have their needs met first. At the most base level, she may not treat you right because she doesn't have to. After all, you'll be gone eventually, and if you can't/won't help her out, what use are you to her? Or she may just be a bully. I don't know, and it's up to you to figure this out.

A little tip: If you're busy and somebody else who's busy wants you to help out, don't make it a matter of personal comfort. What I mean is don't respond by saying that you have to leave soon; instead, say that you'll be lucky if you can finish the work you already have and so you're unfortunately unable to help. Ever so sorry.

Also, if your boss is hated, or known for piling on the work, you can use this (but don't be hateful about it; trust me, the most obnoxious people in the workplace are the whiners who always pick on the bad things their bosses and co-workers do). Just say that you'd like to help, but the boss has given you a load of things to do.

Welcome to the glamourous world of work.

Answer 2

Sounds like she has a case of "selfishism".  Haha.  NO, I can understand where you're coming from more than she.  I'm sorry she's not being more understanding!  Try to keep your ground, or start cleaning a bit earlier.  Perhaps this can cut down on being late.  

Good luck!