I’m scared of my coworker and think he’s a psychopath. He has anger issues and is very manipulative. What should I do? We work on the same project?

[Anonymous]

I went to HR but he doesn’t know about it yet. He’s also leaving in a month anyway for a new job. But he has to train me on some things.

[Anonymous]

So can you "tough it out" until he leaves? Just keep it professional and work related. Communicate or interact as little as possible (only what's necessary for the job) and that's it. If he does anything inappropriate, report to HR. And if you're so uncomfortable around him that you can get through it, talk to HR. Tell them you aren't comfortable working with him and I'm sure they'll put you with someone else or do something. They can't just ignore it.

[Asker]

He angers so easily and manipulates situations. All I did today was ask him about a text he sent me and what he meant and he blew up and was like “I feel threatened by your level of escalation and I’m uncomfortable and feel threatened by you” like WHAT THE FUCK! Scuse me, but literally this is how he is. He twisted it into something it’s not and got aggressive.

[Asker]

My manager is out of town for 2 weeks so I have to talk to HR and another guy who is her manager.

[Opinion Owner]

Why does he have your number to text you? (ask because it's uncommon for general "co-workers" unless you have more of a personal relationship?). Stop texting for sure! Keep it in person and at work. But in that case I'd go to HR again and just ask that they put you with someone else. And if that's not possible (example he's the only one that can train you or whatever), then a boss or manager can be there with the 2 of you to make sure things stay professional. Just tell them he gets angry easy and you're uncomfortable with him. They'll have to do something.

[Asker]

He sends me sexual texts during business meetings saying things like “I know what else you can help me with ;)” and about how he wants to see my ass and how he’d love me to be in his bed with him.
I filed a formal complaint today. But it’s still on my mind. He scares the shit out of me and I don't know what he’s capable of. But he’s cited examples of being very vindictive before and told me no one should ever mess with him.

[Opinion Owner]

You've got proof with those text of sexual harassment. Being you're scared of him, you may not want that "drama" when he's leaving in a month. It's good you filed a complaint (what kind of complaint?), but you can definitely go the sexual harassment route if you save those texts. Or at least, request to not work with him. You've got more than enough valid reason. And block him from your phone or change your number. No need to text you again ever.

[Opinion Owner]

Shouldn't even have your number.

[Guy13]

Wow, that’s a tough situation for all parties involved. What a horrible way to leave a job. Talk about the example of burning bridges ‼️

[Asker]

He’s terrifying. He angers easily, has said horribly offensive things to me, sexually harasses me, and today blew up and told me he felt threatened by me and all I did was ask a simple question about a text he sent me during a meeting. He’s unstable and insane.

[Guy13]

Wow…hopefully it passes quickly. Maybe HR will move him along quicker than originally planned ⁉️

[Asker]

I spoke with my managers manager today and he said he’s not sure what all they can do since he’s already leaving. But that makes me think this is grounds for termination and that’s what they’d do.

[Guy13]

What a shame…waste of human resource, time, etc…

[Asker]

I hate him so fucking much. He’s a piece of scum.