I think my coworker is trying to get me fired, what should I do?

Question

DishLady · Accepted Answer

Aaaaah... Yes, that IS a thing, especially when the team is smaller. It's happened to me three times. TWICE because of a guy -- once bc the gal was trying to get the guy and once bc the *guy* was trying to get the guy. The third time was my best friend teaming up with another gal to get me and one other top dog fired. Life's a funny little space.

None of these three idiots "won" the race. The first person (the gal into the guy) is currently pissed that I've been the last gal standing for a long time and she's stuck with scraps in the industry. The second person (the guy) moved on and continues to give himself "bespoke" airs that no one cares about. The third person vanished on medical leave, never to be heard from again.

There were a few others, small potatoes. Nothing sticks.

1. The key is to act like none of it bothers you, like you don't see it. Like the other person is just part of the wallpaper. Smile and do your job.

2. ABP --> Always be prepared. Plan ahead, work ahead, anticipate. Maintain a STRICT need-to-know only policy with anything work-related. Don't leave any materials in open spaces. Lock your doors/drawers. It will trip the other person up and make you look like an organized mniimalist.

3. Start a soft-search for a new job. A girl always needs to have options. If the shit DOES go down, you thank the team lead for giving you a perfect opportunity to transition to the other job offer you've been eyeballing. They'll end up trying to keep you and possibly offer you a raise/title bump and perks.

4. Be kind. Be nice to everyone from the President to the porter. When you have a reputation for being positive folks remember that. Everyone I work with knows that I'm tough-but-kind. It's my brand. Mess with me or my team and you'll have to deal with me, but I'm always fair and kind to those around me, whether I work with them or not. People remember kindness and it ultimately comes back to you in different ways.

The other person will just eat their heart out.

FreyaRed · Accepted Answer

First of all panic, than fall in depression, finally leave this job. Or use the easy way and be better than your coworker. Employers always love underperforming employees who complain about others and try to get best performers fired because they let them look bad.

OneViewpoint · Accepted Answer

You should ask yourself why your coworker wants you fired. And you should ask yourself if other people in your organization feel the same way. There's a chance you suck at your job and you're living in denial about it. You may be causing problems for everyone else and they are tired of compensating for your performance issues and mistakes.

I know of a case at a client recently where they went through that exact scenario. The woman in question was constantly and vocally accusing various people in the organization of targeting her. What they were actually doing was reviewing her work and pointing out deficiencies. Her response was a flood of accusations verbally, by email, and via text claiming that these people were all "out to get her". What happened? They fired her. She left screaming threats at her coworkers. The verdict? She was a mental case "Karen" who was dumber than a bag of rocks.

I'm not saying this is the case with you. I'm saying you should ask why this person seems to be targeting you. Instead of just reacting defensively, also make room for a little introspective thought. It may save your job.

AviatorTom · Accepted Answer

Talk with your boss and make sure you fully understand your responsibilities, and let your boss know what work you are doing. Do not tell your boss about your co-worker. That would typically be viewed as you being a weak complainer.

If you do the job your boss hired you to do, and do it well, you should have nothing to fear.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Begin by observing your coworker’s behavior objectively to confirm if there's a genuine issue. Document any incidents, including dates and specifics. Maintain professionalism, avoiding confrontation. Communicate with your supervisor about your concerns, focusing on facts and seeking advice. Strengthen your work performance, showing commitment and reliability. Building a positive relationship with colleagues and superiors can provide support. It might also help to discuss the matter with HR if needed and focus on fostering a positive, productive work environment. Seeking outside advice from a trusted mentor or career counselor could provide additional perspective and guidance.

aaron13547 · Answer

Your work, and not worry about it. If you really did nothing wrong and this person makes a problem from nothing. Everyone will see them as the problem not you.

When I had this problem in the past it worked itself out. When we worry to much I think we make problems for ourselves. It goes both ways.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

Your status at work is determined by your performance and your reputation, if you maintain a good reputation and avoid illegal behaviours, you can keep yourself employed when enemies try to get you fired. I had a jealous co worker try to get me fired at my previous job but because I had so many allies in the management system at work, they failed to get me fired from my job.

ManOnFire · Answer

Wait a minute, wait a minute. You didn't even give us any details of why you think this is the case. I can't answer this without some information.

Account · Answer

If it is a toxic environment and someone is behaving like a piece of shit, I calmly confront them. If there is no resolution I leave the job.
There is one thing I am unable to tolerate and that is a toxic environment.

LongLiveBillGates · Answer

Try to get her fired and do it before she gets you fired!

exitseven · Answer

keep your eyes open and try not to screw anything up until you can figure out a way to take him out.

Snowman84 · Answer

Jam an apple in the tail pipe of her car. Or put a dead rat under her wiper blade with a note  You’re next

Dargil · Answer

Not much to go on here. What is your coworker doing to try to fire you?

ProbablyClueless · Answer

Start documenting evidence and then speak to your superiors with your evidence,

chickychickyparmparm · Answer

If you want to keep the job, document everything she does and everything you do that’s proof of you doing your work.

ABC1x1x · Answer

Prank them to Deth with a tire iron in the parking lot

Anonymous · Answer

I think Advisor Smith explained it quite well.

robocop666 · Answer

hire a private investigator what is she doing?

Noredcarpet · Answer

Talk to your boss about it

WhitneySnow · Answer

What are they doing?

Nikki1989 · Answer

File a complaint.

In_Trance · Answer

Don't give your boss any reason to fire you

Staximus · Answer

Talk to the boss

I think my coworker is trying to get me fired, what should I do?

Most Helpful Opinions

AI Opinion

What Girls & Guys Said

I think my coworker is trying to get me fired, what should I do?

Most Helpful Opinions

AI Opinion

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.