How do I set boundaries with nosy coworkers who ‘just want to learn’?

[Anonymous]

i have been at this job for a few months and some of colleagues who started out with me have been making me somewhat uncomfortable. I don’t really know the reasons but they finish early or will pause to run to my desk whenever someone above is helping me out with something. I know it is important to learn together but they want to be there 24/7 and also try to micro-manage me to show off to the supervisors, pointing out mistakes or demanding me to send documents to them. I already highlighted to them that this makes me uncomfortable but they don’t care, just saying they want to learn. Yet they are not open to criticism on their own. Any suggestions to deal with persistent people who leech even if they are unwanted?

[slatyb]

Do your own work, tell them you are sorry but that you don't have time to support them.

[Asker]

That is given, they still linger even if i don’t entertain them though. Any idea why this is?

[simptopia]

the quickest thing you can implement if you haven't already is not sending them documents when they demand them since its not required of you.

[Asker]

Yeah i def don’t anymore unless someone above tells me to, that person just has a lot of free time, she doesn’t know how to use it i guess.

[Asker]

Also told them that i will only explain concepts to them if they stop being “critical” of me. It is like they expect me to be some kind of trainer or something

[simptopia]

you could explain to supervisor that you feel as though that co-worker is wasting time or could use more training but not from you. Good on you for telling them to stop being critical. Try and be sure to explain to them that they come across condescending and that you would be more open to assisting on occasion if there's mutual respect and they aren't taking the time to speak downto you.

[Anonymous]

Ignore their requests and tell them why when they ask. When they hover, tell them to stop invading your personal space. Eventually they'll give up.

[Asker]

The thing is they know they i don’t want them there but they come anyway. They think having the information is greater value than disrespecting personal boundaries. I once also said “you are done with everything?” To try to divert their attention somewhere else.

I think i will change my seat so this way they don’t have easy access to my screen. Though im sure they will still walk to my desk if someone above is there.

But what you said about ignoring is good, especially when they give feedback or ask questions hehe