Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Lazy Lady Claims 50% Of Coworker’s Pay After Doing Almost Nothing, Gets Hit With Reality Instead
Young woman showing lazy worker attitude, doing bare minimum at office while working on laptop with coffee nearby

Lazy Lady Claims 50% Of Coworker’s Pay After Doing Almost Nothing, Gets Hit With Reality Instead

Interview With Author

41

ADVERTISEMENT

Some coworkers seem to specialize in making work harder for others, don’t they? Whether they’re stepping on toes by taking over tasks or just slacking off while acting busy, their stunts can seriously tank team morale.

When people start competing instead of working together, stress goes up, productivity goes down, and even the chillest workplace can start to feel frustrating.

That’s what happened to one Redditor who went on a business trip after asking a coworker to handle a quick client meet-and-greet, only to find out that she’s now demanding half the commission.

More info: Reddit

RELATED:

    Some coworkers ask to borrow your charger, while others ask for half your pay because they once said “hi” to your client

    Three women in a meeting, one appearing disengaged, illustrating a lazy worker doing the bare minimum at work.

    Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    One employee has to leave for a business trip and asks a coworker to cover a client meeting, but finds out she’s demanding half their commission for it

    Text excerpt describing a lazy worker doing the bare minimum and demanding half of coworkers' commission for minimal help.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text on a white background reading no, I don’t like her but I have to work with her so I try my best to keep my ire in check, illustrating a lazy worker situation.

    Lazy worker doing the bare minimum at work, demanding half of coworkers commission for minimal help.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Person typing on laptop showing email inbox, illustrating lazy worker doing bare minimum at shared workspace.

    Image credits: rawpixel.com / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The coworker does more than asked to do, then goes behind the employee’s back and complains to the boss about it

    Text message discussing a lazy worker demanding half of coworkers commission for minimal one hour help at work.

    Alt text: Text expressing refusal to split commission for a project after only one hour of minimal help from a lazy worker.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text showing frustration with a lazy worker demanding half of coworker’s commission for minimal help in a work setting.

    Alt text: Text expressing stress about returning to work, reflecting a lazy worker doing the bare minimum and demanding coworker commission.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Two coworkers discuss work at office desks, illustrating a lazy worker doing the bare minimum while demanding coworker commission.

    Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The boss sends out an email saying all employees must share their commissions 50/50 if they ask a coworker to cover their work

    Text excerpt discussing a lazy worker doing the bare minimum and demanding half of a coworker's commission for minimal help.

    Text excerpt about addressing work issues directly with one person, highlighting lazy worker and minimal effort themes.

    Coworker overwhelmed and taking a mental health day after doing the bare minimum and demanding commission for minimal help.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Thank you message expressing appreciation for comments and good advice from readers and coworkers.

    Image credits:

    The employee has a chat with their boss, tells them the truth about their coworker who watches movies at work all day

    The OP (original poster), a responsible employee, had to travel out of state for work. Like any decent coworker, they gave their teammates a heads-up and asked for a tiny favor: Could someone greet a visiting client, jot down some basic info, and be a friendly face in the showroom? No heavy lifting, no tough negotiations, no project planning. Just a clipboard, a smile, and maybe a pen that works.

    But drama queen Barbie, a 36-year-old going on 20, took that small task and turned it into an Oscar-worthy performance. Not only did she overstep the request, she ran to the boss and somehow twisted the situation into a company-wide policy change. She snitched and exaggerated her role, and now everyone’s being told to split commissions 50/50 when someone fills in.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    When the OP got back, they weren’t thrilled to see that their hard work had been hijacked. But instead of going nuclear (tempting, I know), they took the high road and had a calm chat with the boss, laid out the facts, and even dropped a few truth bombs about the coworker’s habit of watching movies during work hours and throwing toddler-level tantrums.

    When she realized she’d been exposed, our drama queen took a mental health day because she was suddenly “overwhelmed.” Now, look, I’m all for protecting your peace, taking breaks, and prioritizing wellness. But let’s not confuse emotional hangovers from being held accountable with actual burnout.

    Dealing with difficult coworkers is part of the job, that’s true, but it doesn’t have to drain you. Difficult coworkers come in many flavors: the drama queen, the ghost who vanishes when work piles up, or the know-it-all who never shuts up.

    The trick is not letting their stunts ruin your mojo. Keep your cool, don’t engage in office gossip, and focus on what you can control – your work and your attitude. If it’s a real headache, ask support from HR or management, but keep your interactions polite and fact-based, and try to deescalate the conflict before it passes a “no return” point.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman at office desk looking unmotivated while working on laptop, illustrating lazy worker doing the bare minimum.

    Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    To gain deeper insight into the situation, Bored Panda reached out to the poster, who revealed that tensions with the coworker remain high. According to the poster, people in the office believe the colleague may be struggling with mental health issues, as her erratic behavior has continued well past the original commission dispute.

    In the weeks that followed, she reportedly faked a family death to avoid a performance review and has made several dramatic exits from the office.

    The poster had only been working with her for a short time before the problems began. They explained that the woman was a recent hire and management had hoped they could help guide her through the onboarding process. Unfortunately, the new employee showed little interest in collaboration, choosing instead to do things her own way.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    When asked whether they had ever attempted to address the issues directly, the poster said they tried but were met with dishonesty or emotional reactions. Still, they stood firm, particularly when it came to the question of splitting the commission. After explaining their side to management, they ultimately supported their decision not to share the earnings.

    The incident led to a sudden company-wide policy change that left many confused. The team had previously operated smoothly, but once the new hire joined, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. According to the poster, their colleague has had similar conflicts with others as well.

    “It’s not just a me issue. In fact, there is now a list being compiled of incidents she is involved in. I believe or rather hope they are building a case for reprimanding her,” the poster shared.

    Since sharing their story, the situation has only escalated. The coworker’s latest actions include an outburst over being left out of a casual conversation, followed by an accusatory team email. Trust in the office has eroded, especially after it came to light that she had also attempted to claim part of another colleague’s commission.

    According to the poster, it wasn’t until multiple team members pushed back that leadership began to recognize a pattern.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    What do you think of this story? Was the poster’s coworker entitled to a cut of the commission? Drop your thoughts and comments below!

    Netizens side with the employee, saying their coworker’s behavior is infuriating

    Discussion about a lazy worker demanding half of coworker’s commission for minimal help despite being sent away by the boss.

    Text conversation about a lazy worker doing minimal work and demanding half of coworkers' commission for brief help.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Reddit discussion about a lazy worker doing minimal work and demanding half of coworker’s commission for little help.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Online discussion about a lazy worker doing the bare minimum and demanding half of coworkers commission for help.

    Online discussion about a lazy worker doing the bare minimum and demanding half of coworker’s commission for minimal help.

    Text conversation about a lazy worker doing the bare minimum and workplace frustration with passive-aggressive boss emails.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Reddit conversation about a lazy worker demanding half of coworkers’ commission for minimal assistance in one hour.

     

    Poll Question

    Total votes ·

    Thanks! Check out the results:

    Total votes ·
    Share on Facebook
    Monica Selvi

    Monica Selvi

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

    Read less »
    Monica Selvi

    Monica Selvi

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

    Read less »

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

    What do you think ?
    roddy
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If a new rule is put in place, it can't work retroactively. Only going forward. It was not in place when co-worker overstepped, so she should get nothing anyway.

    Matt Blakeley
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this is the first time I've ever had sympathy for someone in sales. Definitely NTA.

    The Camera Man
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG, the word is *losing*, not loosing.

    Load More Comments
    roddy
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If a new rule is put in place, it can't work retroactively. Only going forward. It was not in place when co-worker overstepped, so she should get nothing anyway.

    Matt Blakeley
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this is the first time I've ever had sympathy for someone in sales. Definitely NTA.

    The Camera Man
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG, the word is *losing*, not loosing.

    Load More Comments
    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Popular on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT