Just realized my 'fine' at work is a full time job

I keep saying I'm 'fine' when my boss asks, but really I'm covering for a coworker who missed 15 deadlines this quarter. It matters because the team thinks everything is okay, but I'm doing two jobs and burning out. How do you draw that line between being a team player and telling the hard truth? Anyone found a way to do it without starting a fight?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_simon9d ago

It's a common trap, that 'fine' answer. I've seen it happen a lot where one person covers for another and the whole system gets used to it. The line for me is when covering stops being a short term help and becomes the new normal job. You might need to start giving specific updates, like saying your own work is delayed because you're handling X's missed deadlines.

kelly.hannah9d ago

Yeah, that "new normal job" thing is so real.

ivanscott9d ago

Man, that reminds me of when my friend's office microwave broke. For three months everyone just quietly used the broken one, heating up sad lunches, until someone finally snapped and emailed the whole floor about it. Sometimes you just have to point at the broken thing.