Have you ever had to deal with a sarcastic coworker? Maybe you even thought the two of you were friends, only to realize that you had always been the butt of their jokes? While it can be hard to stand up to these people, it is always worth it. Here’s how to say “enough is enough” and finally put a stop to these passive-aggressive tendencies in the workplace by quitting.
Confirm your suspicions by identifying the behavior.
Did your coworker Fracesca accept credit for your work, then later message you thanking you for the inspiration? Does your coworker Sean seem nice when they’re talking to you, but later make fun of you behind your back? It’s important to make sure that your coworker is actually being passive-aggressive, so that when you pull up LinkedIn, you’re fully committed to applying to jobs in different industries and area codes in order to get away from them.
Deal with the behavior directly.
The best method for confronting passive-aggressive behavior in the workplace is to deal with it up front. Don’t beat around the bush – directly apply for the jobs you want, while you simultaneously avoid talking to that coworker until you can get the hell out of that place.
Encourage open communication.
Just because your coworker is a passive-aggressive coward doesn’t mean you have to be! Encourage open communication in order to solve your problems. Not, like, between you and your coworker or anything, but between you and the recruiter for the job you impulse-applied to three days ago. Give them the lowdown about your coworker’s behavior and you should have a new job – and confidant – in no time!
Remember: their behavior doesn’t define you.
Their childish, cruel actions don’t define you – your new job does! And doesn’t that success feel infinitely better than any in-person confrontation you could’ve had with that person? But definitely consider keying their car on your way out — they deserve it.
And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, you’ll shut your passive-aggressive coworker up for good! Or, at least, you’ll be too far away to hear their comments anymore, since you’re already a week into your new job with new coworkers who are much nicer and less manipulative – unless…wait…did she just say she liked your shirt as a compliment or to make fun of you? Better fire up LinkedIn just in case.
