Coworker Takes Advantage: AITA for Refusing Free Design Work?

AITA for refusing to provide free services to a coworker who constantly takes advantage of me, even after offering a discounted rate?

Damjan

Published in Interesting
25 Feb 2026

Coworker Takes Advantage: AITA for Refusing Free Design Work?

A 26-year-old freelance graphic designer thought she was being a good coworker, then a “quick favor” turned into repeated last-minute brochure-level work she was expected to do for free.

It started with small fixes, like tweaking a flyer or fixing a logo, but her coworker kept escalating. Soon it was full design projects, always rushed, and always with the same not-so-subtle angle: since they work together, the OP should just eat the cost.

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When the coworker demanded a complete brochure for a personal project and got mad after a discounted offer, the guilt trip finally hit a breaking point.

Original Post

I (26F) work as a freelance graphic designer, mostly doing small projects for local businesses. I’ve always tried to help people when I can, even coworkers, because I like being generous and supportive.

One of my coworkers has a habit of asking me for design work just as a favor whenever she needs it. At first, I helped her occasionally like tweaking a flyer or fixing a logo because it seemed harmless.

Over time, she started asking for bigger projects, always last minute, and often implied I should do it for free since we work together. Yesterday, she asked me to design a full brochure for a personal project and insisted it would only take me a few hours.

I explained politely that I couldn’t do it for free, as I have paying clients and commitments, and offered to give her a discounted rate instead. She got visibly upset, said I was selfish and not a team player, and implied I was letting her down.

I feel like I’ve been more than reasonable I’ve helped her multiple times for free, but I also need to value my work and time. I even offered an alternative that works for both of us, but she seemed more focused on guilt tripping me than actually finding a solution.