Dealing with a Difficult Coworker: Am I the Jerk for Ignoring Him?

AITA for ignoring coworker's bossy demands at work? F21 fed up with patronizing behavior seeks advice on handling the situation professionally.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
25 Dec 2025

Dealing with a Difficult Coworker: Am I the Jerk for Ignoring Him?

In the world of workplace dynamics, power struggles can often lead to uncomfortable situations, especially when age and authority come into play. A recent Reddit thread sheds light on a scenario faced by a young recess aide, who navigates the complexities of her job alongside a much older, domineering coworker.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

At just 21 years old, she finds herself at odds with a 42-year-old male colleague who seems to relish barking orders, despite having no supervisory authority over her. The original poster recounts an incident in which her coworker instructed her to clean the lunch tables, a request she chose to ignore after already fulfilling similar tasks multiple times.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

This decision sparked a confrontation, leaving her to question whether her actions were justified or if she crossed a line by standing up for herself. As she grapples with her frustration, responses from the Reddit community reveal a mix of empathy and encouragement to assert her boundaries in a professional setting.

With a backdrop of ongoing tensions, the conversation invites readers to reflect on the balance of respect and authority in the workplace. So, what do you think?

Is she in the wrong for standing her ground, or is she right to expect a more collegial work environment? Join the discussion and share your thoughts!

Original Post

So I (f21) have started working as a recess aid at an elementary school and have been there for about 10 months now. The kids and workload is fine, I don't mind it at all but what has been irking me is my 42 year old male coworker who is an actual pain in the ass.

He's bossy and incredibly patronizing whenever he gives me the honor of hearing his d**n voice. I would like to say that I have been tolerant these past few months since I don't want any bad blood or anything like that but I have actually reached my breaking point this time.

So we were supervising the kids as usual and he basically commanded me to go clean up some lunch tables (keep in mind, he is not my supervisor- just my fellow coworker) but I ignored him since I had already done it multiple times while he hasn't even picked up a d**n cleaning rag yet. After the kids went back to their classes, he came up to me all pissy and said "Why didn't you clean those tables like I told you to?" I told him that I was occupied with something else and he has the audacity to say "Well, I told you to do that so you should've just done it, jesus.." then sneered at me.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

Anyways, that whole interaction genuinely pissed me off but I don't know if i did the right thing so AITA? (EDIT) I also wanted to add that he doesn't treat our other coworkers like that and I'm also the youngest out of all, so i dont know if his dislike for me is part of that.

(UPDATE) I reported his a*s today n got him sent to the principal's like a lil baby. He has officially began ignoring me which is the best outcome to me fr.

Thank yall so much for the advicee

[ADVERTISEMENT]