Should I Cover for a Coworker Who Constantly Leaves Work Early? | Reddit Advice
Dealing with a coworker who constantly leaves early, OP wonders if it's fair to decline covering for them - Reddit users weigh in on the dilemma.
A 28-year-old woman in a busy law firm just got put in the middle of her coworker’s “always urgent” schedule problems, and it sounds exhausting. Her coworker, Sarah, keeps leaving work early for one personal reason after another, and somehow it turns into OP’s job to cover it.
The boss, John, regularly calls OP on short notice to fill in for Sarah, calling it “urgent.” Then last Friday, Sarah begged OP to cover again because she said she had a family emergency, but it ended up being a last-minute shopping trip with friends. Now John is disappointed, and Sarah is mad at OP for not helping.
OP has to decide if she should keep being the backup plan, or finally stop covering for Sarah’s disappearing act.
Original Post
So I'm (28F) working in a busy law firm, and we have this coworker, let's call her Sarah. Sarah (33F) always leaves work early, claiming various personal reasons like appointments, family events, etc.
Our boss, John, often asks me to cover for her on short notice, saying it's urgent. Last Friday, Sarah asked me to cover for her again as she needed to leave early for a family emergency.
I had plans after work that I couldn't cancel. I politely declined, but Sarah's emergency turned out to be a last-minute shopping trip with her friends.
When John found out, he was disappointed. Now, Sarah is upset with me, saying I should've helped a coworker in need.
I feel conflicted between helping out and setting boundaries. WIBTA for refusing to cover for Sarah in the future?
The Weight of Responsibility
This situation highlights a common but uncomfortable reality in workplaces: the burden of covering for others. When OP's boss, John, asks her to fill in for Sarah, it raises questions about fairness and accountability. It's not just about the hours lost; it’s about the principle of teamwork. OP's reluctance to help isn't simply about personal inconvenience; it touches on a deeper issue of reliability and trust within the team.
By constantly leaving early, Sarah risks creating resentment among her colleagues. The underlying tension here could lead to a toxic work environment if left unaddressed. OP's dilemma strikes a chord because many can relate to feeling taken advantage of and grappling with the moral implications of refusing to cover for someone who may not be pulling their weight.
OP’s whole problem starts with Sarah leaving early again and again, and John repeatedly turning the short-notice scramble into OP’s responsibility.
Comment from u/theRandomPotato123
NTA, your coworker's lack of professionalism shouldn't be your burden to carry. Boundaries at work are important.
Comment from u/CoffeeFiend_2000
Sounds messy. You gotta prioritize yourself. NTA for standing your ground.
Comment from u/starrynightowl
Sarah seems like she's taking advantage of your kindness. NTA for looking out for your own priorities.
Comment from u/noobie_gamer_girl
NTA - Work-life balance goes both ways. Your coworker needs to respect your time too.
When Sarah’s “family emergency” turned out to be a shopping trip, the trust issue stopped being theoretical and became painfully real.
Comment from u/theRealPancake
John needs to address the real issue with Sarah's constant absences rather than putting it on you. NTA.
It also echoes the coworker who left the bill with you after a business trip.
Comment from u/throwaway_forever
You're not Sarah's keeper. NTA for setting boundaries at work.
Comment from u/happilyLost42
NTA - Your time is valuable too. Don't let Sarah's lack of responsibility affect your plans.
John’s disappointment after the incident makes it clear this is not just a personal favor request, it’s affecting work expectations.
Comment from u/LazySunflower_
Sounds like Sarah needs to learn some accountability. NTA for prioritizing your own commitments.
Comment from u/theRealDeal_NoLie
NTA - It's not your job to cover for someone who doesn't take their own job seriously. Your boundaries matter.
Comment from u/GoldenSunset333
Don't let Sarah guilt-trip you into being her backup plan. NTA for standing firm.
Now Sarah is upset that OP won’t keep bailing her out, even though Sarah’s reasons keep changing at the last second.
What's your opinion on this situation? Join the conversation!.
The Community's Divided Opinions
The Reddit community's responses to OP's dilemma reveal a spectrum of opinions reflecting personal values and workplace ethics.
What It Comes Down To
This story serves as a microcosm of the challenges many face in balancing personal and professional obligations.
Why This Matters
In this situation, OP's reluctance to cover for Sarah highlights a common tension in workplace dynamics—balancing personal commitments with the expectation to support colleagues. Sarah's pattern of leaving early for seemingly trivial reasons, like a shopping trip disguised as a family emergency, creates not only resentment but also a feeling of unfairness among team members. Meanwhile, John’s insistence that OP step in reflects a lack of accountability on his part, further complicating the issue and placing undue pressure on OP to prioritize others at the expense of her own plans.
Nobody wants to be Sarah’s unpaid emergency contact.
Before you cover Sarah again, read what happened when someone refused to cover a slacking friend.
