Should I Cover My Backstabbing Coworkers Lunch Shift After He Sabotaged My Project? | AITA?

A 29-year-old woman refused to cover her coworker’s lunch shift after he spent her lunch break badmouthing her to the boss and trying to steal credit for her work. And honestly, it’s hard to blame her for feeling like she’s being played.

Here’s the twist, Alex, the same guy who tried to throw her under the bus, shows up the next day smiling and asks for a favor. He needs her to cover his lunch shift because of “personal errands,” which would mean she gives up her own break, just to make his day easier after he already made hers worse.

So the real question is not whether she can cover a shift, it’s whether she’s supposed to reward backstabbing with flexibility, and that’s exactly where this one gets messy.

Original Post

So I'm (29F) working on this crucial project at my office. During my lunch break in the break room, I overheard my coworker (31M), let's call him Alex, badmouthing me to the boss.

He tried to throw me under the bus and take all the credit for my hard work. I was stunned by his betrayal.

The next day, Alex comes to me, all smiles, and asks me to cover his lunch shift as a favor since he has personal errands to run. Now, I know covering for him would mean missing out on my own well-deserved break.

Would I be wrong to refuse his request considering how he betrayed me? Should I put work ethics over personal retaliation?

It's a tough call. AITA?

The Stakes of Office Loyalty

This situation highlights the fragile nature of workplace loyalty. The OP is torn between the need to maintain professional relationships and the anger stemming from Alex's sabotage. It's one thing to feel betrayed by a coworker, but when that betrayal affects your work, it complicates the decision to lend a hand, even if it's just to cover a lunch shift.

By refusing to help Alex, the OP risks escalating their conflict, but stepping in could mean condoning his behavior. This dilemma resonates with many, as office dynamics often blur the lines between personal feelings and professional obligations. How does one navigate a toxic environment while still trying to uphold their responsibilities?

The moment OP hears Alex trash her in the break room, that “just a lunch shift” request stops sounding harmless.

Comment from u/pizzalover99

NTA. Alex made his bed by undermining you, so he can lie in it. Don't sacrifice your well-being for someone who tried to sabotage you. Stand your ground.

Comment from u/adventure_time23

YTA if you don't cover for Alex. Rise above his pettiness and show your professionalism. Don't let his actions dictate yours. Plus, this could be a chance to mend fences.

Comment from u/thebookworm_girl

ESH. Alex for backstabbing you and you for potentially stooping to his level. Consider taking the high road but also address his betrayal. It's a delicate balance to navigate.

Comment from u/sunset_dreamer7

NTA. Alex played a dirty game, and now he has to face the consequences. Your lunch break matters too. It's not about revenge; it's about setting boundaries and self-respect.

Then Alex walks in the next day acting friendly, like the sabotage conversation never happened.

Comment from u/litmus_tester

YTA if you don't cover for Alex. Professionalism means rising above personal conflicts. Show your maturity by being the bigger person, even if Alex doesn't deserve it.

It also echoes the question in this post about stopping your coworker from covering your pet breaks after they slacked off.

Comment from u/coffeeaddict_77

NTA. Your lunch break is your time, and Alex shouldn't expect favors after his betrayal. Protect your boundaries and prioritize self-care. Don't feel guilty for putting yourself first.

Comment from u/plants_and_coffee

ESH. Alex for his betrayal, but don't let his actions change your work ethic. Covering his shift could demonstrate your professionalism. However, addressing his betrayal is crucial too.

When the cover shift would cost OP her own break, the favor turns into a choice between petty revenge and basic workplace decency.

Comment from u/music_lover_42

YTA. While Alex's actions were wrong, retaliating won't solve anything. Cover his shift to show grace under pressure. It's an opportunity to rise above workplace drama and rebuild trust.

Comment from u/wolfpack_alpha

NTA.

Comment from u/pineapple_express

YTA if you don't cover his shift. Rising above petty office drama is key. Show that you won't let his actions affect your professionalism. It's a chance to handle conflict with grace.

Now OP has to decide whether refusing will blow up the office drama even more, or if covering will quietly validate Alex’s stunt.

How would you handle this situation? Let us know in the comments.

A Divided Community Response

The Reddit community's reaction to this post reveals a split in how people view workplace camaraderie. Some commenters empathize with the OP, arguing that covering for someone who actively undermined you is a no-go. Others, however, suggest that refusing to help may burn bridges, potentially leading to future workplace isolation.

This dichotomy reflects a broader societal debate about loyalty and self-preservation. It raises the question: when does self-care become selfishness?

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores the complex interplay of loyalty, betrayal, and professional responsibility in the workplace. It's a reminder that office dynamics often come with emotional baggage that can complicate even simple requests. As readers reflect on the OP's dilemma, they might ask themselves: how would they handle a similar situation? Would they put their own interests first, or strive for a sense of workplace unity despite the risks involved?

What It Comes Down To

The situation between the OP and Alex reveals the intricate web of workplace relationships. After Alex's betrayal by trying to take credit for her work, it's no surprise that the OP feels conflicted about covering his shift. This request not only puts her well-being at stake but also forces her to confront the moral implications of helping someone who disrespected her. The varied reactions from the Reddit community further highlight how personal feelings can clash with professional expectations, leaving many to wonder where the line should be drawn in maintaining workplace ethics.

Nobody wants to donate their lunch break to the guy who already tried to ruin their reputation.

For more lunch-shift fallout, see what happened when someone refused to cover their coworker.