Working with the Unworkable

You show up to work, heart full, ready to give your best. You do your part, maybe even more than your share. But then there’s that one person. The one who drifts through the day like a ghost in the system. They’re there... but not really there.

And suddenly? You’re not just doing your job; you’re covering theirs too.

Recently, someone close to me found themselves in that exact spot. Day after day, picking up the slack while their teammate floated around like it didn’t matter. It got me thinkin’: How do you deal with someone who just... doesn’t do their part?

Because that stuff wears on you. Not just your schedule, but your spirit.

🌾 First things first: You are not too much.

You care. You take pride in what you do. That is a strength, not a flaw.

And if you’re working with someone uncooperative, here’s what might help you carry your peace without carrying their weight too.

🌿 Understanding Before Reacting

Sometimes we rush straight into frustration (I mean, who wouldn’t?), but pausing for a second to observe can change the game. Are they stressed? Lacking skills? Burnt out? Or just plain careless?

Whatever the cause, it helps to understand the “why” before diving into the “what now.” Because jumping to conclusions often leaves us bitter, but gathering insight gives us clarity.

✍️ Set Clear Boundaries (and Expectations)

If your role feels like it’s growing into two jobs, that’s a sign to check in, with yourself and with them. You don’t have to confront anyone aggressively. Sometimes, a simple “Let’s walk through what each of us is doing on this project” opens the door to accountability without pointing fingers.

And if they still don’t step up?

You’ve got every right to draw the line. Kindly. Calmly. Clearly.

🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 Communicate with Heart (But Also Honesty)

Conversations like these are hard. But silence doesn’t fix what someone won’t see.

Try something like, Hey, I’ve noticed I’ve been handling a lot on my own lately. Is everything okay? How can we make this feel more balanced?

Not accusatory. Not passive. Just real talk.

It’s amazing what empathy plus firmness can do.

🗂 Document If You Need To

If things don’t improve, keep a record. Not for gossip or revenge, but for your own peace of mind. If it comes time to talk to a supervisor, you’ll have facts, not just feelings.

Write it down. Protect your time, your energy, and your effort.

💛 Protect You

The truth is, their lack of effort shouldn’t cost you your joy. Step away when you can. Breathe deep. Remind yourself this isn’t personal, even when it feels that way.

Use your voice. Take breaks. Find moments that refill your cup.

You were never meant to carry the whole world on your back, just your own beautiful part in it.

🪶 Final Thoughts

Working with the unworkable is hard. It’s exhausting. It’s unfair. And it can make you question if showing up fully is even worth it.

But hear me when I say this: You are not invisible. You are not overreacting. And you are not wrong for caring.

Some people won’t match your energy, and that’s okay. You’re not here to match them. You’re here to lead with quiet strength, gentle boundaries, and a heart that doesn’t stop shining just because someone else dims theirs.

🛠 Gentle Reminders for Handling a Tough Coworker:

🪞 Know what’s yours and what’s not

🗣 Speak kindly, clearly, and early

📓 Keep notes of repeated patterns

🌬 Take breaks and ground yourself

🫶 Remember: their behavior is not your worth

💡 Don’t let their slack steal your shine

You’re not asking for too much. You’re asking for what’s right. Keep going. You’re doing more than enough. 💼🤍

Close-up of a vibrant green plant in a calming natural setting.