Dear Abby: How do I deal with an insufferable coworker?

Key Takeaways:

• A coworker claims she is always “so busy.”
• Other team members end up doing her tasks.
• She consistently takes credit for completed work.
• Advice is sought on how to handle the situation.
• The story appears in a “Dear Abby” column.

The Beginnings of Workplace Woe

A recent request for advice, shared in a “Dear Abby” column, tells the story of an office in turmoil. One coworker appears to have mastered the art of saying she is “so busy,” while quietly piling her responsibilities onto other employees.

Alleged Busyness vs. Actual Effort

According to the question posed, this coworker often insists that she is overburdened. Yet evidence suggests she delegates most of her workload to those around her. This behavior fosters a growing sense of frustration among colleagues who shoulder her tasks without acknowledgment.

Passing the Buck While Seeking the Spotlight

What heightens the tension is her tendency to claim praise for tasks completed by others. While the rest of the team scrambles to pick up the slack, she positions herself as the office hero, taking the credit meant for the true contributors.

An Advice Column’s Spotlight

The situation reached the public eye via a “Dear Abby” feature published by Nj on June 25, 2026. This forum offered the anonymous advice-seeker a chance to shine a light on the toll such behavior takes on team morale—and to seek suggestions on how to address the conflict effectively.

Searching for Solutions

No definitive guidance from the column is available in the public release, but the scenario raises pressing questions: How can a team confront someone who refuses to shoulder her fair share of labor? Is clear, direct communication enough to turn the tide? While the full “Dear Abby” advice may require deeper reading, the column underscores a universal workplace challenge: dealing with colleagues who fail to contribute responsibly yet reap the rewards.