Please give me tips for coping with infuriating colleague

[Babysharkdododont]

As the title, I work with a woman who drives me absolutely mad.

We're the same grade, she has some skills I don't have and vice versa, but we're pretty equally matched. She been in the team a year longer than me so was my 'buddy', but after 18 months I'm pretty much up to her speed now.

She acts like she's my boss given half a chance, trying to delegate shit jobs to me.
She really has the big bosses ear, the boss thinks she's wonderful as she's a great self publicist.

She tutts and moans if anyone dares to eat so much as a biscuit at their desk. I'm pregnant so sometimes do have a little snack.

She makes quips about me being part time and having the temerity to go off on mat leave soon. She just drives me absolutely bloody bonkers.

I know most of it stems from her being unhappy outside of work, so she focuses on work in a way that most people don't, I work hard, do my best then go to me "real life" this seems to annoy her.

This all looks a bit childish when written down, but it genuinely is driving me bonkers. I can't bite my tongue much longer or I'll bite it off.

Ignore her. I’m sure others will have also noticed her ways. And you will be on maternity leave soon anyway, no?

Headphones.

Some of this might be you projecting on to yourself. Like reading into her quips about you being part time and going off on leave. You sure that’s not your own guilt talking?

What sort of company do you work for? Larger organisations wouldn't put up with staff being negative about Mat leave and having a baby etc

Essentially id ignore her, like you say she's got a rubbish life outside of work, perhaps she needs this job for confidence or reason ton keep going, you have other things on your plate far bigger and better

Why would OP feel guilty, Kiwi? Commenting on colleagues’ working pattern is rude.

I would ignore tutting and comments, not take on any tasks she assigns (unless this is just taking a fair share of the shit work and she’s doing a fair share too).

And make sure you get credit for your work.

As you're pregnant, my usual suggestion of a pint of Marston's and a packet of generic stuffing to bring on eyewatering flatulence wouldn't work. However, a Muslim colleague has spoken highly of Irn Bru, channa dal, and garlic naan.

If she's not your line manager or the person who should be assigning you tasks, don't do them -- how do you divide out unpopular jobs? Talk to your line manager if you think her comments about your PT status or maternity leave are discriminatory or constitute harassment. Otherwise, clap on headphones and ignore.

Thanks for all your replies. We're both specialist physiotherapists working for the NHS, so in team meetings she'll always try to get the interesting projects and specialist clinics, leaving me to do the associated admin and care plans.

As you rightly say I'm going on mat leave soon so I should just try to ignore her.

It just drives me mad that she doesn't even seem to recognise my part time role gives me a part time salary, it's not as though I'm getting the same reward for less work.

She's the type who is always putting herself forward for "developmental opportunities" but then never applies for the bloody promotion, I wish she would!

I wouldn’t be having a colleague nabbing the plum jobs, but I’m competitive like that!

Only in seeking a fair share of the good jobs. Not doing a peer’s shitwork!