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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

New guy is faster smarter works extra hrs and is nicer but is taking over my projects

9 replies

Needacupofteaandcrackers · 16/06/2025 22:44

shou I be worried about the faster cleverer new guys who was supposed to help me with project has done most of it and duly getting credit, but now starting to look over my other projects !!! Not sure what to say

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 17/06/2025 05:24

Maybe you need to up your game? It's not his fault he is smarter and faster than you. He will probably be promoted over you and become your boss. Some people are just talented. When you say he works extra hours, how many are we talking?

ScribblyyGum · 17/06/2025 05:25

Is he a robot?

DoubleTimeStep · 17/06/2025 06:09

I think "thanks for your help" sounds appropriate to start, since it sounds like this guy will be going places and it would serve you well to on good terms. Then maybe a bitch about it here or to non-work friends to let off steam because it does sound irritating!

Did he overstep to take over or just do a really thorough job on what was asked of him? I guess it depends on the specifics of your job how possessive you can be over your projects or how much control you have. If it's not appropriate for him to be "eyeing up" your other work, that's one thing. But can you think of a way to learn from each other and use the opportunity to shift the way you are doing things while maintaining control of your own work? Are you the same level? Share a boss?

Annoyingly, some people will always be faster/smarter/harder working than you, but this will vary over time he won't always be new and keen and you are possibly very close to your next flash of brilliance! It takes all sorts.

Yatzydog · 17/06/2025 06:32

It sucks when a new person comes in and outshines you. Handle it with grace and clear boundaries when he starts eyeing up your projects.

Do not act like my husband's co-worker. DH is a chef, started a new job and put his new colleague's nose out of joint. Colleague responded by first sulking, then leaving DH to do all the donkey work, while he rings in sick (holiday!), goes to the gym or just stands around talking. Funny for me, but not DH.

Knnniggets · 17/06/2025 06:53

He might otherwise just be at a different stage of life to you and as such has the energy and headspace to go full throttle at work. If you say he's new perhaps he's just fresh and enthusiastic. Maybe you can take this as a sign to look around for something new that excites you

Needacupofteaandcrackers · 17/06/2025 09:12

He’s youngish 30’s and I’m 60 but need to keep going, was a favourite for a promotion but I see that slipping away, I still need to stay in the game and can’t just leave now not possible, so just have to hang on.

OP posts:
Talltreesbythelake · 17/06/2025 09:19

When you say he works extra hours, is that unpaid overtime? Because I would have an honest chat with him about that. It is never appreciated and takes his hourly wage down, perhaps to less than minimum wage, which is a problem for your employer.

Lifestooshort71 · 17/06/2025 09:25

They will promote the person who's the best fit for the post and it sounds like that might not be you. Will your existing job still be safe and will you be ok with him getting the promotion? You could try and up your game but a keen youngster is tough competition. I'd encourage him to go for it and then look at how I could improve my performance in case he's the first of many ambitious youngsters.

Ruggerlass · 17/06/2025 09:42

He’s young and enthusiastic. Think back to how much energy you had at that age. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but do you think perhaps you have become set in your ways. The reason I say that is my husband was recently recruiting for a managerial role . He had some very strong candidates but when it came down to having to give a presentation on how they would solve a hypothetical problem the younger candidates blew the older more experienced ones out of the water. Might be easier said than done but try working with him rather than against him.

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