Newly hired marketing analyst says coworker who wasn't their boss buried them in work until one conversation with their manager changed everything

Starting a new job is stressful enough without feeling like you're answering to someone who isn't even your boss. But what happens when a coworker begins assigning you work, criticizing your performance every day, and dismissing your actual manager's priorities?

That's the dilemma one employee recently shared on Reddit after claiming a colleague repeatedly overstepped professional boundaries, leaving them anxious just weeks before the end of their probation period. The post has sparked discussion about workplace hierarchy, delegation, and knowing when it's time to speak up.

Employee says coworker took delegation 'way too far'

The Reddit user, who identified themselves as a marketing analyst five months into the role, explained that their manager had asked a digital marketing executive to delegate some tasks to them. According to the employee, what began as occasional task-sharing quickly turned into daily work assignments and frequent criticism.

The employee alleged that the coworker would say things such as, "I'm giving you work today, no excuses," while assigning additional responsibilities beyond the brands already allocated to them.

When the employee replied that they first needed to complete work assigned by their actual manager, the coworker reportedly responded, "That's none of my business," and added, "I don't want anyone doing my work. I am only giving you work because I was told to."

The employee also claimed the coworker dismissed their work by saying, "What's the use of your dashboard anyway?" adding that the repeated criticism gradually affected their confidence.

Fear of speaking up during probation

Despite feeling intimidated, the employee said they initially stayed quiet because they were still on probation, which ends next month. They also admitted that they had vented to the same coworker about their manager earlier in their employment, something they now believe complicated the situation.

Eventually, they decided to raise the issue directly with their manager.

Manager steps in, but doubts remain

According to the Reddit post, the manager listened to the concerns and responded positively. She reportedly introduced a clear boundary by limiting the coworker's delegated work to two hours per day and told the employee she would speak with the coworker.

However, the relief was short-lived. Another colleague allegedly warned the employee that the manager "often doesn't follow through on what she says," leaving them uncertain about whether the situation would actually improve.

Ending the post with a question to the Reddit community, the employee asked, "Did I handle this right? What would you have done? I'm feeling anxious to walk back to the office."

The post has resonated with readers facing similar workplace challenges, raising broader questions about professional boundaries, the risks of speaking up during probation, and how employees should respond when a coworker begins acting like a manager without the authority to do so.