Dealing with an over enthusiastic colleague
After being out of the workforce due to becoming a parent and health issues, I’ve been in my current role for just over a year.
My colleague joined about 6 months ago and is very capable and driven. I, on the otherhand go to work as a distraction and am no longer chasing a title or money.
I’m a high performer based on feedback given.
Said colleague has been given the opportunity to act in our manager’s role. I was all for it as they have the ambition.
Thing is, they have tried to provide me with mentoring and advice on how I should build my motivation and career. Things like, I need to be more visible, strategic, motivated etc etc.
I was previously in middle management and this role is quite junior but it is suitable for this version of me.
What is the best way to tell said colleague to back off? I understand that they have good intentions but I just want to be bloody left alone! 😅
Posted Sep 8, 2026, 11:43 AM UTC