I'm Not Really The Best Coworker

While there will be some co-workers you vibe with immediately, there will be others you just won't feel in sync with. And if it's someone you work with once a quarter, no big deal. But if it's someone you have to deal with on a weekly—or daily—basis, getting comfy with your colleagues becomes way more important. One look at the way I operate around my co-workers and you'd think I'm anti-social and evil. I don't talk to these people, I don't let them talk to me, and I keep all group participation levels to an absolute minimum. Simply put, if I don't have to interact with them, I don't. I'm not evil, though. I have my reasons.

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• I'm Not Really The Best Coworker Song
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• I'm Not Really The Best Coworkers

At some point, everyone has experienced an annoying coworker — that colleague who, intentionally or not, drives you up the freaking wall. But here's a terrifying possibility: What if the annoying coworker is YOU? What if you're annoying your coworkers without realizing it?

If you're a decent human, you probably already try to be considerate of the people around you. But even with the best intentions, it's easy to have blind spots about your own behavior, and to do things without thinking that mess up other people's work flows, get on their nerves, and disrupt the harmony of the workplace. I'm not talking about the giant 'NOs' (such as stealing food) that everyone should recognize as rude and inappropriate off the bat. I'm talking about the many things that a generally nice person could do that would unintentionally rub other people the wrong way.

To be clear, I'm not trying to push you into panicked paranoia about what other people think of you, or suggest that it's your job to make sure that no one is ever, ever annoyed by you. At a certain point, other people just have to learn to deal with your quirks, just as you deal with theirs, and if you have coworkers who are constantly annoyed by everyone around them, then maybe they are the ones who need to rethink their approach to life.

That said, it is your job to try to practice a little self-awareness, read the room, and reflect on how your behavior might affect other people. You spend a large percentage of your waking life with your coworkers — it's worth taking the time to be the best colleague that you can. Here are a few of the ways that you could be getting on your coworkers' nerves:

1. Being too chatty.

It's great that you want to be friendly with your coworkers, but be sure that you don't speed past 'friendly' and hit 'hugely distracting' instead. If your coworkers seem as eager as you are to shoot the breeze, then go for it, but try to be aware of the signals they are sending you. Are they still looking at their computer screens and typing as you talk? Are they looking at the time? Are they answering you in single syllables? If so, take the hint and dial back your chatter. And if you're ever unsure about whether your conversation is welcome or not, just ask. A simple, 'Do you have a minute to chat?' should be enough to go on.

2. Smelly food.

Some foods that smell wonderful when they're cooking in your kitchen at home smell horrible when you reheat them in the office microwave. And it's important to remember that strong smells that appeal to you — like popcorn, for instance — may be off-putting to the people around you. Try to steer clear of foods that might bother coworkers with sensitive noses.

3. Gchat overload.

You and your work friends may be obsessed with Gchat (How better to look like you're working when you're really talking about The Bachelorette?), but try not to send messages to the point that your coworkers can't get any real work done. The key is to not demand instant replies. If you send a non-work-related message and don't get a reply, don't keeping sending messages — instead, assume that your coworker is busy and will reply when he or she has time.

4. Not giving people your full attention.

Multitasking may make you feel like you're getting a lot done, but it can get in the way of productive interactions with your coworkers, who have legit reasons to be annoyed if, every time they try to talk to you about a work issue, you keep writing emails and texting. Give people your full attention. If you're not in a situation in which you can give someone your full attention (because, say, you have a deadline, or you're currently chatting with your boss online about another work issue), ask if he or she can wait until you're done.

5. Listening to music too loudly on your headphones.

A lot of people say that listening to music while working helps them focus. I'm one of them; especially if there are other distracting noises going on, strapping on my headphones can help me tune out the rest of the world and get to work. But it's not fair to distract other people in your own attempt to avoid distraction — which is exactly what you'll be doing if you listen to music so loudly that your coworkers can hear it through your headphones.

It's easy to simply not be fully aware of how loud your music is, but it's your job to try to find out. Either take off your headphones to test out how loud the music is, or ask your coworker if he or she can hear it. If it's audible outside of your ears, either turn down the volume, or invest in headphones that will shield the noise from other people.

6. Telling other people how to do their jobs.

If your coworker is new or asks specifically for your help, then don't be shy about offering advice. But in other situations, be careful about overstepping; the advice that you see as helpful may seem patronizing to others. Instead of always jumping in with unsolicited explanations of how a task should be done, try to read the situation. If you honestly think someone needs help, but you're not sure, just ask, 'Do you need any help with that?' Bush shoot outwatermelon gaming.

7. Coming into a coworker's cubicle without asking.

In a work environment in which everyone shares the same office, separated by cubicles or simply different desks, people can feel very protective of their personal space, and won't take well to having you walk into their cubicles or propping a hip on their desks without asking. Of course, some coworkers may love having you stop by to chat, but it's important to always check that you're welcome first. Acrobat reader 5.0 for mac advantage load windows 7.

8. Stealing food.

I mentioned this one above, but I listing it here because stealing other people's food — especially the lunches they bring from home — is an absolute 'NOPE.' I actually hesitated about including it on this list, because it doesn't really fit into the category of 'Ways You Don't Realize You Are Annoying.' If you're stealing food, you KNOW you're being annoying, and you're choosing to do it anyway, which officially makes you a jerk. So don't do it!

9. Leaving food in the fridge for way too long.

At most work places, it's everyone's job to make sure that the refrigerator doesn't turn into a storage unit for moldy items that may once have been identified as food. It's a total jerk move for someone to take your (fresh) food out of the fridge, but it's pretty inconsiderate to leave food languishing in there until it's decomposing — you're taking up much needed shelf space AND you are exposing your coworkers to moldy, slimy grossness. Be considerate, and remove anything you're not going to eat from the refrigerator or cabinets in good time.

10. Asking the same question over and over and over… and over… and over…

We all need help sometimes, but your coworkers are going to feel a lot less cheerful about showing you how to use the copy machine if you ask them how to do it Every. Single. Day. If there's an aspect of your work equipment that you find confusing, by all means, ask how to use it. But take notes, so that you can remind yourself of what to do, without driving your coworkers up the wall.

11. Replying all to mass emails.

Mass emails have their uses, but it is crazy annoying to get every single reply to an email that went out to 100 people in your inbox. If you receive a mass email from your boss, HR, or anyone else at work, think about whether your reply will be useful to everyone on the mailing list. If it will, then feel free to hit 'Reply All.' However, if the sender is the only person who needs to hear from you, don't blast your reply to everyone in the office.

12. Leaving the coffee pot empty.

If your workplace has a communal coffee pot, it's common courtesy to make a new pot if you take the last cup. Interfering with people's caffeine intake is the best way to make them hate you with the fire of a thousand suns.

13. Talking to yourself when other people can hear you.

Look, I mumble to myself all the time when I'm working. A lot of people do. But I work at home, where the only person I can annoy with my incoherent ramblings is my dog, who is asleep most of the time. (Very poor work ethic, that one.) If you're in a shared office, those random mumblings, or your whistling habit, or the way you tap your pen on your desktop, or any of the other unconscious, idiosyncratic noises you make can drive your coworkers up the wall. Of course, it can be hard to keep track of habits that are often unconscious, but at least try to be aware of the random noises you make and curb them. You'll be amply repaid with saner coworkers.

14. Taking care of personal hygiene at your desk.

There's a time and a place to clip your toe nails, and the middle of the workday in your shared office space is not it. Same goes for flossing and other aspects of personal hygiene. Do it at home or in the bathroom — your coworkers will thank you.

15. Having loud phone conversations where other people can hear you.

In a communal workspace, everyone has to get used to a little ambient noise; there's just no way to have complete silence at all times, and doing your job may require you to be on the phone with clients or contractors. You can do your best, however, to keep noise levels down. That means not having lengthy personal calls in the space you share with your coworkers, and, if you have a long work-related call to make, it may be a good idea to take the call into a conference room or empty office.

16. Non-stop complaining.

Complaining about your boss, coworker, or a difficult client with another coworker can be a sort of bonding ritual. Having someone to whom you can roll your eyes when David From Accounting says something particularly ridiculous can go a long way toward making your workweek bearable. But complaining all the time can also be toxic and inject a lot of unnecessary negativity into your work environment. Yes, people enjoy a good moment of commiseration now and then, but being met by a barrage of angst every time somebody walks in the room can make that person really hard to be around. Take a moment to think about the energy you bring into your work place. Do you walk in the door every morning, ranting about traffic during your commute? Do you go to your coworker's cubicle just to vent about how annoyed you are by someone else in the office? You may need to check your negativity. Studies have shown that complaining is contagious; it leads other people to pick up similarly negative emotions, and it's bad for your health. So why not try to present a sunnier outlook?

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Wondering what to write in a goodbye card for a coworker leaving the company? Here are the best examples of farewell messages to colleagues after their resignation.

When coworkers have to quit to move onto another job or another adventure, it's always nice to wish them well in their endeavors. After all, you might encounter them again in your career.

If there's a card from the company, you can write a heartfelt goodbye message in it. You can also email or text your farewell to the colleague. You can also say your well wishes in person.

Bellow are the best email examples and farewell messages to say goodbye to coworkers. There are also wording samples to keep in touch with colleagues after their resignation.

What should I write in a farewell message?

I'm Not Really The Best Coworker Meme

What you write in a farewell message depends on the relationship you have with the person leaving. If it is a coworker or colleague, you should always remain professional and respectful. If you have more of a friendship with your colleague then you should write something a little more meaningful or heartfelt.

What should I write in a coworker goodbye card?

There are many things to write in a coworker goodbye card. You can keep things simple, or perhaps bring up a memory. You can also wish them well for a successful future or you can just write a simple thank you for their time. If there are a lot of employees where you work that also need to write in that card, you may want to keep your message short and sweet. If you have more to say, you can tell that colleague in person or follow up with an email. You also want to keep the message professional as other coworkers might read your message at the farewell card is passed around.

Short Farewell Messages To Coworkers Samples

• You've made your mark here now it's on to the next! Best of luck!
• Sad to see you go but wishing you happiness as you begin a new chapter in your life.
• I've really enjoyed working together. Good luck at your new job. Remember to keep in touch!
• Enjoy your next chapter! Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything or just to catch up.
• You were a great coworker and an even better friend. Your presence will definitely be missed.
• Best of luck in your new endeavors! I know you will do great at whatever you put your mind to.
• Here's to closing one chapter and starting another. Cheers! We'll miss you but you will do great!
• Goodbye and Good luck for your next adventure. You've got a bright future ahead of you!
• I will cherish all of the coworker memories we have. Keep in touch, don't be a stranger!
• Wishing you all the best in this next phase of your career! You will be missed here.
• Congratulations on your new job. I hope we can keep in touch!
• Great work on a job well done! You're going to kill it at your next position!
• Wishing you all the best in the next step of your career!

I'm Not Really The Best Coworker Song

• This organization was lucky to have you. Good luck at your new job!
• Loved having you as part of the work family, enjoy this next opportunity! You'll rock it!
• Your work has set a new standard here. Thank you and good luck!
• It's going to be hard finding a replacement for you. You are an amazing coworker. Best of luck!
• You've done an awesome job here and I know you'll do amazing where you go! Take care!
• I wish I could join you at your new job too. Your new coworkers will enjoy working with you! Farewell!
• We're no longer coworkers but we'll always be friends. Keep in touch, my friend!
• Our boss was so lucky to have an employee like you. Take care and keep in touch!
• Hopefully this is not goodbye, it's just 'see you later'. Enjoy your new job!
• It's sad to see you go but you've made great memories here. Sending you all the best!
• Work won't be the same without you. I'm just a text message away. Enjoy your new role.
• It was a pleasure working with you. Good luck and farewell!
• Sending you hope for success at your next job. You'll do great!
• It's on to bigger and better for you. Hope all of your dreams come true!

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Coworker Farewell Message Email Samples

I'm Not Really The Best Coworker Movie

• Thanks for the memories. Work won't be the same without you! I know you'll do great at your next role.
• You're one of the best colleagues I've ever met. Thanks for the hard work (and all the laughs). Enjoy your next chapter!
• Best of luck in your new adventure. I've really enjoyed working with you! You will be missed around here.
• I've learned so much from you. You will be an inspiration for me always. Wishing you well for your next career move.
• It was an honor to work alongside you. Your hard will will not be forgotten. Best of luck for your future!
• Thanks for your time and contribution here. Wishing you nothing but success at your next workplace.
• I'm going to miss my work buddy but I know you have to do what's best for you. Sending lots of well wishes for your new career move.
• Thank you for everything you've done. You were a great employee and your hard work will be missed.
• What a new and exciting opportunity for you! I still can't believe that you will be leaving us but you'll do just fine! Good luck out there and please keep in touch.
• Thank you for your kindness, your hard work, and your funny jokes. I wish you the best of luck and continued success wherever you may find yourself.
• You made work so fun! We'll miss your personality and hard work! Here's to success at your next job!
• Thanks for being with the company through its ups and downs. You were always such a great team player! Goodbye and all the best!
• I hope your workplace is as fun as the one we have here. Best of luck and thank you for everything!
• It has been an honor working with a wonderful colleague like you these past years. Wishing you all the best at your next place of employment.
• Thank you for the good memories that we shared together! Your work here will be an inspiration to others.
• Life is about cherishing the past, facing the present, and moving ahead towards new milestones in your future. Sending you all the best!

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• Working in this office without you will be so boring. I know you'll be successful in your new position. Thank you and farewell, my friend!
• We are proud to have an employee like you as part of our team. Wishing you the best as your conquer your next goal.
• Best wishes in your continued success. We'll miss you here but we know you'll do great where you are.
• Your contributions are truly appreciated at work. I wish you lots of success at your new employer.
• Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the company. Best wishes as you embark on a new challenge.
• I've really enjoyed working with you. You are a great team member and friend! Good luck at your new job.
• We'll miss you here at work but keep moving forward, This is only one chapter of your amazing life!
• As you move on from here, know that we all are grateful for your time and dedication. All the best to you at your new job.
• So sad to see you go, but I'm happy that you're excited for your next career move. Wishing you success!
• You've made your mark here but now it's time to make it somewhere else. We'll miss you but want to wish you the very best!
• Goodbye to my coworking buddy. I'll miss the laughs but maybe now I can actually get some work done!
• To my work bestie, I'll miss you. Your presence always made the work day fly by faster. Please keep in touch!
• Your contributions have made a lasting impression at this company. Best of luck at your next challenge.
• I can't believe you're leaving but it's time to say farewell! Best wishes for your future adventures! We will miss you…
• You've been a great coworker and confidante. I'll miss you and You'll do amazing in this next chapter!
• I will cherish the time we had together at work. Your dedication and hard work is an inspiration. Good luck at the next phase of your career.
• The team won't be the same without you but we want to send you the very best wishes for your success!

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