Dealing with unbearable coworkers

Controlling Cathy
Unlike Negative Nancy, Controlling Cathy can see the potential in your idea -- as long as she's the one in charge of seeing it through.

Getting a helping hand may seem like a great idea, but be careful. If you accept her help, you're likely to go from being in charge to having your ideas "taken into consideration" -- on your own project. Controlling Cathy can't help herself; she simply can't watch someone else do the work -- she must be involved. The danger in allowing her to get involved is two-fold. First, you risk seeing your project take a completely different turn than you originally intended; and second, through her machinations, you'll end up looking like someone who can't go it alone. The only way to reply to Controlling Cathy's "help" is with a firm "Thanks, but I'll take care of it." And, no matter how tempting, stay strong. Her help could end up hurting your project -- and your reputation.

Best-Friend Betty
She's a tricky one, because she's not out to sabotage you in any way. She's not a manipulator, a schemer or a ruthless ladder-climber. She just really likes you -- what could be the harm in that?

While it's good to have an ally in the office, be wary of getting too close. Best-Friend Betty wants to have lunch, go shopping after work and go cruising for guys on the weekend. If you enjoy her company, great. But know that an office friendship is not that different from an office romance -- there are bound to be complications. Maintaining a buffer zone between work and play can be crucial to your sanity, so if you do decide to be friends outside the office, proceed with caution. If you're spending all your time with Best Friend Betty and your situation changes (you get serious with your boyfriend, your college roommate moves to town), you can bet she'll be jealous. And you won't be able to avoid her accusing eyes and hurt half-smile -- she's only a cubicle away.

These are just a few of the workplace personality types you'll encounter on your trips from the photocopier to the water cooler. There are plenty of people you'll have to contend with during your struggles to make it in the working world. Just remember to consider how each person can benefit your life and how each can make it more difficult.

Be strong, keep your eye on the weekend and you'll do just fine.

Read more:
• Office friendships: Where do you draw the line?
• How to negotiate flexible work arrangements
• The 3 most common résumé mistakes
• How to live on less money

Page 2 of 2