My friend takes credit for the hard work I do – Karren Brady gives you career advice

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here, Karren gives her expert advice to a reader who whose friend takes credit for the work she did.

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Q) One of my best friends recommended me for an admin job in her office, and at first it was fun working together.

Recently, however, she’s started passing some of her tasks on to me while she scrolls on her phone, then tells our manager she’s done the work herself.

I feel indebted to her for getting me the job, and obviously don’t want to fall out with her, as we socialise a lot outside of work.

But I’m really stressed by my workload and feel frustrated she’s not as busy as me, despite us doing the same job.

What should I do?

Steph

A) I know you don’t want to damage your friendship, but it isn’t fair for you to carry her workload while she takes the credit, and you can’t keep absorbing extra pressure.

You need to raise it with her before it happens again – mention that you’re super-busy and starting to feel overwhelmed, so she understands the situation before she tries to hand over more tasks.

That way, you’re being honest without it sounding like an accusation – and if she asks you to do her work again, you can remind her of your conversation.

Keep the focus on your workload, rather than on her behaviour.

If nothing changes, have another conversation over coffee, explaining that you value her friendship, but the extra tasks are too much and you need her support.

A true friend will respect your honesty and want to help.

In the meantime, keep a record of the tasks you’re completing, so you have clear evidence if your manager ever questions your workload.

If nothing changes, I’m afraid you may need to choose between your job and your friendship and consider talking to your manager.

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.