How do you deal with a difficult, stubborn colleague? Please help me. I'm not good with difficult people...

Question

I am a temporary worker (which means I can be fired/ let go very easily), so the argument I had at work today might cost me my job. I just have to wait and see what transpires on Monday.

The colleague is very moody and territorial, and complains over spilt beans. I asked him to be more considerate and that because he cannot do a simple thing, he is inconsiderate. He decided that he'd rather be inconsiderate then give in to my small request.

I work my *** off at work to impress the bosses. Now this is one HUGE step back, and it is going to haunt me forever as long as I work there. It is going to be harder to be promoted because I have this incident in my record. Everybody knows because it's a small group and word spreads quickly. I even had the senior laboratory technician speak to me personally to find out what was going on. I accidentally let her know that the situation has been going on for more than 2 months (stupid me). She immediately told her boss who will tell big boss.

Answer 1

I feel for you.It is a very insecure working life many of us have. At the moment there is not much I can say but wait till Monday. Send another question then I will look out for it and try ro give some more advice.
Be compleatly honest with you employer if you are questioned on Monday if they are doing their job right they will be aware of this individuals behaviour and if not make it compleatly clear you have nothing personal against him. Keep it clinical and unemotional.Tell em as it is, warts and all. If it looks like they are going to to let you go, breath deep suck it in, and be brave.
All the best.

Answer 2

Whoops! Jesus said, "Agree with thine adversary quickly..."

Try this: Apologize, first thing on Monday! Remember the rule: Whoever apologizes first, wins. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren... There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?" (James 4:10-12)

And try this: "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee." (Proverbs 25:21,22 and Romans 12:20) (Maybe, bring doughnuts for everybody Monday morning? Or bake some cookies?)

Ask God for help! "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." (James 1:5) "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." (Exodus 4:12) "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh..." Ezekiel 11:19 "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. As the rivers of water, He turneth it whithersoever He will." Proverbs 21:1 "Good luck!"