Time to move on?

[BullGem29]

I've been experiencing extreme levels of frustration for some time. I'm stuck in a predicament and I'd love some impartial opinions. One of my colleagues doesn't pull their weight. Comes into work bang on 8 30, goes to lunch bang on 12, comes back bang on 1, leaves bang on 5. Comes into work in a law firm in ripped jeans. Only answers the phones when they know someone else won't or needs to be prompted. Disappears to the toilet 4 to 5 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Wears air pods in both ears all day so doesn't hear the phones or us when we talk to them. Management are aware but don't do anything about it. My frustration levels have hit an ultimate high. I think management believe it's just me being a whinger. Yesterday I was running late to work, which doesn't happen very often, she was aware early, still didn't come in early. I managed to get there at 820 so had to open up and we had a client come in at 8 30 which was theirs to deal with. As they weren't there I had to deal with the client while they wandered around the office talking or making their coffee while im running round like a headless idiot doing work or answering the phones. My predicament lies in that I could move jobs but I'm currently studying to be a lawyer and there is a 90% chance then when I graduate in 2 years time I will have a job there. What would you do in this scenario? Move on? Suck it up? Concentrate on myself and what I can do that's good for the office and the team and not worry about what they are or are not doing?

[Yellowbug48]

Personally I would rather talk to the person first about what you feel is wrong.  If that doesn’t work then copy what she does , management will have to address the problem sooner or later and you won’t be labelled a winger.

[BlueLily]

Hi BullGem29,

It's terrible to hear you are facing a predicament at the moment. With this scenario it's difficult to give you an advice as only you are aware of the full scenario. However, if I were to face a similar predicament I can tell you what I would do.

First off I would consider how much the company is important to me to stick around. Would I really get a job in 2 years there? Are there better companies/teams that I would be able to join by the time I graduate.

If the answer is to not change jobs then I would consider the mental status of this colleague. Have they always been like that or are they going through a rough patch in their lives? It's a possible explanation if managers are also not complaining to that person. I would try to be empathetic if they are really going though a difficult time. 

If that's not the case then I would speak to this person straight up (given the management is not helping) in a respectful manner. For example I would ask them if it's possible to not wear headphones given the primary job involves listening to phone ringing. 

One last thing that I've personally experienced is that when we want things done perfectly and want to make sure 100% taken care of, we jump in and complete all the work which can be exhausting. But sometimes we have to take a step back and let others take responsibility as well, even if that means things get delayed or not properly completed. 

Hope this helps you in someway...