I just returned back to work after being off for 12 months. It’s sad but inevitable lol It felt great to be able to be challenged again professionally. However, I have a coworker who I have worked with off and on for about 4 years. She has always annoyed me with her personality. She is extremely over analyzing everything and creates so much more work. She was the one to take over a project which I started up before I went on my leave. Well she now has taking ownership of the program. It’s irritating me to no end and I really don’t want to make a workplace issue because of it. My boss is aware of my desire to be back in my former role but it hasn’t been voiced to my coworker. I’m not sure how to go about it without creating an issue. Myself and 3 coworkers (including her) share an office and it’s extremely frustrating just having her in the same room because of her demeanour. I can handle her on a personal level but in the work setting it’s already causing me stress.

I’m trying to think about how it’s letting it affect me and it’s most likely me and not her but it’s becoming difficult. My idea so far is to inform my boss that I will step away from that program until it actually needs me. Otherwise I will just help out elsewhere. I feel like this is just one of those scenarios where going on maternity leave sets a person back in their career. Any suggestions or anyone been in a similar situation?