I keep finding myself in group projects with the same person, and it’s frustrating because she doesn’t contribute at all. I can’t shake the feeling of being taken advantage of.
As a mature student who is six months pregnant and pursuing a Foundation degree, I’ve been assigned to different groups for three subjects, yet I consistently end up partnered with this one individual.
She’s always friendly, but I know from past experiences that she won’t pull her weight. I’ve done most of the work for her and the rest of the team, which is incredibly frustrating given my circumstances. It’s disheartening when she acts like everything is fine, knowing that I’m the one carrying the load. I can’t help but feel like she’s using me.
I try to keep things organized and encourage teamwork by posting in the group chat to ask if anyone needs assistance or can handle certain tasks. Unfortunately, most of the time, no one responds. This girl in particular just leaves heart reactions on my messages, which I find confusing.
To add to the issue, during a previous project, I invited her to present with me, and she agreed but then didn’t show up on the day of the presentation. Later on, she asked me to be her backup for another project, but at that point, I had already completed my part and had to say no, even though she kept pushing.
I’m genuinely frustrated by the lack of accountability. I don’t mind putting in effort, but it’s disheartening to repeatedly feel taken advantage of while others pretend everything is okay.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? How do you deal with unresponsive group members in these situations?
It sounds like you’re in a really frustrating situation, especially with everything else you have going on. It can be incredibly disheartening to feel like you’re putting in all the effort while others don’t do their part, particularly when you’re already managing a lot as a mature student and being pregnant.
Here are a few suggestions on how to handle this situation:
Communicate Directly: It might help to have a direct conversation with the person. You could express how you feel about the workload and ask if there’s a reason she hasn’t been contributing. Sometimes, people may not realize the impact of their inaction until it’s brought to their attention.
Set Clear Expectations: When starting a new project, establish clear roles and responsibilities from the get-go. You might suggest that everyone in the group list out what tasks they will handle and agree on deadlines. This can create accountability.
Involve the Instructor: If the situation doesn’t improve or continues to cause you stress, consider discussing it with your instructor. They might offer advice or even intervene if necessary. Sometimes, faculty are unaware of the dynamics within student groups.
Find Allies: Look for other members of the group who are willing to contribute and team up with them. This can lessen the burden on you and help create a more balanced workload.
Set Boundaries: It’s important to protect your time and energy, especially while you’re expecting. Don’t hesitate to decline projects or presentations if you feel overwhelmed or if you believe the group is unbalanced.
Document Contributions: Keep track of what each person is doing throughout the project. If you continue to face issues, you’ll have clear examples to present to your instructor or to use in group discussions.
Remember that you deserve to be in a group where effort is mutual, and you should not feel guilty for wanting a fair distribution of work. It’s tough, but advocating for yourself is important. Good luck!