Coworker Boundaries

They volunteered you again—how do you push back?

You’re two minutes into standup when your teammate cuts you off again, turns your update into a joke, and someone else volunteers you for work before you’ve even finished speaking. You laugh it off in the moment, then spend the rest of the day wondering why it feels so bad.

Maybe you’ve Googled how to sound assertive without sounding rude, asked friends if you’re overreacting, or rewritten the same Slack reply five times. That’s what makes coworker boundaries so draining: it’s not only about what they did, but how quickly you start doubting yourself. Tarot can offer a gentler perspective—helping you spot patterns, power dynamics, and where a clear boundary might protect your energy before resentment builds.

Below are stories from people who felt that same mix of frustration, guilt, and “am I making this weird?” If you’ve been trying to stay professional without becoming a doormat, you’re not the only one asking where the line should be.