There are only two of us in our department. I make $25,000 more than my co-worker because I have a master’s degree in the field, have much more responsibility and have more difficult tasks than he has. Recently, our boss asked us to cross-train each other so we can fill in for the other whenever needed. I have no problem learning his job, but it is not fair for my co-worker because he has to learn a job for which he is not qualified and will not be paid more if he does fill in for me. I’m afraid that if we don’t cross-train each other, we will be considered insubordinate.

YOUR boss is not asking the two of you to job-share. He just wants the department to be covered in case one of you takes off, intentionally or unintentionally.

Perhaps you’re afraid your co-worker may learn your job too well, showing that your graduate degree and higher salary are not justified for the job. If you’re coming from a truly caring viewpoint, you will offer to teach your co-worker the basics and not instigate problems by telling him his salary is too low.

— Creators News Service