September 16, 2025 at 10:55 pm

Student Is Super Busy With Work And School, But Is Furious That His Coworkers Want Free English Lessons From Him

by Ashley Ashbee

Man typing on laptop in a lecture hall

Pexels/Reddit

Being a university student without a job is stressful and taxing enough.

Throw a part-time job in the mix and you will no patience for nonsense.

Check out why some people are really agitating this busy student.

AITA for refusing to teach someone English ?

I am a university student, working part-time at a restaurant as a dish washer.

I am an Australian citizen, but I migrated here with my family before I started primary school.

Unfortunately, some coworkers have become a problem for him.

I am the only Aussie in the kitchen.

There’s a few girls from South America who are here on student visas, ostensibly to study English.

These are stand-alone English courses, not bridging courses designed to enable students to advance to higher education.

He’s not impressed with some of the students, who are his coworkers.

They are not attending classes and are in clear breach of their visa that limits their working hours to 24 hour per week.

They work beyond that and gets paid cash in hand.

To me, they are not genuine students, but it’s not up to me to judge. I show up to work and leave.

I am not interested in making friends because we have nothing in common and I could hardly understand them.

There is a bigger concern. It sounds like they are using him.

They asked me to teach them English. I refused and wouldn’t talk to them other than about work related matters.

A restaurant is not a place to learn English, especially for someone who signed up for, but chose not to attend, an English class

They can say they need money to pay rent, or whatever, I couldn’t care less. I am paid to wash dishes, not to teach English.

Here is what people are saying.

I don’t think so.

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 7.12.56 PM Student Is Super Busy With Work And School, But Is Furious That His Coworkers Want Free English Lessons From Him

Exactly. They sound entitled.

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 7.13.27 PM Student Is Super Busy With Work And School, But Is Furious That His Coworkers Want Free English Lessons From Him

Good point!

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 7.14.03 PM Student Is Super Busy With Work And School, But Is Furious That His Coworkers Want Free English Lessons From Him

I’ve heard Duolingo really helps you learn languages.

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 7.15.21 PM Student Is Super Busy With Work And School, But Is Furious That His Coworkers Want Free English Lessons From Him

Maybe he watches Hell’s Kitchen?

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 7.15.52 PM Student Is Super Busy With Work And School, But Is Furious That His Coworkers Want Free English Lessons From Him

This guy needs to take care of himself. It sounds like he’s really stressed.

If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.

Ashley Ashbee | Contributing Writer, Workplace & Culture

Ashley Ashbee is a contributing writer for TwistedSifter specializing in workplace dynamics, employee advocacy, and professional culture. Drawing on her real-world experience as a software consultant, she brings a unique, insider perspective to navigating office conflicts, toxic management, and trending professional dilemmas.

Holding a degree in Professional Writing from York University, Ashley combines her formal editorial training with her corporate background to deliver highly engaging, empathetic narratives. She excels at breaking down complex workplace dramas and translating them into stories that truly empower and validate modern workers.

Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ashley balances her time between the tech and publishing worlds with her love for the outdoors. When she isn’t consulting or writing, she can usually be found exploring local walking trails or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.