My company has clients that are a 4 hour drive away from the office. Sometimes the project teams have to visit the Clients for update meetings. The last time this was the case the project manager asked if I was available to go with her. Fortunately, I was not.
This particular coworker is obnoxious, constantly deriding other workers and bad-mouthing the Clients. It is really discouraging being around her. I generally avoid her like the plague. However, I cannot control the projects I'm assigned with her. In office, I can minimize my time with her. However, I cannot stomach the idea that I will have to travel a long way with her again. I have no idea what nasty things she will say.
I have asked her multiple times to be more professional. I have told our department manager about her toxic behavior, but since she brings special project skills that they do not want to lose, they say nothing to her. I wish I never had to work with her. I do not know how much longer I can Dodge the dreaded long drive of misery.
I even fear that I'll end up telling her off and she'll decide to make my life miserable.
This is part of the reason I'm trying to get a different job. But until that happens how can I avoid long, close contact?
I was thinking of filling my calendar with meetings every day on other projects, so I am never available. Any other advice?