I have worked at a private company for two years as the payroll specialist and recently took a position in another department as a promotion. There have been problems with filling the position, so for the last 3 months I have stepped in to help the company out and make sure payroll and payroll related work was done. The company recently hired a new payroll person and in the first week of her being there my life turned to hell. I had helped to interview her and test her. Was nothing but polite and courteous and professional. On her first day I went into the office to welcome her at which she said nothing, then said "Oh yes I remember you". And it got worse. She was absolutely rude to me that first day. The assistant manager let her know that I was going to be helping out and training her until the transition was complete and the next day she did a 180. To my face she was OK, but went behind my back to my old boss and the assistant questioning my presence in her office, my having access to records, my integrity. This went on for 3 days when I wrote her an email cc'ing HR and my old boss explaining my role in the transition and that until HR asked me to do otherwise, I would still be available for training and consultation. I have a close working relationship withn HR and will continue in that capacity even when I'm not working in payroll because I still will be available to help HR out. She wrote back saying that she didn't want to bother me, when that was complete crap because she hadn't asked me one thing and just didn't want me around. Very territorial. The next day she was decent to my face, but turned around and back stabbed me again. I have not had a decent night's sleep this whole week, and have woke up crying. I'm anxious and extremely nervous and intimidated about working with her and then knowing once I'm out of that office she's going behind my back and saying these things and questioning my integrity, and my right to even be there. Ridiculous when I'm supposed to be training her. I feel like I'm being harrassed, yet I don't know what to do. Please help.

OK, let's see, unprofessional, back-stabbing, rude, a liar, etc. None of this is illegal. However, were it me, and that were my employee, she would not be my employee for long. However, you are obviously well thought of there, and she's the new kid on the block, so it's likely you will get the benefit of the doubt. What doesn't make sense to me is what she is trying to accomplish? Not exactly the way to win friends and influence people when starting a new job.

You are acting professionally and all you can do it speak with HR or her manager regarding how she is comporting herself, and let them make the decision. Oh, and have a pillow fight with your DH when you get home to release the tension. :D

Good luck.