AITAH for Wanting to Quit a Group Project Because I’m Doing All the Work?
Group projects can be a nightmare when you’re the only one pulling your weight. I’m currently stuck in a situation where I’m doing 90% of the work, while my teammates are either MIA or barely contributing. I’m tempted to quit, but I don’t want to be the bad guy. So, AITAH for wanting to walk away?
The Group Project Setup
It all started when our professor assigned a major group project worth 30% of our final grade. We were randomly grouped, and at first, everyone seemed enthusiastic. We divided tasks, set deadlines, and agreed on regular check-ins. But within a week, things fell apart.
Two of my four teammates stopped responding to messages. The third occasionally chimes in with vague comments but hasn’t submitted any actual work. Meanwhile, I’ve been researching, writing, and even designing slides—basically everything.
My Breaking Point
Last night was the final straw. Our draft was due today, and I stayed up until 3 AM finishing it alone. When I asked for last-minute feedback, one teammate replied, “Looks good, thanks for handling it!” That’s when I realized: they’re perfectly happy letting me do all the work.
I’m furious, but also conflicted. If I quit now, the project fails for everyone. But if I stay, I’m rewarding their laziness. Is it wrong to prioritize my mental health over their grades?
Confronting My Teammates
I finally called an emergency meeting and laid it out: “I can’t do this alone.” Their responses were disappointing:
- “I’ve been really busy with other classes.”
- “I thought you had it covered?”
- “Can’t we just split the remaining work?” (Spoiler: there is no remaining work.)
No apologies. No accountability. Just excuses. Now I’m seriously considering dropping the project entirely.
The Ethical Dilemma
Here’s where I question myself: Am I obligated to carry the team? On one hand, quitting could screw over people who might genuinely need this grade. On the other, why should I sacrifice my time and energy for people who won’t lift a finger?
I’ve always been a perfectionist, and maybe that’s part of the problem. They know I’ll pick up the slack. But this time, I’m too burnt out to care.
Possible Next Steps
I see three options:
- Quit and inform the professor (with evidence of my solo work).
- Demand equal contribution and refuse to submit until they comply.
- Suck it up and finish, then never work with them again.
Option 1 feels justified but nuclear. Option 2 might backfire if they half-ass their parts. Option 3 is… depressingly familiar.
What Would You Do?
I’m torn between principle and practicality. Part of me wants to teach them a lesson; another part just wants to survive the semester. Have you been in this situation? Am I the asshole for wanting out?
If you’ve faced lazy group members, how did you handle it? Drop your advice in the comments—I need all the help I can get. And if you think I should stick it out, tell me why! Maybe I’m missing something.
Final Thoughts
Group projects test more than academic skills—they reveal character. Right now, I’m learning that my teammates’ character sucks, and my boundaries are weaker than I thought. Whether I quit or not, this is my wake-up call to stop enabling freeloaders.
Update: I’ve scheduled a meeting with the professor tomorrow. Wish me luck.
