Am I crazy?

I saw a colleague at a professional conference recently who moaned about much she hated her job, her boss and her company.

Not only did she lament her situation with me as we chatted between workshops, but she publicly trashed her organization in front of everyone at lunch. After about 5 minutes with her at our networking lunch table, I started to regret inviting her to sit with us. Networking and making new connections were less important to her than telling everyone how she was at the conference to spend her company’s money. As I made a mental note to avoid her for the rest of the conference, it struck me that I have heard her talk the same way about hating her job for at least five or so years since we have been connecting at conferences.

On our way to the train she launched into complaining again. Knowing we would soon part company, I asked her, “Why don’t you just leave?” She seemed shocked and then her answer to me was a question. “Are you crazy, and do what? At least I know what to expect here. Anyway, if you hear of anything – let me know.”

I spent the 2-hour train ride up the east coast wondering if I was crazy for even thinking about how to honestly talk to her about her unprofessional behavior. Some people really don’t want to hear and so I wondered, would you say something to her or just avoid her at the next conference?

Any recommendations?