August 2012

is it normal to do a massive scrub-down of your office?

A reader writes: I have a question about taking time to clean my office. I started my job about 6 months ago and took time on my first couple of days to thoroughly clean my office (I brought my own Clorox wipes and everything). Now that I have been here for 6 months, my office […]

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how to start your new job properly

How you handle your first few weeks on a job can set the tone for your entire stay at your new employer. Here’s how to start it off right. 1. You’ll probably be overwhelmed by all the new information, but don’t freak out about it. In my experience, you can only retain one-third to one-half […]

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fast answer Friday

It’s fast answer Friday! Here we go… 1. How to tell a colleague she has an annoying voice I work with a young woman lawyer with a really annoying voice. She’s smart, friendly, and a good lawyer, but it is really irritating to listen to her talk—it’s nasal, grating, and has funny pauses. It is […]

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going-away gift for an amazing boss

A reader writes: I have only been at my job 6 months, but it has been an incredible time. I was brought in as a temp, but am all about helping out. My boss took notice that my abilities extended beyond what I was hired to do, and she went out of her way to […]

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terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions

It’s terse answer Thursday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Should I accept my former HR person’s LinkedIn request? A request to connect has been steaming gently in my Inbox on LinkedIn for the last two weeks. It’s from the HR person at my former employer (she’s still there). […]

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inviting managers to your wedding

A reader writes: I’m getting married soon and was wondering how to navigate asking my two direct supervisors to the wedding. I’ve already asked one for their address, but I sent an email to the other one and she hasn’t responded (it’s been a few days). Should I interpret this as a way to avoid getting invited, so she […]

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should I get extra money for training my replacement?

A reader writes: I have given my notice at work and my boss has accepted my recommendation to move a certain person from another department into my position. As such she was available for training upon my giving notice. I have asserted that I would like to be paid extra for training her. My boss […]

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