ask the readers: does networking really work? by Alison Green on October 9, 2011 I am still sick, so I’m going to call on you guys to help answer my mail. I’m posting a few questions that I think there will be lots of interesting opinions on. Here’s the first one — have it at in the comments (and thank you)! A reader writes: I’m curious about how successful […] Read the full article →
short answer Saturday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on October 8, 2011 It’s once again short answer Saturday — seven short answers to seven short questions. We’ve got a boss who doesn’t believe in vacation, a programmer wondering if he’ll get relocation expenses, and more. Here we go… 1. Boss doesn’t believe in vacation days I have a concern about my boss and his vacation philosophy. Essentially, […] Read the full article →
my boss revoked my vacation time — while I was on vacation by Alison Green on October 7, 2011 A reader writes: I requested for paid time-off for a vacation four months ahead of time. My boss agreed to let me take the three weeks that I had requested. One week and 2 days into my vacation time, I got a voicemail message from her stating that she wanted me to come back to […] Read the full article →
things that annoy the crap out of me by Alison Green on October 6, 2011 I’m sick with a cold and cranky, so I hereby present to you nine things that annoy the crap out of me: 1. When you email someone a question and they don’t know the answer so they decide to wait until they do know before getting back to you, even if it takes days, instead […] Read the full article →
what to do if you think you’re going to get fired by Alison Green on October 5, 2011 If you suspect you’re in danger of being fired, the worst thing you can do is just sit back and wait for it to happen. Instead, here are 10 concrete steps you should be taking now, before you’re shown the door. 1. Remove personal files and emails from your work computer. Most companies disable computer […] Read the full article →
office space: does size matter? by Alison Green on October 4, 2011 Two readers, two different questions about office space. Reader #1 writes: I just went through a series of really positive interviews with a large university, and the signs are good. They asked when could I start if an offer was made, what is my desired salary, all that stuff. I’m excited about the position and the people seem […] Read the full article →
when the government requires you to listen to bad career advice by Alison Green on October 4, 2011 I’ve ranted before about how some of the worst career advice seems to come from the places where it’s most important that they have the best — college career centers and state unemployment offices. Not all of them, of course — but enough that there’s a trend, and it’s troubling. And now comes this story […] Read the full article →
I’m loving “Blind Spots” by Alexandra Levit by Alison Green on October 4, 2011 I don’t often recommend books here. (Have I recommended anything other than The Gift of Fear and everything by Jane Austen?) But I’m almost finished reading Alexandra Levit‘s new book, Blind Spots, and I have to say, I’ve been waiting for someone to write this book. Alexandra debunks 10 of the biggest career myths — […] Read the full article →
will my coworkers judge me now that my brother is getting psychiatric care from us? by Alison Green on October 3, 2011 A reader writes: While looking for a full-time job, I am helping a local psychiatrist’s office doing tech support and minimal admin work, which includes keeping patient charts up-to-date. It is a small office and I enjoy the other admin staff, as well as the doctors. Now here comes the tricky part: I live in […] Read the full article →
guess your next coworker to be fired and win a prize! by Alison Green on October 3, 2011 Want to see something that makes the “I’ll fire you if you don’t replace the milk” guy look like a model manager? Gawker is really on a roll with their coverage of crazy workplace stories: An Iowa convenience store owner ran a contest for his employees where they could win $10 by guessing which of their coworkers […] Read the full article →