September 2014

how do I ask my new job to let me use a pseudonym?

A reader writes: I got hired for a freelance writing job, and I don’t want my real name on the articles, which will be published online. How do I go about asking the job for permission to use a pseudonym? My reasons are: 1) I am estranged from my family for reasons of safety and […]

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open thread – September 26, 2014

It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about. If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet, but this is a chance to talk to other readers.

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how can I prepare my teenager for the workforce?

A reader writes: My daughter has just reached the minimum legal age to get a job (13 where we are) and she’s very eager. I of course want her to do really well in any industry — both the ones she wants to be in for a lifetime and the ones she’s in short-term for […]

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how to get along with your most annoying coworkers

Unless you’ve worked alone for your whole career or you’re extremely tolerant, you’ve probably had your share of annoying coworkers – the busybody who peppers you with intrusive questions, the slacker who does no work but somehow takes all the credit for yours, and a whole cast of annoying others. Although it can feel like […]

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