my coworker doesn’t want me to have a communal candy dish because of temptation by Alison Green on January 31, 2019 A reader writes: I keep a candy dish on my desk – have done so for years. It’s communal. I often fill it. Others contribute. It sits alongside some Aleeve and Tums that are also communal. Lots of people express happiness that it is there. Many people say they enjoy the candy. It can go […] Read the full article →
update: I accidentally hugged the CEO by Alison Green on January 31, 2019 One of my favorite letters ever was from someone who accidentally hugged her CEO in the elevator one morning. And now there’s an update! I’m the reader who accidentally hugged her CEO. I heard your podcast episode on awkwardness and figured I’d send you an update. In short, everything turned out fine. My burning mortification […] Read the full article →
how do I deal with pregnancy talk at work when I’m dealing with miscarriages? by Alison Green on January 31, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I work in a large-ish department (about 40 people), and the majority of my colleagues are women my same age (20s and 30s). Because of the age range and gender of our department, we almost constantly have a pregnant woman in the office. I think […] Read the full article →
my coworkers trash-talk me in a secret group chat, keeping unvaccinated kids out of our office, and more by Alison Green on January 31, 2019 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. My bosses and coworkers have a secret group chat where they trash-talk me A few months ago, I started a new job in a very small office (only three employees, plus a few interns). I had some trouble acclimating because the environment was so different […] Read the full article →
my boyfriend thinks only bad candidates prepare for interviews by Alison Green on January 30, 2019 A reader writes: I (24F) graduated from college two years ago and was lucky enough to fairly quickly find a job in my field. I’m currently still working there, while also attending graduate school part-time. My boyfriend (26M) is currently in his last year of college and has started looking for his first post-college job […] Read the full article →
how can I be a good manager? by Alison Green on January 30, 2019 A reader writes: Long story short, I finished grad school about two years ago and started a company with a colleague. It has evolved into something much bigger and better than either of us anticipated. We now have three full time staff – another statistician (like us), a software developer, and an office/operations manager. We also have some part-time […] Read the full article →
my new job doesn’t give raises — ever by Alison Green on January 30, 2019 A reader writes: I recently accepted my dream job. I’ve since learned that the company does not give out raises. They offer a small, variable, annual bonus depending on company performance instead of cost of living adjustments or merit raises. I am getting by on my current salary in Expensive City for now and hadn’t […] Read the full article →
we’re supposed to stay late “out of courtesy,” should I send employers a lottery ticket with my resume, and more by Alison Green on January 30, 2019 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. We’re supposed to stay late “out of courtesy” to other coworkers I’ve been at my job six months. It’s in an industry I’ve been in for 18 years and where I’ve always worked hard, earned praise for my skills, and shown a cooperative spirit. I’ve […] Read the full article →
my boss accidentally sent me a message complaining about me by Alison Green on January 29, 2019 A reader writes: I’ve been working for a small firm for the past two years. The atmosphere is very friendly and casual and the hours are flexible. My boss (let’s call her Diane) has said in the past that it’s fine to come in earlier or later as long as the work gets done. Most […] Read the full article →
my problem employee is telling coworkers I’m unfair to her by Alison Green on January 29, 2019 A reader writes: Is there anything I can do to stop a resentful employee from complaining behind my back? Here’s the situation. I have an employee, Sally, who was moved to my team around six months ago. While I didn’t arrange for the transfer, I thought at the time that it was a good thing: […] Read the full article →