should I pay a fee for a networking meeting? by Alison Green on February 21, 2019 A reader writes: Is it normal for someone to charge a client for a networking meeting? I’m in the process of looking for a new job and setting up informational interviews with professionals in my field. I emailed back and forth with one woman trying to set a time to meet, but kept getting responses […] Read the full article →
ask the readers: reply-all horror stories by Alison Green on February 21, 2019 You’re at work and get an email about yet another team-building event and write back “kill me now,” intending to send it to your work friend, but accidentally hit reply-all … and now your whole team has it. Or you email your manager the many reasons why you disagree with a new process decision but […] Read the full article →
this is how to assemble a professional wardrobe without spending a ton by Alison Green on February 21, 2019 And now a word from a sponsor… If you want to assemble a professional wardrobe but you’re on a budget – or you just love clothes and don’t want to blow your bank account when you shop – you need to know about thredUP. thredUP is the largest online consignment and thrift store and a fun, […] Read the full article →
I got in trouble for saying “bite me” in a meeting, the best day to apply for jobs, and more by Alison Green on February 21, 2019 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I got in trouble for saying “bite me” in a meeting I recently attended an intense work group meeting with my boss and a coworker. The coworker responded to one of my questions with a joke, to which I responded jokingly back with “bite me.” […] Read the full article →
what’s the deal with write-ups? by Alison Green on February 20, 2019 A reader writes: Frequently in your questions, people will mention getting written-up as a negative consequence for something at work. This reminds me of the “this will go in your permanent record” threat from junior high and movies. Really, what is supposed to be the result of getting written up? It’s basically a formal warning, […] Read the full article →
my coworkers overshare really personal details by Alison Green on February 20, 2019 A reader writes: I have worked in the same office for over a year and a half and I am baffled at how much my coworkers share. I have worked at several offices before and had very open discussions but nothing on this level. To give you a snapshot, my office is open concept. The […] Read the full article →
my office has a burn book we all have to read and sign by Alison Green on February 20, 2019 A reader writes: I work at a customer service desk with one supervisor and a handful of employees. It’s shift work, and there is often very little overlap between morning and afternoon shifts. We have a notebook behind the desk where we are supposed to write notes to the team about anything you need them […] Read the full article →
anonymous note said to pick up my feet when I walk, a coworker with greasy hair, and more by Alison Green on February 20, 2019 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Anonymous note told me to pick up my feet when I walk — and I have a limp Recently someone left an envelope on my desk. In it was a piece of paper that said “please pick your feet up when you walk.” I have […] Read the full article →
update: we have twice-daily mandatory group therapy at work by Alison Green on February 19, 2019 Remember last week’s letter-writer whose office was requiring people to attend twice-daily group therapy? Here’s the update. Hi! OP here! OMG it’s been a week. So when I wrote this, I called out the whole week because I couldn’t wrap my head around all of this, and I had luckily enough gotten a job interview […] Read the full article →
how do I rebuild my career after destroying it in my 30s? by Alison Green on February 19, 2019 A reader writes: I was relatively successful in my twenties. I got a job right out of college and climbed the ladder, going from an assistant position to a director position, all at the same workplace. I even accomplished some pretty amazing things—many of which are still in place. My personal life exploded in my […] Read the full article →