January 2020

open thread – January 31, 2020

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. * If you submitted […]

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yawning at work, asking for a fancier computer, and more

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Yawning at work The letter you recently published on the klutzy, unpolished boss might have given me a bit of a complex! I am a naturally very tired person. A lot of this has to do with my mental health (which I am working through […]

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how do I build a professional wardrobe when I’m just starting out?

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m (she/her) going to be graduating and beginning work next year. I’ll be working in a more professional environment than I have in the past, and I’m thinking about building up my wardrobe. What are good pieces to have? I’ve been buying blazers and button-down […]

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my klutzy, unpolished boss is like a bull in a china shop

A reader writes: I work closely with my boss of 2.5 years, who is a smart, capable woman in her mid-50s. If we’re talking strictly substance and the merits of her ideas, she is an excellent team lead and representative of our department in the broader context of the organization (healthcare). With this said, she […]

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should managers ask or tell when assigning work?

A reader writes: When dealing with people who work directly for me, should I ask them to do things or tell them to do things? Does telling someone to do something in a work environment come off as harsh? I always ask them to do things, but I’m starting to feel like asking them kind […]

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my coworker has overstepped with my eating disorder

A reader writes: I’ve battled an eating disorder my whole life and it tends to come on when I am experiencing stress in situations that are out of my control. I recently ended my relationship with my fiancé of nine years which, as a result, triggered me to lapse back into old behavior. I thankfully […]

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