open thread – August 20-21, 2021 by Alison Green on August 20, 2021 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 (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * […] Read the full article →
can I nap at work, asking why someone was pushed out of a job, and more by Alison Green on August 20, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Can I nap at work on my lunch break? I would appreciate an outside opinion on whether something is socially acceptable. Short version: can I take a 10-minute nap at my desk, in my office, on my lunch break? I’m autistic and these things aren’t […] Read the full article →
the sick call with sound effects, the cheesecake, and other stories of triumphs over jerks at work by Alison Green on August 19, 2021 Last week we had the agony of mortification, and this week we have the ecstasy of triumph! I asked you to share stories of times when you triumphed over a jerk at work, and here are 11 of my favorites. There were so many good stories that a part 2 is coming next week! 1. […] Read the full article →
can I rescind a job offer on the spot if an applicant seems curt? by Alison Green on August 19, 2021 A reader writes: I recently called an applicant to offer her a customer service position. She responded flatly as soon as I introduced myself. (“Oh. Hi.”) I was a little taken aback, but proceeded with the job offer anyway. Her terse reply immediately signaled a complete lack of interest. She said little other than, “Huh. […] Read the full article →
is it crazy to quit my job to go freelance in 2021? by Alison Green on August 19, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I am considering leaving my job to build my own business as a freelancer (copywriting / digital content marketing). I’m not ready to quit just yet, but I plan to start building up my savings account and take on more side projects and sign up […] Read the full article →
I’m not included in meetings about my team’s work, my boss says remote workers should get paid less, and more by Alison Green on August 19, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Do executives prefer advice from consultants rather than their own staff? I just finished attending a presentation from consultants to me, my boss, and a few other members of our executive team. The consultants just finished their research project and this was their final presentation […] Read the full article →
our new entry-level coworker thinks he’s our boss by Alison Green on August 18, 2021 A reader writes: We’ve recently added someone to our team who is a project manager. At my workplace, this is an entry-level position, usually filled by people just out of college. They manage the projects, setting deadlines and sharing client feedback. It’s not an unimportant position by any means, but it is sort of at […] Read the full article →
how do I keep working in a job I hate while I look for a new one? by Alison Green on August 18, 2021 A reader writes: I’m in a role that is relatively new to me but I like quite a bit. However, due to a lot of factors, I am disenchanted with my employer. I am underpaid (getting my salary to the market range would be a 30-40% increase), have many internal blockers to success, and am […] Read the full article →
my employee complains that her coworker has too much flexibility by Alison Green on August 18, 2021 A reader writes: I manage a small team of four technical staff. Three of them have very similar jobs operating specialized equipment. The job — and the institution in general — is quite flexible. For example, people can come in at different hours each day and leave at different times as long as they put […] Read the full article →
am I being pushed out of my job because I’m moving, fundraising when everyone’s remote, and more by Alison Green on August 18, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Am I being pushed out of my job because I’m moving? I’ve been with my current company for more than six years and I’m getting married in two weeks. Hooray! My fiance lives in a different state, and a couple of weeks ago my boss […] Read the full article →