should I tell future managers about my ADHD? July 27, 2020 A reader writes: Growing up as a child, I constantly struggled to focus. In school I understood the work, but because I lacked focus and could not hold my attention in the classroom. Every parent-teacher meeting was the same: “Your son is so intelligent and can achieve so much, but he is so disruptive and […]
my coworker insults me when I ask questions, talking to my boss about ADHD, and more April 10, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Company ordered people to quarantine, then told them to use PTO for it A few weeks ago, we were informed by a client that they were possibly exposed to COVID and were seeking a test. As a precaution, everyone who works with that client (almost […]
ask the readers: better work habits when you have ADHD January 9, 2014 I’m throwing this one out to readers to help with. A reader writes: I was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago. I tried medication but found it wasn’t the answer for me. I’ve had five jobs in five years, and I’m pretty sure ADHD is a factor. I’m writing because I’m hoping you or your readers […]
pregnant employee is lying about work, coworker attacked my boss, and more May 13, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Pregnant employee is lying about doing her work One of my employees is pregnant and has been having a long series of issues at work since the beginning of the year. It shouldn’t matter, but just in case, I am a woman. However, I’ve never […]
boss keeps pulling on my ponytail, boss hates babies and I’m pregnant, and more May 7, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss keeps pulling on my ponytail I started a new part-time job at a restaurant a few months ago. I like it, for the most part, and I like the managers. But one of them, Phil, has a rather odd habit. He semi-regularly tugs […]
can I ask to be reimbursed for my expenses in a driving-heavy job? April 24, 2024 A reader writes: I recently started my dream job — amazing start-up, coveted industry, huge promise, incredibly competent management (a gift I do not take for granted). However, I’m working in arguably the most expensive metropolitan city on earth, one that is notorious for being a literal nightmare to drive or own a car in. […]
coworker wants to withhold PTO as punishment, religious gifts for colleagues, and more March 25, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Coworker wants to withhold PTO as punishment We have a series of educational seminars by coworkers every month. I am expected to attend 80% of these seminars, online or in person (preferred). Attendance is monitored through completion of an anonymous survey with a follow-up page […]
how to ask for a disability accommodation for a job interview February 29, 2024 A reader writes: I hoped you could answer a question –– ideally with a disability/employment lawyer or other specialist –– about disclosing disabilities at the interview stage. Your site is emphatic that disabilities should not be disclosed until an offer is received, due to the possibility for (unconscious) discrimination. This makes sense, but it leaves […]
management talks to us like we’re children, napping in the wellness room, and more February 23, 2024 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Management talks to us like we’re children I am a healthcare professional who works for a home health agency. We are all nurses, rehab therapists, or social workers — educated people with specialized skillsets. We rarely meet in-person but have daily phone calls, so I […]
how to work with a friend who has stopped talking to me January 30, 2024 A reader writes: I could use help with handling a work friendship that is going through some ick. Lou is a remote worker (now in another country) whom I have never met in person. Shortly after he started a few years ago, we became close friends even with that distance. We’ve provided personal and professional […]