I feel mediocre compared to our new hires by Alison Green on June 10, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m nearing two years in my first post college job and in the throes of a quarter life crisis. This job isn’t my passion, but it is a good paycheck while I figure things out. For context, I’ve struggled with mental health for most of […] Read the full article →
when out-of-office messages go wrong by Alison Green on June 3, 2021 A reader writes: The question last week about “thanks in advance” had me wondering about your thoughts on this person’s manager’s out-of-office reply in this video. I found it to be super condescending and way too much. What do you think? Would be interested in readers’ out-of-office messages. First, here’s the out-of-message for people who […] Read the full article →
will office dress codes relax permanently after Covid? by Alison Green on May 27, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: Could you talk about how the change to work-from-home has changed dress code (formal or informal) in the short-term, and if you think that some of that will continue on after offices reopen? For example, I notice that even when people are on Zoom calls […] Read the full article →
how can I come out as queer mid-career? by Alison Green on May 20, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’ve been with my employer for over 10 years and in that time my personal identity has shifted significantly from the professional identity I projected at my hiring. I allowed my colleagues to assume I was a straight, cisgender woman in a monogamous relationship. That […] Read the full article →
how can I stop coming across as quiet and timid? by Alison Green on May 13, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m a few years into my career and am an introvert in an industry full of extroverts (advertising). Every time I have a performance review or am up for promotion, I get the same feedback — I’m too quiet, I need to contribute more in […] Read the full article →
veterinarian is breaking under the weight of free-advice seekers by Alison Green on May 6, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers.” This is part question / part public service announcement. A reader writes: I am a veterinarian, and my profession has been hit hard by COVID. Documented burn-out and compassion fatigue are rampant in this field. The profession draws people with high levels of empathy and perfectionism, and a sustainable […] Read the full article →
my boss is having an affair with our assistant — and I’m friends with his wife by Alison Green on April 29, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I work as a project manager at a small business (~25 employees) and have been in this role for more than six years. I was referred to the position through Katie, a friend from a hobby club I belong to. She learned I’d been laid […] Read the full article →
people who have been at work all along are exhausted by Alison Green on April 22, 2021 We’ve talked a lot lately about how anxious many people feel over returning to their offices later this year — and how much of that stems from a break in trust in the people and institutions that have shown they can’t be counted on to protect us. But plenty of people won’t be returning to […] Read the full article →
how have other people helped you in your career? by Alison Green on April 15, 2021 Let’s talk about how people have helped you in your career, especially if you grew up in a family that couldn’t provide much guidance. What specific things did others do that helped you? Hopefully this will be good fodder for all of us to think about what things we can do to help other people, […] Read the full article →
how should I deal with a pompous, sexist coworker? by Alison Green on April 8, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’ve recently started a new job, I love my team, the work is engaging, my manager is amazing, the company culture really suits me, and they’re super flexible around Covid. But (there’s always a but) I’ve run into an issue with a coworker that’s impacting […] Read the full article →