what do you wish new grads learned in college? by Alison Green on November 14, 2019 A reader writes: This might be an “ask the readers” question — what do managers (and coworkers!) wish new graduates would have learned in college? I teach a lot of first- and second-year college students, and I try to incorporate professional norms into my classes and course design. I begin each class period with a […] Read the full article →
how to run a tiny business that isn’t an iceberg of dysfunction by Alison Green on November 7, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I was really interested by the recent discussion in the comments on your post about the small business owner who gave his “best bud” as a reference, and how very small businesses can be Icebergs of Dysfunction. It would be amazing to have more of […] Read the full article →
has anything spooky happened to you at work? by Alison Green on October 31, 2019 Have you ever worked somewhere rumored to be haunted? Felt a spectral tap on the shoulder as you worked late on expense reports? Heard the clank of chains over the intercom or seen the spirits of managers past in the bathroom mirror? It’s Halloween, so let’s hear all your stories about spooky experiences at work. […] Read the full article →
is contract-to-hire worth it? by Alison Green on October 24, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’ve been at my current job for about three and a half years, and have been in my current position for almost two of those. In theory, I know that I should really like my job; it involves some of the tasks that I am […] Read the full article →
I’m worried my coworkers’ food handling is going to make someone seriously ill by Alison Green on October 17, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I am about four months into a new job, and my coworkers have been very nice and easy to work with. However, I am very concerned about the way that they manage food safety. We are going to have a potluck soon and I don’t […] Read the full article →
requesting accommodations at work: share your experiences by Alison Green on October 10, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m about to start the process of requesting accommodations at work. I’d like to hear about people’s experience doing this — what they asked for, how they asked for it, and what the outcome was. I’m interested in stories in general, but especially if anyone […] Read the full article →
managing remote work when you’re in a different time zone from everyone else by Alison Green on October 3, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m hoping you and/or the readers can offer some help and suggestions with this. My husband just took a new software development position that’s fantastic for him and his career. It’s a great company, and he’s really enjoying it so far. The only hang-up right […] Read the full article →
can job-hopping BE my career somehow? by Alison Green on September 26, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I am in my early 30s and the longest I have ever had a single full-time job is 11 months, while the longest I’ve ever had a single part-time job is about two years. When I put together a resume, I’m picking the relevant positions […] Read the full article →
I’m so anxious about working that I keep ghosting employers before I start by Alison Green on September 19, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I am having a really hard time transitioning into the professional world and it’s at the point where I am worried I don’t have the ability to be a professional working person. I graduated from college a little over a year ago and I got […] Read the full article →
how do people survive jobs with long hours — and is it worth it in the long-run? by Alison Green on September 12, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I recently started my first professional job since graduating college. I work in an industry that is notorious for long hours (think 60-80 hour weeks for 4 months in a row). I knew what I was getting myself into when I accepted this job, but […] Read the full article →