my rich friend is oblivious when he talks about money … and I’m at a breaking point by Alison Green on November 21, 2023 A reader writes: I’m writing for help because you’re the best writer I can think of who delivers the right words in the right way. My issue is workplace-adjacent without it actually being about a coworker. I’m at the end of my rope with friend, someone who I’ve known for 25 years, who is deeply […] Read the full article →
I referred a friend to a freelancer I work with and it went badly by Alison Green on November 8, 2023 A reader writes: A few years ago, I found a really excellent freelancer, Jane, to do some design work for the small firm I work at. She did such a great job and was so lovely to work with that we have continued to contract with her for various projects, and I’ve referred several colleagues […] Read the full article →
my friend keeps asking me to get him a job, but he’s completely inexperienced and unqualified by Alison Green on October 3, 2023 A reader writes: I work in a fairly specialized field in the nonprofit sector, but one which sometimes features in the news and which many people not in the industry therefore take a passing interest in (think something like promoting women’s soccer). My field is not one which has a fixed route to get into, […] Read the full article →
my husband and I share a home office — how do we make this work? by Alison Green on September 21, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: Has anyone successfully shared a home office (permanently) with their spouse/roommate/partner/etc and if so, what are your tips for success? My husband and I both work from home 75% of the time and have a three-bedroom house (currently occupied by our bedroom and our two […] Read the full article →
I’m poly — can I ask to bring both my partners to work events? by Alison Green on July 31, 2023 A reader writes: I know you’ve answered a couple of questions from managers of polyamorous employees who want to bring more than one partner to events, but as a relatively junior employee … what would be the best way to go about asking if it’s okay to bring two people? My institution (higher ed) throws […] Read the full article →
how do you balance two “big” jobs in a family? by Alison Green on July 20, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: How do you sensibly balance two “big” jobs in a relationship? My husband is an executive at a high-profile company, and I am the head of a small but very busy specialist department at my firm. Both our jobs are slightly flexible, but less and […] Read the full article →
work is ruining one of my closest friendships by Alison Green on April 11, 2023 A reader writes: I started at my company five years ago, around the same time as another new hire, Jill. We were on different teams and our responsibilities didn’t overlap at all, but as two newbies around the same age and with similar interests, we quickly formed a bond. Over the years our friendship has […] Read the full article →
my dad has been applying to jobs pretending to be me by Alison Green on March 8, 2023 A reader writes: I’m a recent graduate who’s been job hunting for the past few months. I live with my parents and recently, I’ve discovered my father has been applying for jobs pretending to be me. On top of that, he’s gone out of his way to personally email CEO’s from various companies and design […] Read the full article →
my boss’s horrible kids are trying to destroy us because he disinherited them by Alison Green on February 6, 2023 A reader writes: I work for a small towing and salvage company as the manager and dispatcher in a very rural area. My duties range from high-stress emergency tow dispatching to legal notice writing and basic administrative duties, as well as selling auto parts and salvage, inventory, writing store policies and negotiating contracts with motor […] Read the full article →
my mom tells me to go to work sick, never take time off, and fear being fired every day by Alison Green on October 25, 2022 A reader writes: My mom once told me that what she does, and what I should do, is “go into work every single day convinced they are going to fire you if you make a mistake.” Also, a few years ago my mom had so much PTO accrued that HR told her that she legally […] Read the full article →