what’s the etiquette for people in the background on Zoom calls? by Alison Green on May 20, 2021 A reader writes: Can we have a ruling on whether or not to acknowledge people who pop up in the background of Zoom calls when we’re working at home? My partner and I live in an apartment with two small rooms (living room and bedroom) and two tiny rooms (bathroom and kitchen). I work in […] 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 →
my boss’s wife just called me to yell at me by Alison Green on April 27, 2021 A reader writes: I am at a total loss. I have been a paralegal to a highly successful attorney for almost 25 years. I have moved firms with him three times over the past few decades, and have never thought of ending our professional relationship. He is a wonderful boss, a calm and even keeled […] Read the full article →
I’m becoming my friend’s boss — do things have to change? by Alison Green on April 6, 2021 A reader writes: My boss is leaving and I’m about to be promoted into her position, managing our team. I’m very excited about it and confident I’ll be able to do the job well, except that I’m not sure what it will mean for my friendship with one of my coworkers. Currently “Casey” and I […] Read the full article →
my career hit a dead end when we moved to a small town by Alison Green on March 11, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I feel that I have reached a dead-end professionally and could really use some advice. I used to be the breadwinner for my family. I had a compliance role in the legal department of a Fortune 500 investment company. I loved my job and was […] Read the full article →
how do I talk to my husband about his poor work ethic and bad attitude? by Alison Green on February 11, 2021 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: My question is regarding my husband’s transition from a manufacturing job to a more corporate environment. My husband (“Jim”) worked on the line in a factory setting for many years. Just over two years ago, he accepted a new job related to his previous field, […] Read the full article →
I’m furious that my boss refused to interview my partner by Alison Green on February 1, 2021 A reader writes: My company encourages candidate referrals. I referred my domestic partner to a full-time, permanent position on my team. There wouldn’t be a conflict of interest since i would not be his supervisor. We would have the same supervisor. His skills and experience were a great match and he was contacted by a […] Read the full article →
my dad is giving me weird and sexist career advice by Alison Green on November 16, 2020 A reader writes: I am a woman working in the predominantly male industry of commercial real estate. I have experienced some sexism at work, but nothing I can’t handle on my own. What I do have trouble handling is the sexism that comes from my parents, specifically my dad. I’ve been working in commercial real […] Read the full article →
my partner freaks out over any background noise when working from home by Alison Green on October 12, 2020 A reader writes: My partner works in tech. He recently became a consultant after working for companies of various sizes, and he’s used to busy open offices, etc. The problem is, he’s derailed by any disturbances. If, for instance, our dog barks at the postman during a meeting, I come home to rants about how […] Read the full article →