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 →
when should I tell my friend I applied for a job she wants? by Alison Green on September 15, 2020 A reader writes: I made a very unlikely friend at work about four years ago — a coworker who got a job instead of me. She and I have similar responsibilities but in different parts of the organization. We bonded over the work we have in common and have gotten very close. Over the years, […] Read the full article →
job candidate’s suspicious husband photographed me before her interview by Alison Green on August 26, 2020 A reader writes: I had a strange experience yesterday, and I think I need some perspective. I am a C-level department head. Recently, I volunteered to go temporarily to another location (very far from my home) that experienced a sudden and unforeseen leadership vacancy. Since I have no intention of staying here, I told senior […] Read the full article →
my friend is a terrible employee — should I tell her what I really think or just give her sympathy? by Alison Green on July 16, 2020 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I have a friend who I have never worked with. I want to start by saying she’s an amazing friend: supportive, smart, funny, kind, all the qualities you want in a friend … but I suspect she is a terrible employee. We are professionals in […] Read the full article →
my well-meaning family keeps sending me terrible job leads by Alison Green on June 25, 2020 A reader writes: Because of the COVID-19 crisis, my job has temporarily furloughed me, and I’m not sure when (if?) it will ever come back to its normal capacity. So, I’ve been job hunting (actually, I was doing this even before the coronavirus crisis, but that’s another letter), and told my parents and sister that […] Read the full article →
what to do when an employee’s spouse calls you by Alison Green on June 22, 2020 A reader writes: I had to reject an employee’s request for specific dates for vacation leave. Then her husband phoned me to tell me that she will not be at work and she will take the leave! What can I do from here to prevent her husband from doing the negotiations on her behalf? I […] Read the full article →
is it disingenuous to call a situation with a pet a “family emergency”? by Alison Green on June 15, 2020 A reader writes: Is it disingenuous to refer to an incident regarding a foster dog as a “family emergency”? My spouse and I foster dogs, and our current foster has been with us for nearly three months now. Last Thursday, I had our current foster out for a potty break around noon (I’m currently working […] Read the full article →
my husband is my boss — and we’re getting divorced by Alison Green on June 4, 2020 A reader writes: I am asking for advice about how to handle my impending divorce at work. I work at a large nonprofit in a specialist capacity that is a recognized priority for the company, but organizationally belongs to one of five departments. I’ve worked here for 10 years. I was headhunted by the executive […] Read the full article →
can I wear a baby during a video interview? by Alison Green on June 3, 2020 A reader writes: I was just asked to do a two-hour video interview this week. I am excited for the opportunity, but I am at home with a newborn and my partner is likely unable to commit to watching the baby for that long. My partner also works from home but takes frequent customer calls […] Read the full article →